Local Attractions
Pioneer Settlement, Swan Hill
Set on three hectares of land on the banks of the Little Murray River, the Pioneer Settlement lets you experience Australian history first hand.
You will find real-life Mallee cottages, a hotel, schools and shops, plus our enormous collection of working tractors and machinery – sourced mostly from the local area. You can feel the heat in the blacksmith shop, listen to the sounds of the old Pianola or take a ride through our Mallee township on a horse and cart.
PS PYAP
The PS Pyap was built at Mannum in South Australia in 1896.
Despite her great size – she is almost 30 metres long and 4.8 metres wide – she has a very shallow draft which means she can float in less than a metre of water.
In her early days she was used as a floating general store. She travelled the lower Murray River, stopping at small towns and farm stations along the way. Inside, she had a serving counter, a store section and a separate drapery at the rear of her lower deck. The crew slept on the upper deck.
The PS Pyap travelled 500 kilometres each week selling goods to settlers at over 60 settlements and landing places along the river.
One hour cruises depart from the Pioneer Settlement wharf each day, taking you upriver past the BIG4 Riverside Caravan Park, Murray Downs Marina and the historic Murray Downs Homestead.
The Pyap serves a range of snacks and beverages on board.
Heartbeat of the Murray & Legends of the Mallee
- Laser Show
Nestled along the shores of the Little Murray River, the internationally renowned ‘Heartbeat of the Murray’ is a breathtaking 360-degree multimedia extravaganza.
Seamlessly integrating water, light, lasers, sound, and captivating effects, this production weaves the tale of the Murray River.
Prepare to journey back an astonishing 30 million years, then travel through time to witness the evolution of the modern-day Murray River.
This state-of-the-art show was the first of its kind in the world to use a natural river environment and setting as its background.
‘Legends of the Mallee’ offers an immersive journey through the region’s history.
Indigenous insights from the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi people intertwine with European explorers’ tales, including Burke and Wills’ ill-fated expedition.
The experience also uncovers Lake Boga’s wartime significance and the remarkable contributions of the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force.
This captivating laser light show intertwines the Mallee’s past, present, and future, creating an unmissable, enchanting spectacle.
Lake Boga Catalina Flying Boat Museum
Situated between Swan Hill and Kerang on the shores of Lake Boga, the museum has become one of the major tourist attractions of the area.
The Lions Club of Lake Boga restored Catalina A24-30 and the original secret communication bunker as a commemoration to the service men and women who served at No. 1 Flying Boat Repair Depot Lake Boga, Victoria from 1942 to 1947.
The museum holds more than 500 artefacts relating to Lake Boga's proud history associated with WWII, including the historic Catalina Flying Boat and a range of wartime treasures that have been preserved for future generations.
Lake Tyrrell
Only 70km from Swan Hill, the lake which is approximately 120,000 years old and Victoria’s largest inland salt lake is an attraction for tourists from all over the world who are drawn by the mesmerising scenery, stunning sunrises and sunsets and breathtaking night skies which are some of the best in the Southern Hempishpere. The word “Tyrrell” is derived from the Aboriginal word “Tyrille” meaning sky or space.
A mecca for budding photographers wanting to capture a photo like no other, Tyrrell’s endless skies provide and amazing backdrop to the unique salty formation on the lake bed.
Giant Murray Cod
A giant Murray Cod outside the train station of Swan Hill is a monument to the big cod fish that had been caught in the river before irrigation and drought affected the river. Murray Cod is still present in the river today but not at the same numbers and sizes than it has been reported earlier in European settlement.
The fish is 11 metres in length and 6 metres wide, it was actually built as a move prop for a film called 'Eight Ball' and the locals liked it so much and found a home for it.
Murray Downs Golf Resort
Murray Downs boasts its title of Number 1 Golf Course on the Murray River. Ideal for your next group or individual golfing holiday, the championship 18 hole golf course at Murray Downs, a previous winner of Victorian PGA course of the year and consistently voted in the top resort courses around Australia, currently ranked number 47.
The Par 72 course is a striking contrast to the Mallee plains that surround it, experience the pleasure of playing away from the city crowds with river gums in the background.The undulating greens complemented by well-manicured fairways, thoughtful tee positions and pin placements. The course has some great signature holes including the 5th with a long water carry over to the green. Making it a challenging task for those that choose to risk it and hit straight for the hole.
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery holds a proud place in the heart of our rural community, offering a diverse program of arts experiences to all, and acting as custodian to an ever-growing public art collection.
We are proud to offer touring exhibitions, local artist exhibitions, workshops, music events and educational opportunities to locals and visitors, as well as outreach programs to our nearby rural townships.
Set near the Little Murray River and the Pioneer Settlement, our woolshed-inspired building and natural surrounds offer beautiful spaces, both inside and out.