Mildura’s history

The Mildura region's first inhabitants, Aboriginal people, included the Latje Latje and Paakantyi people. The name Mildura has been translated to mean ‘red earth' in Latje Latje.

Discovering the Murray River

Explorer Captain Charles Sturt arrived in the area in the 1830s in the search for an inland sea. He entered the headwaters of a wide river, which he named the Darling. On a subsequent expedition he entered a mighty river, which he named the Murray. In 1830, while navigating the Murray, he came across a river junction, which he was convinced was the confluence with the Darling.

Settlers and drovers began arriving in the area, bringing cattle and sheep to graze the natural pastures.

Establishing a settlement

A number of squatters moved onto the land along the Darling and Murray rivers, expanding their holdings west from the Murrumbidgee area and north-east from South Australia.

With the arrival of paddleboats in 1853, the small settlement of Wentworth found itself ideally situated as an administrative and commercial centre for the untapped wealth of the vast outback. For many years Sydney was the only port in New South Wales to handle more cargo than Wentworth.

Transforming the landscape

A major drought in Victoria from 1877 to 1884 prompted Alfred Deakin, a minister in the State Government and chairman of a Royal Commission on water supply, to visit the irrigation areas of California. There he met George and William Chaffey. In 1886 George Chaffey came to Australia and selected a derelict sheep station at Mildura as the site for his first irrigation settlement signing an agreement with the Victorian Government to spend at least £300,000 on permanent improvements at Mildura in the next twenty years. After much political wrangling, the settlement of Mildura was established in 1887.

Post-war settlement

The region's diverse cultural and economic identity was firmly established following the arrival of the soldier settlers and the post-war migrants from Italy, Ireland, Greece, England and the former Yugoslavia etc who brought with them traditional cultivation skills that helped to make Mildura the important Australian food bowl it is today.

Mildura was soon the main town of the district. Suburbs and new satellite towns sprang up. In 1937 it officially became a city. Today, Mildura is a bright, thriving regional centre, and the surrounding Sunraysia district has a population of over 50,000.

Mildura VIC

Welcome to Mildura

The Mildura region is renowned for its big skies, rich earth and welcoming locals. Experience respected wine and bountiful local produce that is chosen in the preparation of great food served up at quality restaurants and available at markets, eateries and cellar doors. Discover breathtaking natural beauty, Mediterranean climate and fascinating local histories, stay overnight in comfortable accommodation at apartments, resorts, houseboats, hotels/motels and historic hotels. All of this is located near the region's life source - the wide, ceaselessly flowing Murray River.

                               The region

The Mildura region is renowned for its big skies, rich earth and welcoming locals. It invites visitors to experience its natural beauty, great local produce and wine served up at countless quality restaurants and available at markets, eateries and cellar doors. Discover its stories of explorers, settlers and farmers, and stay overnight at comfortable local accommodation.

Towns in the Mildura region

Call in at a friendly town as you explore the Mildura region. Expect a warm welcome, ready advice about the area and great hospitality at local hotels, restaurants, businesses and accommodation properties. 

Mildura's climate

The Mildura region is renowned for its Mediterranean climate. It experiences 122 clear days each year, and 77 days (on average) when the temperature exceeds 30 degrees Celsius.

Mildura's history

Mildura has a rich history. Find out about its original inhabitants, explorer, settlers, building an irrigation settlement and how it became one of Australia's most important food bowls.

Fruit Fly

Mildura is in the middle of an area called the Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone, which means it is illegal to bring fruit when you travel to our region. Find out more about helping us prevent fruit fly outbreaks.

Limestone Coast

Forged over 26 million years by the primal forces of the ocean and the movement of tectonic plates, the Limestone Coast has been perfectly sculpted into a natural holiday playground. The result, Picturesque port towns such as Kingston SE, Robe and Beachport, where watersports are the order of the day. Impressive volcanic craters and mountain lakes, such as the Blue Lake at Mount Gambier. And the spectacular caving sites at Naracoorte Caves. These same natural forces created the Coorong National Park, with its sandy coast and lagoons. They also created the 'terra rossa' soils at Coonawarra, which provide the ideal environment for producing world class wines. It may have taken 26 million years to create the Limestone Coast. But good things are worth the wait.

Moonta - Moonta Bay Caravan Park - South Australia - You Travel Australia

Kimba - Kimba Gateway Hotel - South Australia - You Travel Australia

About Popeye :

The Popeye departs daily, weather permitting. The forty minute round trip cruise offers commentary
highlighting the many landmarks and points of interest. Departing from Elder Park, travelling west to
the Torrens Weir, turning around and travelling back up to the Adelaide Zoo before returning to the
landing.   Join the skipper for the entire trip, stop-over at the Zoo or travel one way only.

About Adelaide

Adelaide, the capital of South Australia is a graceful coastal city situated adjacent to the River Torrens,
amidst the Adelaide Hills and the Gulf of St Vincent. It is probably Australia’s best preserved capital city.
Adelaide offers many tourist attractions and The Popeye Motor Launches, are one such attraction.
 The Popeye provides a calm river cruising experience in Adelaide on the River Torrens and you will see
both tourists and locals standing in line at the landing in Elder Park or at the Adelaide Zoo. Whether it be
for just one person or for a large celebration or a corporate event – the crew make sure you will feel
welcome on board.

Adelaide - The Popeye - South Australia - You Travel Australia

Kimba - South Australia - You Travel Australia

South Australia - Wallaroo/Cowell - SeaSA Car and Passenger Ferry

Kimba HOTEL MOTEL 0 1

Gawler Ranges Motel & Caravan Park

The Gawler Ranges Motel and Caravan Park, Wudinna - Quality accommodation close to the Australian Farmer Granite Sculpture, in the heart of the Eyre Peninsula. A short drive to the outback and the spectacular Gawler Ranges. Great home-style meals and great country hospitality.  The Gawler Ranges Motel is situated 693km from the SA/WA border and 580km west of Adelaide on the Eyre Highway. It has 3 ½ star deluxe, 3 star standard and 2 ½ star economy units and provides a comfortable, enjoyable stay. The 2 1/2 star Caravan Park offers powered and un-powered sites, including some drive-throughs. Other features of the Motel and Caravan Park include an A La Carte Restaurant with Bar, Poolside Dining, indoor pool and heated spa,3 star cabins, on-site vans and wireless Internet.  Conferences and group bookings are welcome.  If you are crossing the Nullarbor, visiting Head of Bight to see the whales, trekking the outback to Lake Gairdner or Kingoonya, touring Eyre Peninsula or simply enroute from Adelaide to Perth, relax on the way at the Gawler Ranges Motel and Caravan Park - a destination, not a stopover...

Cowell Foreshore Caravan Park

You'll love staying at our tourist park in Cowell!

Your affordable, family friendly holiday destination!

Cowell Foreshore Caravan Park & Holiday Units is situated just 17km from Lucky Bay SEASA ferry terminal and is a great tourist park for spending quality time with the family enjoying the fresh air. We have a range of accommodation from powered sites, standard cabins, en-suite cabins, two bedroom units and a two bedroom cottage.

There is plenty of sight seeing in and around Cowell and we are well known as a fishermans paradise being situated on the Sheltered Franklin Harbour. The boat ramp and jetty are conveniently located 200 metres in front of our park.

If you are after a safe, comfortable camping holiday for your family, you'll find it at Cowell Foreshore Caravan Park & Holiday Units! We're looking forward to meeting you!

Arno Bay Caravan Park

Winter Special Deals on Accommodation. Check our Specials page ..... Arno Bay Caravan Park boasts absolute beachfront position and overlooks beautiful Arno Bay on Eyre Peninsula of South Australia. The small pretty town of Arno Bay is located midway between Whyalla and Port Lincoln. You will find a great selection of holiday accommodation at Arno Bay Caravan Park. Many of our powered sites for caravans are shady and grassed. All powered van sites have co-axial cable television points and some with concrete slabs. Un-powered lawn sites suitable for tent campers are also available. We have an excellent range of well appointed Jayco holiday cabins ranging from 3 to 4 tick rating, as well as our Deluxe En-suite House. Please visit our Caravan Sites and our Holiday Cabinspages for further information. Arno Bay Caravan Park is 3 1/2 tick rated and has clean, well equipped amenities and laundry facilities. We endeavour to provide access to all with our wheelchair/disabled-friendly facilities. Undercover free barbecues with nearby tables and bench seating are provided for your enjoyment. Rainwater for your 'cuppa' is available from our water tank. Undercover fish cleaning facilities are adjacent to the fishing jetty - all ready for you after a successful day on the water! And yes we are a dog friendly park - there is even a dog shampoo/wash facility for your pampered pooch. Please visit our Facilities page for more information You will find plenty of things to see and do during your stay with us at Arno Bay. If you have always wanted to catch a big pink snapper, or 'bag out' on the fabulous King George Whiting, you will be pleased to know that local fishing charters operate out of Arno Bay. Surf fishing from local beaches is also a popular pastime with locals and visitors, and a feed of fresh fish is almost guaranteed. The fishing from Arno Bay Jetty, just 50 metres from the park, is also a good place to try your luck. If, for some reason, the fish are not on the bite you can choose from a delicious menu at the charming and friendly Hotel Arno just a short stroll from the park. Arno Bay is ideally located for scenic day trips to the surrounding towns of Cowell, Cleve, Port Neill and beyond. You will discover local galleries featuring works from local artists, cafes with good coffee; as well as secondhand and antique shops. Please visit our Attractions page for more information. And don't forget to check out our Photo Gallery! Arno Bay Caravan Park really is a great place to enjoy a relaxing holiday with family and friends. We'd love to have you visit this fabulous part of the Eyre Peninsula and we look forward to making your acquaintance one day soon! Please contact Steven for more information.

Kimba Gateway Hotel Motel

History of Kimba Gateway Hotel/Motel

Wally Bache held the license of the Yeelanna Hotel from 1913 to 1924, when he decided that business may be better at Kimba.

Not only did he transfer the hotel license, but he dismantled the whole Yeelanna Hotel, stone by stone, railed it to Kimba and re-erected it on the site it now sits today.

In the early pioneering days there were often horses and camels tied to the front veranda posts. The original stone can still be seen on the corner of High and Cross Streets. The hotel has been added to over the years and the entire stone building exterior was refurbished and repainted in 1999. The original entrance doors to the front bar were also on the corner of High and Cross Streets. An information board now sits in their place. The original entrance doors to the front bar was also on the corner of High and Cross Streets, where our information board hangs today.

The Hotel remained under private ownership until February 1950 when the Kimba Progress Association negotiated with the Rositers to purchase the hotel lease, which included plant, furniture and stock. The community investors raised the subscribed capital of $8,000 paid by means of debentures. The freehold of the property was bought for $26,500 in April 1951. The Kimba community hotel is now under private owner ship and now is known as the Kimba Gateway Hotel.

Moonta Bay Caravan Park

Moonta Bay Caravan Park - Facilities

A peaceful, shady & lawned two tiered park overlooking beautiful Tiparra Bay. In an area renowned for its Heritage listed attractions, you'll also find excellent fishing & leisure activities for all the family, in a tranquil seaside setting less than 2 hours from Adelaide. Ideal base for exploring the Yorke Peninsula. Pets not permitted in on-site accommodation. STD Phone Close To Jetty Wash Up Facilities Kiosk nearby Free Electric Barbecues Children's Playground Boat ramp only 3kms Beach Front Fish Cleaning Facilities Crab Cooking Pots  Rainwater tanks Dump points

Best Western Alexander Motel

Overview

The BEST WESTERN  Alexander Motel offers top quality accommodation in Whyalla at competitive prices. The motel is located 3km from the beach, 3km from Westlands Shopping Centre and 4km from the airport.

BEST WESTERN Alexander Motel offers a range of room types including single, twin, deluxe and family. Or treat yourself to the executive spa suite. All rooms are on the ground floor so you don’t have to carry your suitcases up flights of stairs. All rooms are brimming with natural light and offer easy access to the central courtyard which features a BBQ area and swimming pool. Business travellers will appreciate the complimentary wireless broadband, business centre and hanging room for formal/business clothes.

This Whyalla motel’s additional amenities include a fully licensed restaurant specialising in Mediterranean and Australian dishes. The restaurant is open 6 nights a week for dinner (Mon-Sat). It can also be booked for private functions.

BEST WESTERN Alexander Motel is close to a variety of local attractions and activities including the beach, fishing charters, shopping and scuba diving.

For great-value accommodation in Whyalla, make a reservation at the Best Western Alexander Motel today!

Tumby Bay Marina Motel

Tumby Bay Marina Motel

The Tumby Bay Marina Motel is situated near the marina, the mangroves boardwalk and a short distance from the town centre and seafront.
We offer clean and comfortable accommodation at affordable rates.

The motel features:

• 10 air-conditioned units (all non smoking)
• 1 family unit 
• En suite bathrooms
• TV & DVD (deluxe rooms have a second TV in the bedroom)
• Tea and coffee making facilities
• Microwave
• Clock radio, iron & ironing board
• Direct dial phones available on request
• Laundry facilities
• Breafast available to room
• Swimming pool
• Ample parking including boats
• Resident liquor license

Minnipa

Minnipa Background

Minnipa is a small township located 34 kilometres to the west of Wudinna and 34 kilometres east of Poochera. Minnipa is situated within South Australia's grain belt with wheat being the most common crop grown in the area. As with other central and northern Eyre Peninsula settlements the existence of extensive granite domes proved to be unique features that enabled the collection and conservation of rainwater runoff. In the early days of European settlement water was such a precious commodity that even as late as 1913 local railway services were used to transport drinking water for stock along with the usual traffic of passengers, food items and mail. Without the ability to collect rainwater European settlement of the area would have been delayed for many years. Also located within the Minnipa area is the Minnipa Agricultural Centre which conducts applied research relating to dryland agriculture and associated farming technologies. To the North East of Minnipa lie the sheep grazing country and Gawler Ranges National Park.

Minnipa Facilities

Minnipa APEX Park is located on the main Eyre Highway and is the Tourist Information Bay and rest area for travellers passing the town. Within the Information Bay is a picnic area and barbecue site operated by 20 cent pieces. Above the barbecue is a light for night time barbecues. Adjacent to the barbecue area is a building signposted as "Concrete Crappa". I'll leave that to you to discover what it means. The area is surrounded by trees and would provide quite a pleasant rest stop and place to stretch the legs.

The Concrete Crappa

To enter the main township of Minnipa you need to turn off the main highway.
Minnipa Mobil Roadhouse is located on Railway Terrace. Minnipa's Roadhouse sells fuel and some takeaway foods such as Hamburgers, chickens, pies, pasties and so on. The opening hours for the Minnipa Roadhouse are Monday to Thursday 7-30 am to 7-30 pm. Friday and Saturday times are 7-30 am to 8-00 pm. Opening hours for Sunday are 7-30 am to 7-00 pm.
Minnipa IGA grocery supermarket is located on Railway Terrace. The supermarket has EFTPOS facilities and accepts Bank Card, Visa and Master Card. Opening hours are 9-00 am to 5-30 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Wednesday hours are 9-00 am to 6-00 pm and Saturday is from 9-00 am to 11-00 am. On Sundays the supermarket is closed.
Minnipa Hotel Motel is located just down the street from the supermarket. Opening hours for the Hotel are 9-00 am to 12-00 am Monday to Saturday. Sunday hours are 11-30 am to 1-00 pm. Adjacent to the hotel is the Motel complex. Minnipa Motel accommodation rates range from $45 - $55 for a single room, $60 - $68 for a double and $60 - $68 for a twin room with extras at $10 per head. For a family of 2 adults and 2 children prices range from $70 - $85. Minnipa Motel accepts Diners Club, Visa, Master Card Bank Card American Express cards. For further information please phone (08) 8680 5005
Minnipa Caravan Park is located on the main Eyre Highway and is priced at $14 per family. If you arrive after hours just park for the night or honk your horn. Pets are allowed on leash. Bookings for the Caravan Park can also be made at Minnipa Hotel. Minnipa's Caravan Park is within easy striking distance of Pildappa Rock, and might therefore provide an interesting overnight stop for travelers wishing to explore attractions that are off the beaten track. For further information please phone Minnipa Caravan Park on (08) 8680 5005.

Eyre Engine Developments also perform mechanical repairs and act as the local RAA agent for emergency roadside repairs. The RAA phone number is (08) 8680 5114.

Minnipa Attractions

As with other towns in this area of Eyre Peninsula the main attractions are a variety of granite outcrops. Tcharkulda Rock is 3 kilometres east of Minnipa and as with most granite domes in the area a wall surrounds the base of the structure to funnel water runoff into an underground water tank. Located within the vicinity of Tcharkulda Rock are picnic, barbecue and toilet facilities. Given that Tcharkulda Rock is so close to the main Eyre Highway it might be a good place to eat your lunch before continuing your journey. 18 kilometres to the north of Minnipa is Pildappa Rockwhich has a spectacular wave form. This wave form is the result of a process of chemical weathering that occurred when soil levels were at higher levels surrounding the granite structure. Some people considerPildappa Rock to be a rival to Western Australia's Wave Rock. Located near Pildappa Rock is a picnic area with a free gas barbecue, water facilities, toilets and picnic area.

Pildappa Rock - Striking views from the top!

Other inselbergs in the area include Ucontitchie Rock and Murphy's Haystacks near Streaky Bay.

To the North of Minnipa is the sheep station country of the Gawler Ranges and the Gawler Ranges National Park. Some of the roads in this area may at times be in poor condition. If you wish to visit the Gawler Ranges it may pay to get some up to date local advice from the Minnipa Roadhouse.

Blue Seas Motel Port Lincoln

Overlooking beautiful Boston Bay

Port Lincoln is located at the tip of Eyre Peninsula and is home to one of Australia's largest fishing fleets, tuna farms and Aquaculture developments, it also has one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world.

Motel Owner-Operator with 15 Spacious 3.5 star Units.

The Blue Seas Motel is family owned and operated; it offers great views overlooking the beautiful Boston Bay with the Port Lincoln Hotel just accross the road.

When next visiting Port Lincoln either for a holiday or on business have a memorable stay at the Blue Seas Motel

Your hosts: Tim and Gary

Welcome to Limani Motel
Situated on the shore front of Port Lincoln, overlooking picturesque Boston Bay, there are private lawns leading down to a safe swimming beach. We are only walking distance from the town centre and offer luxurious accommodation with every amenity required by today's travellers catered for.
	Guests at Limani are within easy reach of Port Lincoln's many tourist and sporting attractions. There are 23 beautifully appointed suites (standard, deluxe, executive and large family suites) each with panoramic views over Boston Bay. An assisted disabled suite is available.
Each suite contains colour television, reverse cycle air conditioning, telephone, electric blankets, digital clock radio, iron/board, hair driers, luxury bathrooms, breakfast bar, refrigerator, tea, toast and coffee making facilities. Fully equipped kitchens are available .
	Laundry facilities are available and ample safe off street / undercover car and boat parking is provided for motel guests. Tourist information is available for fishing trips, boat charters and local scenic tours.
Panoramic ocean views from every room.

Local Attractions in Port Lincoln

Make you holiday memorable by participating in one of our exciting tours and attractions on offer in and around Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula. For the adventurous, have a go at Shark Cages Diving, Swimming with the Australian Sea Lions, or Swimming with Southern Bluefin Tuna. Or stay on land and visit our local wildlife at Glen Forest Animal Park. The list is endless and the experience unique. » see our range of tours...

Explore Eyre Peninsula with the family by visiting local National Parks, tasting local wines, browsing local museums, enjoying free picnic and BBQ areas in and around Port Lincoln

Most importantly take the time out to relax, unwind and enjoy a little bit of our "fresh Eyre".

Family Fun

Make you holiday memorable by participating in one of our exciting tours and attractions on offer in and around Port Lincoln and Eyre Peninsula. For the adventurous, have a go at Shark Cages Diving, Swimming with the Australian Sea Lions, or Swimming with Southern Bluefin Tuna. Or stay on land and visit our local wildlife at Glen Forest Animal Park. The list is endless and the experience unique. » see our range of tours... Explore Eyre Peninsula with the family by visiting local National Parks, tasting local wines, browsing local museums, enjoying free picnic and BBQ areas in and around Port Lincoln Most importantly take the time out to relax, unwind and enjoy a little bit of our "fresh Eyre". Wineries Make you holiday memorable by participating in one of the exciting tours on offer. You can go on a 4WD tour, browse a museum, picnic at the fauna park with the local wildlife. The list is endless and the experience unique. Browse a museum, picnic at the fauna park with the local wildlife. Most importantly take the time out to relax, unwind and enjoy a little bit of our "fresh Eyre".

Eyre Peninsula

Want a coastal holiday without the coastal crowds? The Eyre Peninsula is the place to visit. With more than 2,000 kilometres of Australian coastline, you get as much space to yourself as you need. You'll also discover unforgettable sea adventures, like swimming withsea lions orcage diving with Great White Sharks. Along this coastal expanse, you'll see sheltered coves and bays that are perfect for fishing, secluded beaches, and stunning cliff faces that provide the perfect vantage point for spotting giant whales as they undertake their annual migration through the Southern Ocean. The Eyre Peninsula is home to national parks, ancient caves, and the Nullarbor - the vast, treeless plain that has fascinated anyone with an explorer's spirit, ever since the area was discovered. There's also charming seaside accommodation and mouth watering local seafood - so there's no shortage of creature comforts. So if you want a coastal holiday you'll never forget,travel to the Eyre Peninsula.