Albury sits on the Murray River, which functions as the state border between New South Wales and Victoria. It is the principal city on the Murray due to the historical importance of the river for transport of people and produce. It also serves geographically as a junction for journeys between Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney, three state capitals. In 1974 Albury was chosen by the New South Wales and Victorian Governments to be the site of a major industrial decentralisation project. It was proclaimed a twin town with its southern neighbour Wodonga, which is joined across the Murray by bridge. The success of this joint governmental venture is reflected in the fact that Albury-Wodonga is one of Australia's main national growth areas.

The first European recording of Albury is found in the journal of Captain William Hovell, accounted on his overland expedition from Sydney with Hume in 1824. Tuesday the 16th of November 1824: "we suddenly arrive at the bank of a fifth and very fine river at least two hundred feet wide apparently deep . . . on both sides the land is low and level and consists of a fine alluvial soil with grass up to our middle." In the years following this discovery, these rich river flats on the northern banks became a favourite camping place for rovers and stockmen. By the early 1840s a village settlement had sprouted at this `crossing place'.

Albury was first known by its Aboriginal name Bungambrewatha. However, this was considered too cumbersome for practical purposes, and was gazetted in 1839 by T.S. Townsend as Albury, after the English village of Albury in Surrey.

The settlement of Albury grew slowly. By 1841 there was said to be a population of only seven. Robert Brown was the first white man to settle on this site. He arrived in 1836, a few months after the first settlers "squatted" on either side of the river where Albury-Wodonga now stands. The slow growth of the area may be attributed to Government policy of the day. The governors of New South Wales, (which included the present day state of Victoria) forbade settlement outside the "Nineteen Counties" around Sydney. No land could be bought or sold. There were no roads and no police protection.

Albeit, squatters gradually surged southward seeking new pastures. By 1836, aware the situation was out of their control, the governor grudgingly granted licences to settle outside the "Nineteen Counties". In October 1835, William Wyse established a station at nearby Mungabareena for a Sydney merchant Charles Ebden. He cleared and fenced a paddock and grew wheat. He soon after crossed the river and built a station called "Bonegilla". Charles and Paul Huon arrived in 1838 and squatted on the Wodonga run, and a brother in law of Hume, John Dight, took Bungowannah and land to the west of Albury.

A punt service across the river in 1849 increased activity in Albury. This was finally updated in 1861 with the building of a bridge. Although the river's hey day was to come with the advent of the paddle steamer. In 1855 a steamer named "The Albury" opened up river traffic locally. Albury was as high up the Murray as the steamers ever traded. Captain Johnson of Cadell's Murray River Line arrived in Albury in October 1865, to crowds flanking the river banks to acclaim the skipper who had at last linked Albury with the outside world. Albury's settlers had realised the potential prosperity which could follow the efficient transport of their staple products of wool, wheat and wine. River traffic flourished until rail links with Sydney and Melbourne were completed in 1883.

Albury is a major town today with many tourist attractions, international standard accommodation and convention facilities. It also boasts international standard sporting facilities for a wide range of sports. Attractions include the Albury Botanical Gardens, the Regional Art Centre, Monument Hill Lookout, Lake Hume and the Dartmouth Dam. On the river bank is "Hovell's Tree", which still bears the mark of the tomahawk of Hovell and Hume when they crossed in 1824. On the river the paddle steamer PS Cumberoona, evokes images of the Murray in the mid nineteenth century with its daily tour. Not far from Albury are the Vineyards of Rutherglen, settled by German families in the 1850s shortly after gold was discovered in what is now the main street. The Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps of Falls Creek are visible from Albury, and provide pleasure in all seasons with snow skiing, abseiling and white water rafting. The Ettamogah Pub, described as more Australian than Vegemite, is a recreation of a pub and characters made famous by cartoonist Ken Maynard, and is just north of Albury. The Hume Weir Trout Farm is another popular destination, where you can catch your own, or buy fresh smoked trout. Information on many more attractions around Albury is available from the tourist information centre in the Gallery Unusual at 462 Wagga Road, Lavington.

Overview

The Murray River was first discovered in 1824, and the settlements of drovers along its fertile valleys meant that by 1840 a village called Albury had been established. The name is thought to have come from the Aboriginal word Mungabareena, meaning "place for plenty big talk". Albury is well known as a principal convention centre. Resources include fruit growing and specialist crops such as tobacco, almonds, hops and chestnuts as well as horse and pig breeding. Albury offers a diversity of landscapes, scenery and attractions including the magnificent Murray River flowing through the high country of Bogong and Buffalo and the lush valleys, spectacular alpine areas and beautiful lake waters. The diversity of the landscape provides for many varying recreational activities including camping, bushwalking, horse riding, and water sports of all types. The area also has a range of international sporting facilities including golf. A history of goldmining in the town also offers visitors a local experience in Australia's early pioneer history, while bushranging legends give the town greater historical interest.

Natural Attractions

The Murray river is the major natural attraction in the Albury region and there are a number of wonderful paddle steamers that regularly cruise the river allowing visitors to experience the full splendour and great beauty of the Murray River. The breathtaking expanse of Lake Hume and the waters of Dartmouth Dam also provide stunning views and ample opportunity for picnics and a range of water activities. The rugged peaks of the Snowy Mountains and Victorian Alps are close by, to be enjoyed in winter as a snow covered wonderland and in summer as golden, wildflower filled slopes perfect for climbing and bushwalking. The Gudgewa Bluff Falls In Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park is a little known park in the Upper Murray reaches and has spectacular mountain ranges, Snow gum forests and an abundance of native flora and fauna. Four wheel drives and sign posted walking tracks enable the hiker to fully explore this wonderful National Park.

Parks and Gardens

Albury has a number of attractive well maintained parks and gardens including the Sumsion Gardens, Birralee and Willow Park. Albury Botanical Gardens and the Hovell Tree Reserve are other attractions within the city. On the banks of picturesque Brown's Lagoon is Frog Hollow Recreational Park featuring a range of recreational sports, providing visitors the opportunity to enjoy delicious homemade meals or Devonshire teas in a unique garden environment.

Hume Weir Trout Farm is a unique attraction in the area featuring beautifully landscaped gardens and, as well as learning all there is to know about one of the Murray's famous fish, visitors can catch their own trout or perhaps enjoy a BBQ lunch or picnic on the grounds. Aussieland Adventure Park is a science and technology fun park with a number of thrilling games and exciting displays.

Farmstays

Farmstays are an increasingly popular activity in the region, visitors escaping the city are treated to the sounds of the Australian bush and the sights of peaceful valleys, sub alpine slopes, gentle streams and rich pasturelands. Visitors can just relax or experience life on a working farm including milking and shearing.

Museums and Galleries

Albury has a number of interesting museums and galleries including the Regional Museum and Regional Art Centre. The Gallery Unusual provides interesting viewing as does the Jindera Pioneer Museum located a short drive west of Albury. RAAOC General Museum displays an extensive collection of militia such as weapons, vehicles and uniforms. The Museum, housed in original colonial buildings and furnished in period style displays a number of relics from the town's early settlement and relives the epic period of Australia's pioneer history through memorabilia of local pastoralists and items including large machinery pieces donated by local families. Albury Pottery gives a chance to see the skill and precision required to make an earthenware product.

Historical Attractions

Albury is the site of many exciting historical events in Australian history; many famous explorers surveyed the lands chartering the highways of what was soon to become a thriving settlement. Bushrangers roamed the area and later pioneer families cleared and cultivated the land, raising a number of buildings. Today a fascinating architectural heritage and sense of history remains strong in the area, with key attractions located throughout Albury and nearby towns. Main historical attraction within Albury include Albury Railway station and Olde Struggle Town, one of the oldest standing timber structures in Australia.

Vineyards

The world renowned classic regional vineyards of the Rutherglen and Milawa areas are a short drive from Albury. Famous for the production of quality red and white table wines and vintage fortified wines, the wineries are open for tastings and sales 7 days. A number of special tasting weekends, winemakers dinners, wine shows and celebrations are also held throughout the year. There are a number of lesser known boutique vineyards located in the district including Schmidt's, a producer of strawberry based wines.

0 of a possible 0 points from 0 votes