Goulburn Valley: Orchard to Lake Run

Before leaving the hub of the valley, one must experience the architectural and cultural marvel that is the new SAM. This five-story cubic structure stands as a sentinel over Victoria Park Lake, housing one of Australia's most significant collections of ceramics and Indigenous art. The building itself is a work of art, featuring a 'floating' appearance and offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding floodplains from its rooftop terrace. Walking through the galleries, you'll find a deep focus on Yorta Yorta heritage and contemporary Australian voices. Outside, the lake provides a tranquil setting for a morning stroll, where you might spot some of Shepparton’s famous 'Moooving Art'—a collection of over 90 brightly painted fiberglass cows scattered throughout the city. This stop sets the tone for the trip, blending the region's industrial past with a sophisticated, creative future. It's a place where the community gathers, and the energy is palpable, especially during the weekend markets when the park comes alive with local music and the scent of roasting coffee.

A short drive east of the main highway leads you to the hidden enclave of Dookie. Unlike the flat irrigation plains of the central valley, Dookie is defined by its undulating hills and rich, deep-red volcanic soil. This unique geology makes it a premier spot for viticulture and boutique farming. As you wind through the hills, the landscape feels more like Tuscany than rural Victoria. The town itself is tiny but bursting with character, centered around a historic rail line and a university campus dedicated to agricultural science. Climbing to the top of Mt Major provides a breathtaking perspective of the 'checkerboard' landscape below—a grid of yellow canola, green wheat, and dark orchards stretching to the horizon. The air here is crisp, and the silence is only broken by the rustle of dry grass or the call of a wedge-tailed eagle circling above. It is a place of intense color and geological drama, offering a stark contrast to the river-fed greenery you will encounter later in the journey.

Heading back towards the main route, Numurkah greets travelers with its charming rose-lined streets and the gentle flow of the Broken Creek. This town is the epitome of the 'friendly country town,' where the pace slows down significantly. The Broken Creek meanders through the center of town, flanked by lush parklands and walking tracks that are perfect for a midday picnic. Numurkah has a long history as a dairy and fruit center, and the local architecture reflects the prosperity of the early 20th century. The town is also a gateway to the Kinnairds Wetland, a massive natural filtration system and bird sanctuary where you can spot spoonbills, herons, and occasionally a shy platypus. The atmosphere here is one of quiet resilience and natural beauty; it’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour just watching the water reflect the massive River Red Gums. It serves as a vital ecological link in the valley, reminding visitors of the delicate balance between the region's intensive agriculture and its pristine natural waterways.

As you approach Cobram, the air begins to feel different—cooler and more humid—as you near the Murray River. Cobram is famous for its 'beaches,' which may seem strange for an inland town, but Thompson's Beach is actually the largest inland beach in Australia. The wide, sweeping bend of the Murray has deposited fine white sand here, creating a riverfront paradise that rivals many coastal spots. Towering River Red Gums, some hundreds of years old, provide a canopy of shade over the sandy banks. This is a place for action: kayaking, swimming, or taking a timber-cutter's cruise down the river. The town itself is surrounded by massive stone fruit orchards; in the spring, the scent of peach and apricot blossoms is intoxicating. Cobram is also a culinary heavyweight, with local producers offering everything from world-class olive oils to artisanal cheeses. The connection between the river and the plate is palpable here, making it a highlight for any food lover on the road.

The journey concludes at the twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala, separated by the mighty Murray and the expansive Lake Mulwala. The lake was created in 1939 by the construction of the Yarrawonga Weir, which flooded a vast area of River Red Gum forest. Today, the lake is famous for its 'drowned forest'—thousands of skeletal grey gum trunks that rise out of the blue water like haunting sculptures. It is a surreal and beautiful sight, especially at dawn when the mist clings to the water's surface. Yarrawonga is a vibrant destination town, bustling with boaters, anglers, and golfers. The town's main street leads directly to the water, where the Yarrawonga-Mulwala bridge offers a panoramic view of the weir and the rushing waters below. Whether you're taking a sunset cruise on a paddle-steamer or exploring the foreshore parks, there is a sense of celebration here. It is the perfect end to the run, where the agricultural bounty of the Goulburn Valley meets the recreational majesty of the Murray River system.