Queen Of The River Queen Of The River

The Sunday Age

Sunday November 20, 2005

PAUL EDWARDS

Albury Wodonga offers a wealth of attractions, writes Paul Edwards.

WHY GO NOW?

For the spectacular sight of Lake Hume - six times bigger than Sydney Harbour and now at 90 per cent capacity. The migrant labour-built dam hasn't been this full for years. The twin cities strategic location on the Hume Highway means a big selection of accommodation and, before the summer break, some of those beds are available at bargain rates. It's also cooler now than it will be in high summer.

ROUND AND ABOUT

One of Australia's largest inland centres, straddling the Murray River, surrounded by magnificent country and beautiful little towns: Chiltern, Rutherglen, Yackandandah and Beechworth. Use the city as a base, head out to the hinterland for antiques, farm produce, wineries.

BLASTS FROM THE PAST

History is all around, with museums about pottery and military history. The Albury Regional Museum is located in the Turk's Head, the town's first pub, while the elegant architecture of the Albury Regional Art Centre houses paintings by Drysdale and contemporary works by Australian artists, and the turn of the century arches of the Murray Conservatorium of Music ring to the echoes of Bach and Mozart. See the tree marked by explorer Captain William Hovel, who, along with companion Hamilton Hume, was the first European to see the Murray.

ARTY FACTS

The local Flying Fruit Fly Circus is world famous - funky, contemporary and setting the agenda for acrobatic arts. Hothouse Theatre offers nationally acclaimed professional theatre - you might even catch a Shakespeare performance on the banks of the Murray with the sun setting behind you.

G'DAY, SPORT

Select from abseiling, rock climbing, white-water rafting, fishing, golf, bushwalking, indoor tennis and canoeing, or watch the Murray banks from the paddle steamer Cumberoona or the MV Firefly.

EATING

The Saturday Farmers' Market is a social gathering, held every week during summer at Gateway Island. There's a wide range of seasonal and regional produce.

Waddingtons at Kergunyah has sophisticated dining with stunning views across the Kiewa Valley (waddingtons.com.au). Source Dining, Albury's newest restaurant, has smart contemporary food with indoor and courtyard settings (02 6041 1288). Cafe @ Rutherglen has light, refreshing courtyard dining with Mediterranean flavours and local wines (02 6032 9944).

MORE INFORMATION

To make the most of your weekend getaway, call Albury Wodonga Gateway Visitor Information Centre (1300 796 222) or visit destinationalburywodonga.com.au

WHERE?

300 kilometres from Melbourne. Just over three hours if you don't need a coffee break.

WHICH WAY?

Hume Freeway.

EVENTS

Bonegilla reunion on December 3-4; Comedy Festival December 1-11

© 2005 The Sunday Age

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