Fast facts
- Murray River township on the NSW-Victorian border
- Golf, wine and fishing country
- 597 km south-west of Sydney, population 2,500
Why go there
This historic town on the Murray straddles the border between NSW and Victoria. Albury-Wodonga is just a 30-minute drive and nearby are other Murray towns such as Corowa and Mulwala.
There’s a relaxed, small country town atmosphere here created by the rolling countryside and historic buildings that dot the landscape.
It’s one of the best spots on the Murray to play golf, fish for the elusive Murray cod or go wine-tasting across the river in Rutherglen.
History
In 1836, the Surveyor-General, Major Thomas Mitchell, established his camp on the southern banks of the Murray. In 1856 Howlong was laid out, bordered by the Swan River, a branch of the Murray. The first overland cattle drive to South Australia as well as the first overland mail service between Melbourne (then known as Port Phillip) and Sydney started here.
Things to do
- Go on a wine-tasting tour at one of the many wineries in the Rutherglen region.
- Relive the past by visiting historic buildings and museums around the town.
- Play golf at one of the fine courses in the area.
- Take a paddle-steamer cruise on the river, departing from Albury.
Don't miss
- A self-guided historical walk with a map from the Howlong Community Resource Centre.
- Howlong Golf Club for a great riverside game.
- Wine-tasting the famous Rutherglen wineries.
- Camping and fishing on the Murray.
