Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Albury, Australia

As it meanders across Australia’s inland plains, the Murray River serves as the natural boundary between the states of Victoria and New South Wales.

One prominent city located on the northern bank is Albury, which forms a cross-river conurbation with its counterpart, Wodonga, situated on the Victorian side.

Historically, Albury evolved as a transport hub at the point where passengers transferred trains traveling between Sydney and Melbourne.

Today, the city boasts remarkable natural beauty, abundant greenery, numerous outdoor activities, and cultural experiences at local museums and galleries, both revitalized since the 2000s.

The Murray River remains a captivating attraction, offering parks and wetlands along its banks, as well as the impressive Lake Hume, a reservoir established upstream a century ago.

1. Albury Botanic Gardens

The city’s enchanting botanic gardens have been established since 1877 when the Mayor of Albury planted an English elm.

Within the carefully curated beds and groves of specimen trees, more than 1,000 plant species from 450 genera and 95 families can be explored.

The gardens’ most notable feature is the collection of rainforest species, accessible via the Rainforest Walk, which guides visitors through a variety of stunning trees and ferns, including bleeding heart, Australian teak, native quince, weeping lilly pilly, firewheel tree, water gum, and Illawarra flame tree, on a leisurely 40-minute stroll.

For younger visitors, there is the Children’s Garden, featuring a life-sized dinosaur with interactive speaking tubes, a fairy temple, and troll caves.

2. Murray Art Museum (MAMA)

After undergoing a multimillion-dollar refurbishment, Albury’s regional art gallery reopened in 2015, offering a contemporary art experience.

The building itself is a striking example of modern architecture, featuring a facade designed to showcase kinetic art, projections, and lighting.

This structure is an extension of the original venue, formerly Albury’s town hall, constructed in 1907. MAMA’s exhibitions combine traveling showcases with art that reflects the local identity and heritage of Albury and its indigenous people.

As of early 2020, the exhibitions included a focus on the Murray Darling River system, early 20th-century photography in rural Australia, and “Little Gems,” a multi-disciplinary exhibition by decorative artist Kate Rohde.

3. Monument Hill

The western end of Albury’s main thoroughfare, Dean Street, culminates at a hill topped with a memorial dedicated to the First World War, established in 1924.

This white monument, created by architect Louis Harrison, is visible throughout Albury and was later complemented by the Memorial Bowl to honor those who served in the Second World War.

Visitors can hike up the wooded hillside from the city center, and at this height, they will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

As of early 2020, improvements were underway for the roads, park furniture, lighting, and landscaping at the base of the monument.

4. Lake Hume and the Hume Dam

The Murray River is dammed a few kilometers to the east of Albury, creating the massive Lake Hume, which is estimated to hold over five times the volume of Sydney Harbour.

The dam itself, constructed between 1919 and 1935, stands as a landmark at 51 meters high and 1,615 meters long.

Visitors can walk along the dam wall, enjoying stunning views of the lake and Mount Granya to the east.

Camping opportunities can be found along the lakeshore, and with a Victorian state fishing license, enthusiasts can catch a variety of freshwater fish including carp, redfin, brown trout, rainbow trout, golden perch, and Murray cod.

5. Wonga Wetlands

Situated west of Albury, the Wonga Wetlands encompasses a network of billabongs and lagoons covering 80 hectares on the Murray River floodplain.

This area is currently undergoing restoration, transitioning from former grazing land with the aid of treated wastewater from Albury.

Nearly 160 bird species have been identified in this habitat, which also features scar trees and river red gums dating back six centuries.

Three walking trails allow visitors to explore Wonga Wetlands, and wildlife can be observed from six bird hides.

The Wiradjuri Campsite has been established by the local indigenous Wiradjuri people, recreating areas for cooking, sleeping, tool-making, and ceremonial dance.

The visitor center, housed in a homestead dating from the 1890s, provides context regarding the floodplain, its history, and its inhabitants.

6. Noreuil Park

Noreuil Park is the most beloved riverside park in Albury, located just one kilometer from the central business district, and is a favored destination during the summer months.

The tranquil Murray River provides opportunities for various water activities such as swimming, paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking.

Visitors can jog, cycle, or stroll along the foreshore under the shade of mature trees. Additionally, numerous picnic tables and grassy areas allow for leisurely afternoons.

The River Deck, positioned at the water’s edge, features a terrace shaded by elms and plane trees, ideal for watching the river flow by.

7. Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk (Wagirra Trail)

The Wagirra Trail spans alongside the Murray River, leading from the southern area of Albury out towards the Murray Wetlands, linking to various footpaths along its path.

This picturesque trail offers an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural surroundings of Albury, measuring two meters in width as it winds through peaceful riverside parks.

Notably, the five-kilometer section between Kremur Street and Wonga Wetlands has been adorned with sculptures by local Aboriginal artists, accompanied by interpretative panels and short videos accessible via smartphones, providing insight into local Aboriginal history and the significance of the Murray River.

8. Albury LibraryMuseum

In 2007, Albury’s city library and museum united under a single impressive roof, resulting in an award-winning structure designed by the esteemed firm, Ashton Raggatt McDougall.

For visitors unfamiliar with the area, Albury LibraryMuseum serves as a striking 21st-century landmark and a gateway into Albury’s historical narrative.

The permanent exhibition, “Crossing Place,” explores the settlement of the land by the indigenous Wiradjuri people and later European settlers, utilizing artifacts, audio recordings, photographs, and visual media.

Additional displays reflect Albury’s evolution throughout the 20th century, showcasing fascinating ephemera from railways, hospitals, sports clubs, schools, cinemas, and much more.

Moreover, there is a compelling exhibit focusing on the early aviation firm Robbins and Porter, accompanied by at least four short-term exhibitions available at any given time.

9. Oddies Creek Park

Crossing over the Murray River from Victoria via the Lincoln Causeway, visitors will discover this well-appointed park filled with grassy areas and tall, mature gum trees.

Oddies Creek Park is an essential destination for families with children, featuring an expansive adventure playspace that attracts over 100,000 visitors annually.

The main structure in this park stands five meters tall and is designed to be accessible for wheelchair users.

Attractions include a 30-meter flying fox, swings, slides of various sizes, a climbing net, and a sandpit.

Parents can enjoy ample seating areas to relax while their children play, and the broader park contains shelters, picnic, and barbecue facilities.

10. Albury Swim Centre

Situated along the Murray River within Hovell Tree Park, Albury’s outdoor swimming center operates from September to April.

This facility is the primary location for residents and visitors to relax and refresh during the hot summer days.

The main pool is Olympic-sized (50 meters), containing eight lanes, complemented by a heated 25-meter pool, a separate area for infants and toddlers shaded by sails, and a giant water slide.

A grassy area surrounding the pools provides ample space for relaxation under the shade, accompanied by picnic facilities.

Light refreshments can be purchased at the kiosk, or visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks for a barbecue.

11. Rutherglen Wine Region

Albury is located on the northeastern edge of a wine region that encompasses a significant area in North East Victoria.

This region centers around the town of Rutherglen, known for its winemaking heritage dating back to the gold rush of the mid-19th century.

The Rutherglen Wine Region is celebrated for its vibrant whites (Chardonnay, Marsanne) and intricate reds (Durif, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon), but its esteemed reputation is primarily built upon its sweet fortified wines like Muscat and Topaque.

Indeed, this area holds the title of Australia’s fortified wine capital, with over 20 wineries and cellar doors easily accessible from Albury.

If one must choose a single winery to visit, the All Saints Estate in Wahgunyah is a noteworthy option, featuring an 1864 castle-style mansion at the end of a majestic elm-lined avenue.

12. Canoeing on the Murray River

Some of the finest canoeing and kayaking in regional Australia can be experienced on the Murray River, with two primary companies offering waterborne adventures based at Noreuil Park.

These providers, Canoe the Murray and Murray River Canoe Hire, offer both guided and self-guided excursions.

A range of craft is available, from sit-on-top kayaks to double and triple canoes, catering to both novices and experienced paddlers.

Participants can select from durations ranging from 90 minutes to an extensive five-day journey.

Included in the cost are life jackets, paddles, and drop-off services, allowing for leisurely or more vigorous exploration downstream.

Be sure to keep an eye out for a platypus during your journey!

13. Albury Railway Station

Upon its opening in 1882, Albury Railway Station served as the terminus for the Main Southern Line, an impressive 642 kilometers from its starting point in Sydney.

The Italianate station building, conceived by esteemed railway engineer/architect John Whitton, stands as a luxurious symbol of NSW colonial pride, crafted in direct rivalry with neighboring Victoria.

The structure features a clock tower topped with a cupola and a central hall boasting a vaulting ceiling that reaches ten meters in height.

For many years, until 1962, Albury was one of Australia’s most significant railway stations due to the difference in gauge between the railways of NSW and Victoria, necessitating passenger transfers here on journeys between Sydney and Melbourne.

To accommodate this process, one of the longest covered platforms in the nation was established at Albury, extending over 300 meters in length.

14. St Matthew’s Church

The cross atop the steeple of this neo-Gothic church, located just off Dean Street, represents the highest point in Albury’s central business district.

The building was initially completed in 1859 and later expanded with a chancel in the 1870s.

However, a devastating fire in 1990 resulted in St Matthew’s being a unique fusion of various architectural eras.

The oldest elements include the west wall and the base of the tower from the original structure, with the chancel remaining largely unchanged about 150 years after its completion.

The remaining sections, encompassing the nave and steeple, date back approximately 30 years.

Within the tower hangs a tolling bell, produced in Glastonbury, England, while the Finchman pipe organ was manufactured in Victoria and installed in 1876.

15. Visitor Information Centre

If you arrive in Albury by train and require some guidance, the Visitor Information Centre is conveniently located right in front of you, occupying a charming historic house surrounded by a well-kept formal garden.

This center is part of the historic Railway Precinct, offering a wealth of information on attractions, tourist trails, upcoming events, accommodation options, and more.

Visitors can find a variety of maps and brochures, make use of free Wi-Fi, and even arrange items such as bike rentals on-site.

For those traveling with a caravan, a free dump point and water facilities are available adjacent to the center.