Things to do with kids in Mildura & the Mallee
Swan Hill's Pioneer Settlement is the big family day here. It is an old river town with more than 50 buildings to explore, a paddle steamer cruise and a laser light show after dark. Fifteen minutes south, kids can see a restored Catalina at the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum, then cool off in the lake in summer. The River Walk in town has playgrounds along the way.
Around Mildura, Lake Cullulleraine is a freshwater lake for swimming and kayaking, with a playground that has a climbing wall. In Red Cliffs, Big Lizzie, a giant old traction engine, sits in a park with a playground, and the lookout looks down on the Murray from red cliffs.
Further out, the Pink Lakes are at their pinkest in winter and spring. Carry water, avoid the midday heat and expect no phone reception.
61 family outings, waterfalls and walks across the region, sorted by drive time from Mildura. Choose your suburb at the top to sort from where you are staying.
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Top things to do in Mildura & the Mallee
Step back in time at the Pioneer Settlement
Swan Hill's Pioneer Settlement is an open-air museum with more than 50 historic buildings, including a schoolhouse and blacksmith's shop. Cruise the Little Murray on the paddle steamer PS Pyap. It opens 9.30am to 4.30pm daily, and laser light shows run after dark.
about 3 hr 15
Heritage · Pioneer Settlement
Photo: GSV, CC BY 2.0
See a Catalina flying boat at Lake Boga
Lake Boga was a secret flying boat base in World War II, 15 minutes' drive south of Swan Hill. The museum has a restored Catalina and an underground communications bunker. Afterwards, the 3km-wide lake is popular for a summer swim.
about 3 hr 30
Museum · Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum
Photo: Mattinbgn, CC BY-SA 3.0
Walk the Pink Lakes
The 4.8km Kline Loop starts at the Lake Crosbie campground and passes salt lakes and old salt-mining sites. Allow about two hours, and look for kangaroo and emu footprints. Carry water, avoid the midday heat and expect no mobile reception; the lakes are pinkest in winter and spring.
about 1 hr 45
Walk · Kline Loop Nature Walk (Pink Lakes)
Photo: Peterdownunder, CC BY-SA 4.0
Swim and climb at Lake Cullulleraine
This freshwater lake on the Sturt Highway is about 35 minutes' drive from Mildura. Families swim, kayak and fish, and the upgraded playground has a rock-climbing wall and a tractor slide. Walking trails around the edge are good for spotting birds.
about 60 min
Swimming spot · Lake Cullulleraine
Photo: mikecogh, CC BY-SA 2.0
Meet Big Lizzie in Red Cliffs
Big Lizzie is a 100-year-old traction engine once used to clear land in sandy country. It rests in Barclay Square, Red Cliffs, about 15 minutes south of Mildura. The park also has a playground, shade, toilets and plenty of open space.
about 20 min
Heritage · Big Lizzie
Photo: Gaius Cornelius, CC BY-SA 4.0
Look down on the Murray from Red Cliffs
At the Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve, red cliffs rise about 20m above the Murray River. Walking trails here are full of birdlife and river views. Spring is a lovely time to come, when jacarandas turn the town's streets purple.
about 20 min
Lookout · Red Cliffs Lookout
Photo: RegionVisitor90, CC0
Follow the river walk in Swan Hill
The 4.5km River Walk follows the Murray and Little Murray rivers through town. Join it anywhere and read the signs about fish, plants and river-port history. Riverside Park along the way has playgrounds for all ages.
about 3 hr 15
Walk · Swan Hill River Walk
Photo: Peterdownunder, CC BY-SA 4.0
See the pumps that watered Mildura
In the late 1800s, the Chaffey brothers installed huge pumps at Psyche Bend to lift Murray water into Kings Billabong. The original pump house still stands, with its working pump. It only runs on special days, so check times with the Mildura Visitor Information Centre.
about 15 min
Heritage · Psyche Bend Pumps
Photo: Mattinbgn, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Also in this region, more than 4 hours from Mildura
Cohuna (about 4 hr 30): Cohuna Library
Elsewhere in the region (about 4 hr 30): Apex Park and Cohuna Beach
Drive times are estimated from the distance, so treat them as a guide. Tap a card for the full page.
Region boundary: ABS Tourism Regions 2021 (Tourism Research Australia), CC BY 4.0. Outings from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) and venues' own listings; nature spots from OpenStreetMap and park services.