Australia Vacations - Tips for Visiting Swan Hill, Victoria

Australian vacations are cheap compared to other family vacation packages. Airfares and rental cars are the biggest travel related expense wherever you go, but rental cars are not even necessary if you know how to get around once your flight lands. This alone can give you back hundreds of dollars.

1.Travel to Victoria and stay in a semi rural location to really get a feel for the country and it's people. I recommend Swan Hill as your destination. Plan your vacation to arrive in Australia's summer months. Swan Hill's best facilities are in full swing in the summer, and the town is situated right on the Murray River. Swimming and fishing provide great relaxation when you're not visiting other attractions. The best holiday park in town is right on the banks of the river. You can take your pick of a caravan, on-site cabin or a campsite. The park also has a beautiful in ground swimming pool for that late night dip. Book your accommodation ahead of time by phoning the Riverside Caravan Park, or by contacting the Swan Hill Rural City Council. Contact details provided at the end of this article.

2. The SkyBus shuttle from Melbourne Airport into the city will deliver you right to the Southern Cross Railway Station (formerly Spencer Street Station). From here, the train to Swan Hill will depart at approximately 5p.m. It is a scenic 4 hour train ride to your end destination, Swan Hill. Since you'll be in Australia during the summer months there will be plenty of daylight left to enjoy the scenic trip. The train has one carriage specifically converted to a buffet car. Grab a hot snack and soda for the kids and a cup of coffee or an ice cold Aussie beer for yourself. The seats can be turned face to face to create a booth type seating arrangement and to keep an eye on the kids. Take a nap if you wish. Don't be alarmed though, you can't miss your stop. Swan Hill is the last town on this line and the conductor will be happy to give you a nudge as soon as you arrive. Taxis are plenty in Swan Hill, so grab a cab when you disembark. It's only 1 block from your campground but you won't want to be carrying bags around in the dark when you don't know the route.

3. The Riverside Caravan Park is a leisurely 3 minute stroll to the historical Pioneer Settlement. It may be a good idea to schedule 2 trips to see everything there is to offer. The Settlement is home to antiques and artifacts from days gone by. A wonderful old store where you can buy boiled lollies, a bakery which fills the air with the smell of freshly baked bread,(grab a loaf and feed the kangaroos!) horse and cart rides and a whip cracking display. The Settlement is also home to a magnificent old style church where many locals celebrate the wedding in grand style. Pack a picnic and sit on the lawn area before hopping aboard the Paddle Steamer "Pyap" to enjoy a cruise down the river.

4. Walk uptown to the main street of Swan Hill. Go window shopping in the evening, enjoy the cool breeze and stop into one of the local Pubs for a delicious counter meal. I recommend the Commercial Hotel with it's large dining area and relaxing atmosphere. Pubs in Swan Hill also have slot machines in the bars, and the Commercial even has it's own special area for gambling. If you are traveling with kids, it's only a mere 10 steps to try your luck while one of you remains with the children.

5. Swan Hill train station is also the departure point for road coaches such as Greyhound Bus Lines. Grab a ticket and head to Bendigo for the day. Bendigo is 2 hours south east of Swan Hill and is a large rural center. The shopping facilities are outstanding in Bendigo and you'll find everything you could possibly need. Two hours to the North of Swan Hill you'll discover sunny Mildura. Another large rural center also situated on the Murray River. Mildura is a large wine growing district. I recommend the Grand Hotel for a delightful lunch before cruising the shops or lounging by the river . Take another scenic trip down the river on one of many paddle steamers in the area. or visit Mildura's Museum which showcases the town's early settlers. Mildura is home to a huge Italian community.

6. A car can be rented if you prefer to drive yourself around for a day. Rates are low and you can visit nearby Lake Boga for a quick swim or visit one of several local vineyards for the grand tour. Head north out of town for 10 miles and visit Tyntynder Homestead a splendid old homestead which has been converted into a museum. Pick up some local wine at Buller's Winery on your way back to town and enjoy it with your BBQ dinner.

7. From the Riverside Caravan Park, hop aboard the complimentary shuttle bus early evening and head across the river into New South Wales. Just when you think there is nothing more to see you will be pleasantly surprised to find a majestic world class golf course in the middle of dry-land farm area. More than this, the course surrounds a large establishment known as Murray Downs Resort. The resort houses wonderful restaurants, and accommodation is also available on site if you need a change of pace. A fully supervised kid's room is available so you can enjoy some time to yourselves after dinner. Play the slots, poker, keno or simply enjoy the magnificent view of the sunset over the golf course.

8. Qantas will transport you to the land down under in true Australian style. Book your vacation directly through their website. See articles "A Guide to an Inexpensive Australian Vacation From a Native Aussie" for booking advice - then visit "Australian Vacation Tips For Visiting Melbourne" to follow tips 1 through 4. Book a flight to arrive mid afternoon Melbourne time to avoid waiting all day for your upcoming train trip. You may also book your train travel ahead of time to avoid delays. Contact details are listed below.

Source:

Riverside Caravan Park. Swan Hill, Victoria.

http://www.murrayriver.com.au/accommodation/riverside/riverside.htm

Phone: (from the United States 011 +61) 50321494
Fax: 011 +61 50323025

Murray Downs Resort:

http://www.murraydownsresort.com.au/

Southern Cross Railway Station

http://www.onlymelbourne.com.au/melbourne_details.php?id=3115