the chaffey trail

The trail mainly follows the south bank of the Murray River in Mildura. It has a number of interpretive signs that explain the history of the area and clear stops to investigate (eg the old homestead, lock 11, wharf etc - see link http://www.murrayriver.com.au/the-chaffey-trail). It can be driven (best to go from west to east to keep the river to the left) with stops at the various trail high points, or if you have more time with more time simply walk it

The Chaffey Trail information at the Visitors Infirmation Center at Mildura is comprehensive. Among the key features of the Trail, I would classify the Arts Gallery as the best, as they had a good collection of paintings, including a Gainsborough and a Degas. The classic home Chateau Mildura which houses the Arts Center is worth a visit too. Entrance is free.Those with engineering interests will be interested in the Old Homestead which has some ancient machinery and in the Weir and Lock 11. We were fascinated by the different water levels on either side of the gate. The Psyche a Pumps/Kings Billabong is interesting too, but the route may be dangerous in rainy weather, as the roads become muddy and slippery.The most important factor is that you can obtain a map from your hotel/motel or travel agent and follow the route on your own, but you need to have a car.

Mildura is a beautiful place in lay out,weather,lifestyle and resturants(35 at last count) with some nice accom and relative safety to boot.It has been poorly promoted for a number of years now and the destination has suffered some setbacks but the chaffey trail is a worth while experiance .............gone begging for the tweeks to make it an absolute must.The trail will help you get in touch with the Chaffey dream of an irrigation colony in an area that could have been deemed as impossible without such wonderful foresight.

This is a lovely mix of walking/driving letting you take in river viewing, history and reflection. Its up to you how much and which parts you do but for us arriving by V-line coach/train and stiff after the 9+ hours, the chance to walk and stretch was welcome. Rio Vista Historic House is the must see. The Chaffey's rise and fall is explained beautifully and fits in with the art display on drought currently showing there.

Mildura's got class, in the form of lovely old public buildings and some world class restaurants. But it's also got history. Following the Chaffey Trail is the way for the visitor to unlock that history. If you're going to Mildura, pick up a brochure from the Visitor's Bureau and follow the trail. It will bring you face to face with the heart of Mildura.

As I said if your into historic building this could be interesting.I was disappointed in that is was mostly building and photo's that had no resemblance of the current landscape.Mildura doesn't seam to place a s much importance on the Murray river which other river towns do.

Mildura and surrounding towns need a bit of a Wake Up call. It is all very well to advertise what there is to see and do, but you need to have these attractions well sign posted and frequently.We had maps and a GPS, yet most times had to rely on locals to actually give us directions.Also once you find them, they are most often neglected.

The few places we stopped on the Chaffey trail were self guided without much information to go on. As there were no workers on site, the buildings has limited access.