Local Attractions
Nestled on the banks of the Murray River at the heart of a fertile agricultural region, Swan Hill is a great destination for outdoor activities, good food and wine.
Swan Hill was named by European explorer Major Thomas Mitchell, who visited in 1836. Since then, fortunes have been made here; first by the early squatters and later by the farmers whose crops thrived thanks to irrigation from the river. Today you can explore original residences or Australia’s first open-air museum. The Pioneer Settlement Museum near the centre of town is famous as a recreated port town of the paddle steamer era.
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Attractions
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Historical Sites and Heritage Locations (1)
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Pioneer Settlement The Pioneer Settlement, situated alongside the picturesque banks of the Little Murray River, is a place that leaves you wanting more. From the moment you enter you feel yourself transported back into a typical 1920s Mallee street. The delightful tearooms provide delicious Devonshire Teas while the sounds of the music shop Pianola blend with the horse s hooves and laughter of tourists enjoying free horse and cart rides.
Events
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Festivals and Celebrations (2)
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Swan Hill Australia Day Breakfast The Swan Hill Australia Day Breakfast is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary. The Australia Day Breakfast includes a barbeque breakfast, music, entertainment, awards, flag raising, balloon release and flypast for all to enjoy.
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Swan Hill Eisteddfod The Swan Hill Eisteddfod comprises competitions of dance, music, vocal, drama and debating over eight days. Performances are assessed by professional adjudicators. Entrants can range in age from seven to seventy and they come from a wide geographical area including Bendigo, Mildura, Echuca and districts far into the Mallee, NSW and South Australia.
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Sporting Events (3)
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Swan Hill June Racing Carnival Day 1 Day 1 of the June Racing carnival sees the running of the Vernons Golden Topaz stakes. This premier country sprint worth AUD75,000 in 2009 sees a top field of sprinters fighting out the finish for the Golden Topaz.
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Swan Hill June Racing Carnival Day 2 Day 2 and the middle day of the carnival is a chance for the whole family to come and enjoy the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Swan Hill June Racing carnival. An action packed day is guaranteed with not only exciting racing action but also the kids kept entertained with a jumping castle, face painting and special guests.
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Swan Hill June Racing Carnival Day 3 - Cup Day Murray Downs Golf and Country Club Swan Hill June Racing Carnival Day 3 Cup Day
Visitor Information
Our Local Highlights
- Pioneer Settlement Museum: The Museum conveys the lives of settlers from 1836 to the development of a 1930 country town. The Mallee's pioneering history is diverse, and the Museum display an extensive collection - including many items of national significance.
Relax and unwind while you learn how the settlers lived and entertained in times past.
Don't miss your chance to cruise the Mighty Murray aboard the historic Paddleboat Pyap, or experience the museum at night, on the unique Sound & Light Show.
Open Daily 9.30-4pm
- Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum: Playing an integral part in the allied defence of the South Pacific during WW2, Lake Boga was an ideal stretch of water on which the mighty flying boats could alight.
On the original site of the Flying Boat Repair depot, stands an underground Communications bunker which has been transformed into the Flying Boat Museum. It is fully air conditoned and is an educational into our recent history. All types of Flying Boats that were serviced at Lake Boga are represented in the Museum.
Open daily.
- Observatory and Planetarium: Situated 15km south of Swan Hill at Lake Boga. Observatory night tours are available, viewing is through one of the largest auto GPS guided telescopes in Victoria housed in the special observing dome.Solar observing is available in the daylight hours and is part of the Planetarium daylight viewing.
Open Thursday to Sunday, bookings are essential.
- Murray Downs Golf Club: Ranked the undisputed Number 1 course along the Murray River by the leading golf publications, Murray Downs is the site of one of the most acclaimed and affordable golf destinations in Australia.
The challenge of the Murray downs championship rated 18 hole golf course is exhilarating and will seriously test all facets of your game.
- Olson Pheasant Farm: In the heart of the Mallee wheatland 25 minutes North West of Swan Hill, thousands of Pheasants, Guinea Fowl and Partridge are reared for restaurants throughout Australia.
Open daily10-4pm.
- Native Forests: 20 kms north of Swan Hill in the Viniefera & Nyah forests, red gum & box trees line the Murray River. In this picturesque area you will also find Aboriginal canoe trees, cooking mounds and burial grounds.
- River Walk: Starting at Riverside and park meandering along the banks of the Murray River is a 4.5 km walk.
- Kids Art Workshops: Held every Tuesday and Thursday 10am-12pm at the Hill Art Gallery.
- Markets: Murabit (largest inland market in Australia) - 1st Saturday of the month, 45km south east of Swan Hill.
Swan Hill Rotary Club - 3rd Sunday of the month, Railway Station car park .
Nyah Lions Club - 2nd Saturday of the month, 24km north of Swan Hill at Nyah Trotting complex.