Linger Longer in Yarrawonga

Story by Mitch Catlin | Photography by Maciej Zalewski

I started coming to this stunning town on the Victorian and New South Wales border when I was nine years of age; I stayed in a caravan with my family and played in the annual Easter tennis tournament. But it has been decades since I returned to properly explore this sunny and peaceful region on the banks of the Murray River.

The town is popular with golfers, anglers and water sport fanatics as it’s right on the picturesque Lake Mulwala. Yarrawonga’s twin town of Mulwala is on the other side of the bridge. Yarrawonga Weir and Lake Mulwala were constructed in the late 1930s as part of the Murray-Darling Irrigation Scheme.

Right on Lake Mulwala is the newest luxury resort, The Sebel Yarrawonga Silverwoods (sorry Mum, but it is significantly better than the caravan), which has more than 60 rooms including standard rooms, one- and two-bedroom  apartments and penthouses. It will double in size by 2028 and is home to the best infinity pool in Yarrawonga that blends into the lake, and has its own wonderful adjacent pampering spa. The restaurant, showcasing local produce and wine, is open to hotel guests, tourists and locals; booking is essential, particularly on weekends and during the holidays.

Lake Mulwala is a hive of activity, largely led by the Mulwala Ski Club. There are water sports of all kinds from skiing through to boarding, and lessons are available for everyone. If you’re like me, sit back in one of the tubes (inflatable donuts) and get thrown around and giggle like a child as the boat speeds across the waters. Skiing is very popular on the Murray River at the nearby town of Bundalong — homes literally line the riverbank and locals push their boats straight into the water.

Nearby is the local drinking spot of Squires Winery. They produce all of their wines on-site and it’s also a great place for a pizza on the riverbank. Blacksmith Provedore in Mulwala is the other hot spot for pizza — all made in front of your eyes — but there is a large amount of Italian fare and cocktails to sample.

Food is a key part of tourism for the town. Rich Glen Olive, which is now a truly national brand, is based in Yarrawonga. The family has a little food shop showcasing their oils, dips and other produce, and next door is their new and very popular skincare space.

But no day is complete without watching either the sunrise or the sunset across Lake Mulwala. Even with all the wonderful luxuries this little piece of heaven has, sometimes it’s just the simplest of things that make the perfect break memorable.