There’s plenty to do in Albury – from paddling along the mighty Murray River to visiting a blockbuster exhibition at MAMA (Albury’s main art gallery).
But that doesn’t mean you should limit your adventures to the city limits. Albury is surrounded by undulating countryside, pretty villages and must-see landmarks.
Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, set some time aside for a day trip. Here are three of the best.
FOR PIONEERING HISTORY AND AN ICONIC AUSSIE PUB: DRIVE NORTH
A day trip north of Albury transports you into the Greater Hume.
Make your first stop Jindera, 15 minutes’ drive north. The highlight here is Jindera Pioneer Museum, which once won the NSW Country Museum of the Year Award. Wander through a 19th century shop, a slab hut, a former post office and stables – in between exploring old-fashioned farm machinery and a blacksmith’s forge.
Another 10 minutes will land you in Burrumbuttock, home to the Wirraminna Environmental Education Centre, a four-hectare park that demonstrates how to restore native wetlands.
Continue north for another 10 minutes to see the stunning water tower mural in Walla Walla and soak up the magnificent views from Morgan’s Lookout. Then head east for 15 minutes to reach Culcairn to stop for a drink at the Culcairn Hotel, built in 1897.
It’s another 20 minutes’ drive east to Holbrook, where you’ll find the impressive Holbrook Submarine Museum and the National Museum of Australian Pottery. On the way back to Albury, drop by the iconic Table Top Hotel (formerly the original Ettamogah Pub) for a hearty meal.
FOR LOCAL PRODUCE AND WINERIES: DRIVE WEST
This day trip is a loop that follows the Murray River to the west, as far as Corowa.
Start your adventure on the northern bank, along the Riverina Highway. After 20 minutes, you’ll reach Howlong, where you can take a self-guided tour along a historical trail, picnic by the river and enjoy a meal in the Courthouse Hotel.
Keep going west for another 25 minutes, and you’ll arrive in Corowa. Visit the Corowa Distillery for chocolate and whisky tastings, and to find out how Australia was born at the Federation Museum.
Head south for 15 minutes, crossing the Murray River on the way, to land in Rutherglen. Here, you’ll find more than 20 cellar doors, specialising in fortified wine, like sherry and port, as well as several excellent restaurants, including grace., Tuileries at De Bortoli and KIN at All Saints Estate.
FOR BUSHRANGING HISTORY AND CASCADES: DRIVE SOUTH
Yet another perspective on the Albury region is to be had on a day trip south.
There are three main stops on this route. The first is Yackandandah, 30 minutes’ drive south of Albury, where you can wander alongside cascades on the stunning Gorge Scenic Walk and visit the gallery of esteemed potter John Dermer OAM.
Continue southwest for 15 minutes to reach Beechworth, where you can step into bushranging history in the Beechworth Gaol and Courthouse, picnic Woolshed Falls, and visit numerous breweries, wineries and distilleries.
After another 25 minutes’ drive north, you’ll find yourself in Chiltern, a gold rush era town that’s been beautifully preserved and protected by the National Trust. Look out for a 1950s-inspired diner, a variety store peddling antiques and collectibles, and a historical pharmacy.
GETTING TO ALBURY
Located on the Hume Highway, Albury is a popular stop on the drive from Sydney to Melbourne. (For more stops, check out our guide to travelling along the Hume Highway).
Another option is to fly to Albury Airport. A SIXT branch is in-terminal, which means picking up a car rental is easy. We offer a variety of vehicles, so you can find the right one for your road trip.
