ATE 2017 NSW Media Familiarisation Program
The Mighty Murray River
and Australia’s food bowl,
the Riverina
Pre Tour: 8-11 May 2017
Post Tour: 16-19 May 2017
ABOUT THE RIVERINA
ACTIVITIES
Located in the southern-most part of New South Wales,
the Riverina produces a quarter of Australia’s wine and is
home to Australia’s longest river, the Murray.
Albury’s newest cultural attraction is MAMA, the Murray
Art Museum Albury. Peruse the collection of more than
2,400 photographs, works on paper, paintings, ceramics,
bronze sculptures, woodcarvings, sculptural pieces
and Indigenous artefacts. You’ll see works by legendary
Australian photographers including Max Dupain,
Tracey Moffatt, Richard Woldendorp and Phillip Quirk.
Lunch at MAMA’s Canvas restaurant, a casual dining
space offering seasonal fresh ingredients paired with a
sophisticated wine list.
The best way to discover the region’s offerings is along
one of its food and wine trails. The region is known as
‘Australia’s food bowl’; local produce includes citrus
fruits, figs, olives, nuts, meats and grains. Artisan food
is another specialty, including organic chocolate and
licorice, whisky and mustard oil.
The Murray River, flowing from a tiny spring in Kosciuszko
National Park, creates a rich agricultural region along the
way. Life on the river is relaxed and laid-back. In the early
morning you’ll find mirror-perfect waters, and you’re likely
to encounter incredible wildlife including kangaroos, emus,
koalas, goannas, and kookaburras.
The Murray River was once used by more than a hundred
paddle steamers and barges ferrying wool and wheat.
Vintage paddlesteamers remain operating from riverfront
townships, now at a more leisurely pace. The river is a
focus for locals and visitors, who kayak, fish, spend time
aboard a luxury houseboat, or who cycle and picnic with a
basketful of local produce along the riverbanks.
Albury is a key town on the Murray River’s banks. Here
you’ll find a blend of city style and country hospitality.
Albury is renowned for its magnificent heritage buildings,
and beautiful riverside parklands.
STORIES AND ANGLES
While the focus of this trip is to enjoy a real taste of the
Riverina’s beautiful food and wine, you’ll also experience
the heritage and majesty of the Murray River.
After lunch at the gallery, you can walk or cycle through
a new experience, the Yinyamarra Sculpture Walk on
the Wagirra Trail. Created by local Aboriginal artists,
sculptures are scattered along the bushland trail
telling the story of Aboriginal history and the cultural
significance of the Murray River. Check into your
accommodation, Atura Albury before dinner at the stylish
Border Wine Room.
Depart Albury for the riverside twin towns of EchucaMoama, stopping for a tasting at the Corowa Whisky and
Chocolate Factory. After lunch in Echuca you’ll board an
authentic steam-driven paddle steamer for a memorable
cruise on the Murray River. Later, check-in to Moama on
Murray Resort for a relaxing night surrounded by native
Australian bush land and the river. In the morning, you’ll
head off in your own luxury houseboat to explore the
local area.
On your final day in the region, a series of delicious taste
sensations await along the Echuca-Moama Food and Wine
Trail. Try distinctive handcrafted wines made from local
grapes and the pleasures of meads (honey wines). Local
wines and cheese are served in a cellar door that is located
in a 100-year-old former church. Lunch is at Morrison’s
Winery & Restaurant, set amongst lush gardens.
THE MIGHTY MURRAY RIVER AND AUSTRALIA’S FOOD BOWL, THE RIVERINA