Swan Hill sits on the Murray River. It is the longest Australian river and it’s the third-placed navigable river in the world. This is a very tourist-friendly city, there is plenty of sunshine, and yet the climate is typically comfortable for exploring. Swan Hill was a river port that was frequented by paddle steamers from the 1850s. That changed when the rail line arrived in 1890. We will take a look at 18 things to do in Swan Hill Victoria, and the surrounding area on your next vacation.
Visiting Swan Hill is an immersive journey into the heart of Australia’s Murray River region, where history, nature, and leisure converge to create an unforgettable experience. Stepping into this charming town feels like stepping back in time, with its beautifully preserved historic buildings, museums, and attractions offering insights into the region’s pioneering past.
The iconic Pioneer Settlement, set along the banks of the Murray, authentically recreates life in early Australia, complete with horse-drawn carriage rides and costumed guides. Nature enthusiasts will revel in the abundance of outdoor activities, from leisurely cruises along the river to bush-walks in nearby national parks teeming with native flora and fauna.
Swan Hill’s culinary scene tantalizes the taste buds with fresh local produce, boutique wineries, and riverside dining experiences. Whether exploring the town’s cultural heritage, basking in the tranquility of nature, or simply unwinding by the river, a visit to Swan Hill promises a rich tapestry of experiences that captivate and inspire.
This former pioneer settlement now has paddle steamer cruises, a fascinating open-air museum, evening laser shows, high-quality local Shiraz wine, scenic natural beauty, and much more.
1. Explore the Pioneer Settlement:
The Pioneer Settlement is located on the Marraboor River known as “Little Murray” which is a branching tributary of the Murray River. This open-air museum was opened to the public in 1966, Queen Elizabeth visited during her tour of Australia in 1970. For those interested in history, this is a fascinating place to visit. There are over 20,000 artifacts on display and a recreation of life in the area from 1830 to 1930.
Visitors can explore 50 replica buildings and interact with characters in authentic period costumes. The most prominent buildings include a newspaper office, the Masonic Lodge, the Kasierpanorama (early movie house), and more. Two paddle steamers are docked on the river, they are: the PS Pyap and the PS Gem. The PS Pyap is used for river cruises. Visitors can join in, dressing in period costumes to talk with “locals” and take the free horse and cart trips on a recreation of Mallee Street as it was in the 1920s.
2. Visit the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery:
This public art gallery is a short walk from the Pioneer Settlement on the banks of the Marraboor River. The gallery first opened in 1966, but it was moved to its current purpose-built location in 1987.
The emphasis in native art, but the collection includes many fascinating prints, drawings, paintings, and sculptures. The Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery has workshops, guided tours, holiday programs, live music, and artist talks.
Art Gallery Update
The Swan Hill Art Gallery is closed due to rebuilding on the existing site. They have relocated to the Swan Hill Library, where they have their shop and art expeditions. This is temporary and they will be moving back to their original location.
3. Cross the Murray River by Ferry at Speewa:
This ferry ride provides some beautiful perspectives on the Murray River and its natural surroundings. Crossing the river by boat is a lot of fun for people who like to experience different ways to travel around the area. Just keep your camera handy to get some interesting images from a fresh perspective.
The Speewa Ferry is used by the locals living on Speewa Island to get across the Murray River into Victoria. It is the shortest way for them to get to Swan Hill for work, shopping and for sport. Speewa Island is bordered by the Murray River and a Creek that branches off from the Murray and then after a short distance reenters the Murray River. This area is considered to be New South Wales.
4. Discover the Clock Tower:
Until 2011, the Clock Tower was an unadorned and solid example of local architecture. This tower was presented to the town by R.D. Elliott, who was the chairman of the local newspaper. The tower is around 10m tall, there are four sides with white clock dials and black hands.
The Clock Tower was revamped in 2012, it’s now covered with ceramic tiles that make up pictures of Swan Hill attractions. This is a great place to meet people because it’s prominent and there is no excuse for lateness! During your trip, check the local Facebook group or tourist office for special events and guest appearances.
5. Wine Tasting at Local Vineyards:
Swan Hill is the hub of a wine region that has clay-rich and sandy soil on the Victoria side of the Murray River. The local warm climate is ideal to grow Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grapes, but slightly cooler temperatures and more rainfall slow the ripening. The first winery in this region was St. Andrews which was opened in 1930, but new cellars and vineyards open all the time.
One interesting example is Andrew Pearce wines. This large-scale wine producer reuses 100% of wastewater and the facility is powered by a 200kW solar panel system. Like other wine producers in this region, Andrew Pearce wines have some excellent Chardonnay and Shiraz wines to taste. If you visit the cellar door, you can taste and buy wine and there are guided tours of the production facility.
6. Play a Round of Golf at the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club:
Across the Murray River on the NSW bank, you can find one of the best golf courses in the region. The Murray Downs Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole course that is regularly voted as a top golfing destination. The lush fairways and greens are bordered by the Mallee plains habitats and river red gums. The trickiest shot is over the water to the green at the 5th hole. This championship course has received the Victoria PGA course of the year and it’s a must play for avid golfers visiting the region.
7. Explore the Swan Hill Wetlands as part of the River Walk:
A local river walk can include the Swan Hill Wetlands which are water bodies and connected lagoons that are important for local fauna and flora. The wetlands are natural water purifiers and filters that mitigate flooding risks. Walking trails and boardwalks allow visitors to view the local wildlife without causing disturbance. A wild variety of migratory birds and local waterfowl can be found in the wetlands.
This makes the area a magnet for avid photographers and birdwatchers. These are managed wetlands to protect ecological health and prevent the spread of invasive species. This is done to ensure that this vital natural habitat is sustainable for future generations. The Swan Hill Wetlands are a tranquil and beautiful place to walk, this is the perfect place to relax.
8. Admire the Historic Lift Bridge:
The Swan Hill Railway Bridge is a working piece of history. The vertical lift bridge spans the Murray River and it connects Swan Hill to Murray Downs on the opposite bank. This bridge was built in the 1890s and finally opened in 1896. The bridge showcases the architecture, design, and technology of the period and it can be viewed from many places on the river bank. The bridge is open for pedestrians, but watching the counterweight system lifting and lowering the bridge is an interesting spectacle.
9. Experience the Foodie Scene:
Swan Hill has a surprising level of fine dining and culinary options for a smaller tourist town. Foodies can enjoy fresh local food for a genuine farm to table experience. There are eateries, cafes, bakeries, wineries, pubs, restaurants, and food trucks for hungry visitors. The cuisine styles include Australian, Chinese, Thai, Italian, and other international options.
10. Take a Relaxing River Cruise on the Pyap:
River cruising on the PS Pyap paddle steamer is an unforgettable experience for many Swan Hill visitors. The wharf is located at the Pioneer Settlement and the relaxing trip takes around an hour. The PS Pyap was initially launched in 1896, It’s 30m long, 4.8m wide, and has a shallow draft because at some points the depth is only 1m. It was originally designed to be a general store that moved between towns and farming settlements on the river. The Monday to Friday departure time is 2.30 pm and on weekends there is an earlier 10.30 am cruise too.
11. Water Activities at Lake Boga:
Lake Boga is a freshwater lake located approximately 10 km south of Swan Hill and it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors for camping, fishing, and water activities. The lake is almost circular with a gravel and concrete path circling the perimeter. Lake Boga is a great place to see pelicans, ducks, and other waterfowl. The nearby township is located at the southwest with picnic areas, accommodation, and the Cannie Ridge Steam Pump. This local landmark was in continuous operation from 1904 to 1952.
12. Family Fun at the Flying Boat Museum Lake Boga:
If you visit Lake Boga and you have an interest in military history, you may be interested to learn that a secret base for flying boats is located on the west shore. The base was established in 1942 to repair Catalina flying boats that were needed to counter Japanese attacks in Broome and Darwin.
Catalina flying boats could fly for up to 32 hours and 15 hours was fairly standard. To keep them flying this base served as a vital repair location that was far beyond the range of hostile enemy bombers. The base has been closed since 1947, but an excellent museum is now in its place.
Here you can find a perfectly restored Catalina flying boat (A24-30), a communication bunker, archive footage, photographs, tools, engines, records, and more. This is a great way to learn about the important role that the Catalina flying boats and this base played in WW2.
13. Wander Through Riverside Park Swan Hill:
In the north of Swan Hill, you will find Milloo Street which is the starting point for a walking trail. It extends for several kilometres out of town along the Murray River. This is a great place to walk and relax and to see many of the sights including the aforementioned historic Lift Bridge.
Along this route, there are boards that highlight the natural and human history of the area. The Wemba-Wemba and Wati-Wati peoples have lived in this area for at least 13,000 years!
14. Fishing in the Murray River:
At 2,766km, the Murray River is the longest Australian river and 650km of it flows through South Australia. The river banks are bordered by farms, vineyards, orchards, and the dykes and sluices that irrigate them. The water is clean and green and many South Australians drink this water, but it’s certainly an acquired taste.
The Murray River is a haven for local flora and fauna, including bright red gum trees, pink-grey red cockatoos, and more. The Murray River basin is double the area of France; it forms the Great Alluvial Plain that forms much of the boundary between Victoria and New South Wales. This is a great place to fish, there are 51 native and 13 alien fish species to catch in stunning surroundings, including the Giant Murray Cod (more on this later).
15. Discover Aboriginal Heritage at Nyah Vinifera Park:
Traveling a few kilometers from Swan Hill down the Murray River, you will find the Nyah-Vinifera Park. This natural area has old river red gum trees that are more than a century old. There are billabongs along the river edge and lagoons that you can navigate on paths and side trails to find campsites, quiet fishing spots, and picnic areas. This area was inhabited by the Wadi Wadi people and there are clues to their presence in the form of burial grounds and middens. If you want a break and you need to explore nature, and learn some history, this is a great place to spend time.
16. Heart Beat of the Murray Laser Show at the Pioneer Settlement:
As the sun sets, the place to be is the Pioneer Settlement where a 3D laser, sound, light, and water spray display occurs. A nine-metre water screen is used to portray the Murray River story over a period of 30 million years. The outdoor theatre overlooks the Mallee, the Red River gums, and the environment to blend the narrative with nature skillfully. Advance booking is essential, this is a seasonal show and if you’re visiting Swan Hill this is a must-see experience.
17. Attend Local Events and Festivals:
Throughout the year there are monthly markets, annual sporting events, and unique performances to enjoy. The local farmers market is always busy and the pubs and other venues will host theatre and music performances. Although Swan Hill has a small population of around 10,000 people it is a hub for smaller settlements in the area. One interesting place to view an independent art house and the latest Hollywood blockbusters is a tiny Showbiz cinema. This fully digital cinema has been in continuous operation since 2013 when the previous venue was demolished to build a new supermarket.
18. The Giant Murray Cod:
The Giant Murray Cod can be found near the Swan Hill Railway Station. This green tourist attraction fish is 11m long and 6 m wide and it was created for the movie Eight Ball (1992). The town has adopted the statue and it’s regarded as a celebration of the predatory freshwater cod found in the Murray River.
The Murray River cod is an apex predator that hunts smaller fish, water dragons, and even snakes! This cod has a deeper spiritual significance for Aboriginal people who have inhabited the Murray-Darling basin for untold centuries. Although you can catch a Murray Cod in the river it’s unlikely to match the dimensions of this kitschy tourist attraction.
Things to Do in Swan Hill In Conclusion:
As you can see, there are at least 18 things to do in Swan Hill, Victoria, and the surrounding area and you’re unlikely to be bored. Advance planning is advisable to ensure you know about the various events, concerts, and other activities that will be available for your trip. Try to experience every activity on our comprehensive list, but don’t forget to relax and spend some time walking and exploring by the river.