We begin by travelling west on 11th Street from Deakin Avenue
crossing Walnut Avenue and Ontario Avenue.
After crossing Riverside Avenue the Aerodome Ovals Sporting Complex
is on our left. The ovals are home to many sporting and recreation clubs.
Continuing along 11th Street travel 22 metres over the roundabout at
Flora Avenue. On your right is Lang's Native Plant Nursery. Open Tuesday to Saturday 9am
to 5pm and Sunday 9am to 1:15pm. Continue back to the roundabout and turn right into Flora
Avenue.
The Golden River Zoo, Australia's largest privately
owned zoo is now coming up on our right. Many animals roam freely through the park and
some can be fed with specially supplied food available at the kiosk. Open daily from 9am
till 5pm.
The road we are travelling along to Merbein is known as Ranfurly Way
or commonly known as River Road. On the right you can visit River Road Pottery which sells
locally made furniture and craft works. Open 7 days a week.
After a straight stretch known as the Mad Mile (note the boat ramp
to the right) Pump Hill is reached. To the right the Merbein pumping station is seen. This
supplies Merbein with its water. At the top of the hill on the right is Hill Corner. An
historic building, built around 1920, once the home of William Herbert Chaffey, a son of
W.B.Chaffey, one of Mildura's historic founders. Enjoy the historic atmosphere while
dining in the elegant surrounds. Please phone for opening times.
Turning right here brings you to Mildara Blass Wines. This winery is
an important part of the history of this area, having been established by the Chaffey
Brothers. Then known as Chateau Mildura. Wine tasting and sales are available Monday to
Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Tours are available on weekdays at
11am and 2:30pm. A scenic lookout (located behind the winery) planted with native shrubs
and offering a superb view of the river is adjacent.
Returning to the main road we pass Roberto's and Juliette's Antiques
on the right. Merbein is establishing itself as the heart of antique shops including
Graham's by and Sell, opposite the Merbein Motor Museum, Andria's Attic on the left and
Fancis Garland Antiques on the right.
The Merbein Motor Museum is on our right and the Merbein Citizens
Club on our left. The motor museum houses a fabulous collection of vintage cars and
includes a vintage ultra light suspended from the ceiling. Open most days from 10am till
4pm.
Crossing the Calder Highway will bring us to McGowan's Motorcycle
Museum on the left. The Museum has a wonderful display of motorcycles and motorcycling
memorabilia. Open Daily.
Note: Tourist Drive 5 starts at this point.
Back to the main road we turn right. To our left is Irymple Packing,
a major producer and supplier of bulk fruit and vegetable juices on the world market.
A multiple intersection is found at Birdwoodton and the highway will
veer to the left and bring us past Lake Hawthorn. Adjacent to the lake is Snakes 'n'
Ladders Fun Park with its giant slides, flying foxes and impressive display of dunnies.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm including school holidays. During off peak times it is closed
on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Opposite is the Lake Primary School and the Opal Store is adjacent.
Here you will find an amazing display of opals. The store is open daily (except Fridays)
from 10:30am to 4:30pm. Upon reaching Riverside Avenue a right turn will bring you to
Capogreco Wines, specializing in Italian style traditional wines from locally grown
grapes. Tastings and sales daily from 10am to 6pm.
The strong horticultural presence in the region is evident as we
continue along with vine plantings on both sides of the road. Many varieties of grapes are
grown in the region for both the dried fruit industry and the wine industry.
Returning to the Calder highway (here known as 17th Street) continue
until you reach Deakin Avenue and turn left towards Mildura.
Drive: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
