With a sunny tropical climate, the longest river in Australia and rich soils that are perfect for farming, Mildura and the Murray region has established itself as not only one of Victoria’s important food bowls but Australia’s too.
Known to produce over 20 per cent of Australia’s citrus, 75 per cent of the nation’s table grapes and 69 per cent of all Aussie almonds, there’s plenty to explore in the Mildura fresh produce scene.
Beyond farm gates and farmers markets, you’ll find a sense of pride for Mildura’s produce from local chefs and artisans, with local fruit, vegetables and the iconic Murray Cod featured on menus throughout the city.
Find out where to sample the best of Mildura’s local produce with this guide.
Straight from the source at the farm
Home to a fifth of Australia’s citrus growing industry, you’ll want to add a sweet stop at Orange World to your fresh produce itinerary. Jump on the 70-seat orange tractor train and tour the 50-acre farm as you learn about growing and harvesting citrus, coupled with an orange tasting and cup of freshly squeezed juice.
Learn how our tropical climate helps to produce quality olives at Varapodio Estate, a family-owned and operated olive estate in Buronga, less than 10km from the Mildura CBD. Take a tour to hear how olives are grown, harvested and bottled. With a café on-site, you can also enjoy morning tea, lunch or light refreshments.
If you’re travelling with kids, make sure you stop by SRS Benetook Farm, where the little ones can feed the free-range chickens, collect eggs, explore the maze or pick strawberries from the veggie patch when in season.
With a fresh produce tour
Leave the heavy lifting to someone else and book a spot on one of Discover Mildura’s tours to tick off Mildura’s top fresh produce suppliers in one day. Book the Essence of Mildura and Wentworth Tour to visit the Murray River Salt Harvest Site or choose a Food and Wine Tour to explore what’s in season.
At a local providore
You don’t need to leave Mildura CBD to experience the best of the region’s produce and products, with central providores stocking fresh fruit, vegetables, meats as well as oils, jams and sauces.
If you’re exploring Red Cliffs, visit The Shed Café and browse the shelves lined with goodies from Mildura Farms, including nuts, chocolates and premium dried fruit mix while you wait for your lunch to hit the table. A short drive from here is Mannes Desert Honey. Their honey, sourced locally, is renowned for its rich, complex flavour profile. Visit their charming shop to sample their delicious products and learn more about the beekeeping process.
Stop by the Visitor Information Centre
Get a lay of the land while you stock up on locally made treats with a visit to the Mildura Visitor Information Centre. Sample the finest olive oil from Robinvale Estate, a renowned olive grove located just outside of Mildura. For a sweet indulgence, treat yourself to handcrafted chocolates from Mildura Chocolate Company You’ll also discover a range of other local products from Tabletop Grapes, Just Figs, Australian Garlic, Little Gemz, DeMarco’s Beekeeping and the famous Murray River Salt.
At a cellar door
Did you know Mildura is known to grow and supply over 350,000 tonnes of Victoria’s wine grapes?
Sample the flavours of the local grapes that are turned into award-winning wines at local cellar doors in the Mildura region, including Trentham Estate, Monak Wine Co, Cappa Stone Wines, Oak Valley Estate, Vanden Estate, Chateau Mildura, Capogreco Winery and Chalmers Wines.
You’ll also find local produce on cellar door restaurant menus or products as part of their cellar door shop – make sure you call ahead before stopping by our wineries to confirm their opening days and hours.
Tuck into the river’s most famous fish
While famous by name, the Murray Cod is slightly more elusive when it comes to restaurants where it features on the menu. To taste this local fishy favourite, book a table at Botanica Cuisine by Dag Demarkow on Deakin Avenue to sample Murray Cod as well as other local seasonal produce on this modern Australian menu. Experience Murray Cod paired with traditional Italian flavours with a meal at Stefano’s Restaurant, where you’ll find this local fish featured as part of the five-course set menu. For a more casual dining experience, try the classic Murray Cod Fish and Chips at Mildura’s only riverfront restaurant, The Mildura Boathouse.
At a farmers market
Make sure you add a visit to one of the local farmers markets when visiting over a weekend for a chance to buy direct from farmers and chat to them about what’s in season.
Held on the first and third Saturday each month, head to Sunraysia Farmers & Makers Market in Jaycee Park and enjoy a morning brew as you take in the aromas of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs under the towering river gums.
There’s more than just fresh produce on display at the Red Cliffs Country Market, held the first Sunday of the month, with local shops and over 80 stalls taking over the footpaths with everything from fresh chilli plants to seasonal asparagus as well as local crafts.
Ten kilometres from Mildura CBD on Commercial Street, Merbein Market takes place on the third Sunday of the month and is perfect for picking up bags of fresh produce to fill the boot of your car before heading home.
Dive deep into Mildura’s gastronomic offerings, your tastebuds will thank you for it.
