| Yarrawonga - Mulwala | |
Location: | 287km north of Melbourne on the Murray Valley Highway |
Council: | Corowa Council |
Population: | 2006 |
Postcode: | Yarrawonga 3730
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These twin Murray River towns lie each side of the State border, on the shore of the major water sports venue of Lake Mulwala. Elizabeth Hume, sisterinlaw of the explorer Hamilton Hume, was the first settler in 1842. Her house Byramine Homestead was designed in a way to observe the surrounding countryside that was plagued by bushrangers, one of whom had killed her husband. The house is encircled by a garden and there is an animal nursery and a craft shop.
The Tourist Information Centre is more than just that, it encompasses the PastLinks Communication Museum displaying communication equipment used in Australia from Aboriginal message sticks to the most sophisticated modern equipment, also the Old Yarra Mine Shaft, a simulated mine with an excellent display of minerals, gems and fossils.
Other places of interest are the Tudor House Clock Display, a magnificent collection of 300 clocks from around the world and Linley Park Animal Farm & Garden at Mulwala which displays both native and exotic animals.
Lake Mulwala was created in the 1930s and covers 6000ha of land. The lake and 23km of backwater tapering off into the Murray River are a delight to explore by boat. Boats are available for hire and cruise boats offer a variety of cruises. Pelican Island is a breeding ground for pelicans and there are several ibis rookeries.