Central Murray
The Central Murray Produce region is defined by the broad stretches of the river, which weaves through it. A rainbow spectrum of interests and industries draw their lifeblood from the swirling curves and languid billabongs of the mighty Murray.
One might begin a sojourn through the region at its eastern point, marked by Lake Mulwala and the winding bridge, which provides the first regional crossing between Victoria and New South Wales.
The picturesque twin towns of Mulwala and Yarrawonga, known for their abundant sunshine, are home to water sports and fishing as well as the commercial and financial hub for the fertile farms surrounding them.
From here one follows the river westward. On its southern banks the river red gums shade the sandy roadsides. Between their massive trunks view plantations of citrus and soft fruits. Half a century ago, post war immigrants from Europe and the Mediterranean made new lives here and enriched the region with their cultural knowledge. This area was particularly attractive to the Italian community who planted the crops they had grown in their own hot climate and grew the foods they had been familiar with all their lives. Their legacy lives on in the thriving cross-cultural communities as well as the luscious local harvests. The co-existence of the soft fruit orchards and the local dairy industries (this is home to the big dairy companies Murray Goulburn and Kraft) led some years ago to the establishment of the biennial Peaches n' Cream festival in Cobram. On this side of the river are also the appealing townships of Kyabram, Nathalia and Numurkah, safe havens for weary fruit-pickers from all over the world – and for the odd drowsy koala.
The road running parallel to the northern reaches of the river maps a different and more conventionally Australian pastoral heritage. Historical stations and homesteads, built on the accumulated riches of quality lamb, wide ranging beef and broad acre grain, punctuate this route. The financial imperatives of recent years have brought waves of agricultural diversification, and oilseeds, legumes and venison can also be seen. Rural life is changing but nevertheless this remains fairly traditional territory where family farms have been held for generations. Travellers can expect a wave on the road, a curious look in the street and a genuine interest and country hospitality when finally acquaintances are made.
Westward from Jerilderie (immortalized by Ned Kelly) sample “Billabong's” sun dried tomatos. More tomatoes are grown in Cental Murray than anywhere else in Australia.
One can admire fat lambs and thoroughbred horses on the drive through Berrigan and Finley or stop for a paddle on the sandy beaches of riverside Tocumwal. From here take the floodplain roads through forest country to Mathoura where campers and Kangaroos warily coexist.
Then it is north again to historic Deniliquin where pastoralists with fine wool have been largely superseded by irrigated rice crops and Ute musters. Where innovative country cooks whose skills remain the bedrock on which these communities are built have provided the link between generations of changing tastes. Pause in “Deni” to sample local preserves and savour the generous simplicity of country baking. Venture to Conargo and try unavailingly to find a Ute without the pub sticker plastered on the windows.
From here it is back to the Murray and the border townships of Echuca and Moama. It was at this historic port that wool used to be brought on drays to be loaded on steamboats to make the long journey to Melbourne and eventually to international manufacturers. Today the riverboats are laden with locals and visitors alike who appreciatively sip local wines and sample carefully prepared regional fare. Echuca also holds a fortnightly farmers Market where one can savour blood oranges, blackberries, almonds, home pressed olive oil and buffalo or taste the finest of the regions emerging wines.
Only a little further to go to complete the tour of the Central Murray. Perhaps westward through Wakool to Barham to slowly sip the locally brewed beer, or on to Tooleybuc to cast a line for the elusive Murray Cod and munch on Pistachios. It really doesn't matter whether one finishes the journey on the south or the north banks of the broad river. Either way just turn the car and cross the water and take the parallel route back
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Regional
Administrator Contact Details
Name: Central Murray Produce Group
Address: PO BOX 277, Tocumwal, NSW, 2171.
Phone: 03 5874 2107
Fax: 03 5874 2107
Email: cmpgroup@mcmedia.com.au
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