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Mildura is a regional city in northwestern Victoria, Australia, part of the Rural City of Mildura. Mildura is located in the Sunraysia region, and is on the banks of the Murray River. The city’s population is 30,016. Mildura is also known as the centre of Victoria’s Food Bowl and is a major producer of citrus fruits (especially oranges), and wine. It is also notable for its grape production, supplying 80% of Victoria’s grapes. Many wineries also source grapes from Mildura.
Mildura is situated on the Murray River. Mildura and the surrounding area is a large fruit growing region. Local produce include most varieties of citrus, grapes, avocados and almonds. The quality of local produce and the growing wine industry have helped Mildura develop a reputation for great food and wine. In recent years Mildura has become popular with backpackers drawn by the availability of farm work.
Many Aboriginal people lived around the site of Mildura because of the abundant food. Local tribes included the Latje Latje and Yerre Yerre. Europeans noticed this abundance and decided to harness it, so they brought sheep to graze the natural pastures.
Local buses connect Mildura with surrounding smaller towns. For most attractions a car is necessary – major rental companies operate from the airport. Mildura is largely flat, making it ideal for cycling – several trails run around the city and along the river.
Mildura airport is one of the largest in regional Australia. The airport services regular flights from Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. The Mildura train station is located on the corner of Langree Avenue and 7th St. Currently, no passenger trains arrive or depart from Mildura. However, passenger lines are scheduled to reopen, but a set date has not been decided yet after delays on reopening other railway lines in Victoria. The bus station is located next to the train station.
Buses to Melbourne depart daily and run direct or to Swan Hill or Bendigo to connect with train services. Mildura is on the daily bus route from Adelaide to Sydney (via Canberra). Local buses connect Mildura with surrounding smaller towns. From Melbourne the journey time is approximately 5 – 7 hours along the Calder Highway. Journey time from Adelaide is approximately 4:30 – 5hrs.
Mildura is on the intersection of the Sturt Highway from Adelaide to Sydney, and the Calder Highway to Melbourne via Bendigo. Mildura has a railway connection to Melbourne, which is used for freight transport. In May 2006, it was announced that the Mildura line would receive a $73 million upgrade using gauge convertible sleepers.
Sunraysia Bus Lines, Swan Hill Bus Lines and Dysons Bus Services operate V/Line bus/train services that connect Mildura to various parts of Victoria and southern NSW. Greyhound Australia run buses to Adelaide and Sydney via Canberra. Countrylink run buses to Sydney. The Henty Highway Bus Service runs buses to Horsham.
Mildura Airport is the third busiest airport in Victoria, serviced by five QantasLink flights daily to Melbourne, three Regional Express flights to Melbourne, and two Sharp Airlines flights daily to Adelaide. Regional Express also operates flights to Sydney several days a week. Deakin Avenue, the main street of Mildura, is known as the longest straight avenue in Australia, at 12.1km.
Mildura enjoys a mostly warm climate. It is only about 50 metres above sea level despite being several hundred kilometres from the coast, and is surrounded by dry grassland. Rainfall is about 290 mm a year and is spread evenly across the months and seasons. Winter and Spring enjoy the most rainy days, but the heaviest falls occur from rare penetrations on the monsoon, as in February 2000. Average maximum temperatures range from a hot 32 °C (90 °F) in summer to a delightful 15 °C (59 °F) in winter. Minima range from around 17 °C (63 °F) in summer to a chilly 4 °C (39 °F) in winter, when frost is common and often destructive to irrigated crops.
