Mildura on the Murray

The Apex Riverbeach Caravan Park, on the banks of the Murray River in Mildura, was a lovely place to spend three days. It was busy there, with the "Jayco Journey" rally attracting 95 caravans from all over Australia, but there was plenty of room for everyone and the facilities and park managers were really great.
We had a spot right opposite the river and enjoyed the views and walks along the riverbank to Mildura Homestead and Lock 11. The city of Mildura offers every convenience and we were keen to make the most of being there to stock up on everything we may need on our trip to more remote destinations.
On Monday, after a 5 km walk before breakfast, we spent the morning ensuring "Vanooka" was ready for travelling; filling gas bottles and water tanks, cleaning, washing and making minor repairs. That afternoon we did a big shop, visiting hardware and auto stores, supermarkets, bottle shops and convenience stores, and even the local op shop! By day's end we had food supplies for at least five days and every other thing we required. That night we cooked our very first cake in the little convection microwave - and it came out smelling delicious! It will go well with custard and cream or a cup of tea in the days to come.

The Darling joins the Murray

Tuesday was exercise day - the first time in over a week! After breakfast we took off in the car for some touring, following the Murray to Merbein, then crossing into New South Wales and driving to Wentworth. Our first stop was the junction of the Murray and the Darling, however the difference in river colour this time was not obvious, as it had been when we visited in 2011. We visited the Information Centre, where the staff were most helpful, giving us updates on all local road conditions (good) and suggesting some places we might like to visit while we were in town.

Captain Martin

We made a beeline for the Paddlesteamer Ruby, currently undergoing maintenance in dock and open for viewing on Tuesdays. There the volunteers were very keen to explain the intricacies of the lovely boat and gave us a full tour of everything from the engine (very impressive!) to the cabins and even the wheelhouse. "Captain Martin" certainly enjoyed that!

We bushwalked through Junction Island to see the junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers from the eastern side. There is a lot of water at this location, held in place by the weir and lock ten. A few fishermen were out in tinnies trying their luck and there were plenty of pelicans too. Later we had lunch at the Wentworth Wharf before our trip back to Mildura via Dareton. Vineyards and citrus orchards line the road back, a testament to the irrigation channels everywhere. A cool night had us eating indoors and going to bed early - tomorrow our next adventure on the Darling River begins!