We ventured up to Buronga, on the Murray River (over the river from Mildura) to spend Melbourne Cup week staying at the Mildura, Buronga Riverside Caravan Park with friends Bob & Michelle Neville whom we met on our 1/2 lap of oz last year.
Roadtrip – Melbourne to Buronga
Our trip started after celebrating Merrisa’s dads 90th birthday in Dingley, so it was a bit of a late departure. On the way we were halted by a car accident on the Calder Highway, near Harcort. A car towing a trailer with 6 cows in it had flipped when one of the cows decided to jump out of the trailer causing total mayhem. 2 hours later the cows were rounded up, car & trailer removed and we were on our way. By now it was far too late to reach Buronga so we pulled up at a free camp in Bridgewater for the night.
Calder accident blockage
Melbourne Cup Day in Buronga
The Mildura, Buronga Riverside Caravan Park runs a Melbourne Cup Day each year with a local band Old Dogs – New Tricks playing heaps of blues music along with a barby lunch (all for $5 each). It was a truly fantastic day with most of the park attending. Merrisa and I also backed the cup winner – woohoo!
Buronga views for Willie & Wendy
Murray River Paddle Boat
A lovely couple of hours spent on the mighty Murray River with Bob & Michelle aboard the Rothbury Paddle Steamer (one of two paddle boats operating out of Mildura). This was a very relaxing cruise down through Mildura’s Lock 11. The commentary from the captain was really great and very informative. We learnt a bit of history about the river and how the lock’s work along with the Mildura weir operations.
Murray River Paddleboat
Mildura Rio Vista Historic House
A visit to the Mildura Rio Vista Historic House, incorporated into the Mildura Arts Centre is a must when you’re in town. Built in 1889, this 3 storey mansion was the home of William Benjamin Chaffey, who was instrumental in the introduction of irrigation in Australia.
Rio Vista Historic House
