Guide to Mulwala

February 11, 2022 9 min read

Prepare For Your Next Water Adventure Now -Fast & Free Shipping Available 🙌

Guide to Mulwala

Mulwala is one of New South Wales's best fishing and waterskiing destinations. Situated along the Murray River and Lake Mulwala, Mulwala has no shortage of fun activities for every type of adventurer.

A couple fishing in a kayak on Lake Mulwala at Sunset

Photo by Visit the Murray

Originally built as a water reservoir, Lake Mulwala is now a picturesque lake with endless opportunities for fun. Mulwala is across the bridge from Yarrawonga, and the area is commonly known as the Yarrawonga Mulwala region. This region is also known for delicious produce, from olive oil to prize-winning Angus beef. The country towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala are busy with festivals and events all year round. Local markets and weekend water ski shows keep locals and visitors entertained and this small country town thriving.

When To Visit Lake Mulwala

The best time to visit Lake Mulwala depends on why you're going. Suppose you're visiting Lake Mulwala to catch a Murray Cod; it's excellent almost all year round as the water level stays pretty consistent. The Murray Cod season is closed from September 1st till December 1st; however, it's a great time to target other fish species.

Check out this Lake Mulwala fishing guide.

Photo by Lake Mulwala Sportfishing

If you're visiting Lake Mulwala for water sports like waterskiing and wakeboarding, February is the perfect time to book your trip. It's often quieter during this period despite being the middle of Summer. There are usually fewer people around town and less busy on the water. If you can't make it in February, from November till April is good to visit the Yarrawonga Mulwala area due to warmer weather.

Since markets and events run throughout the year, the Yarrawonga Mulwala region is a great place to visit any time of the year. Make sure to check the local events calendar to book your next visit.

Things to do at Lake Mulwala - On The Water

Waterskiiers in an acrobatic formation at the Mulwala Waterski Club

Water Ski Shows at Mulwala Waterski Club

Book a fishing tour with a local or set up camp along the lake to fish for native Murray Cod or Murray Cray. Boats are available to hire, like canoes, luxury cruise boats, or the Barby Boat, complete with onboard BBQ, sound system, and a lounge. Hop aboard the MV Paradise Queen to cruise through Lake Mulwala and the Murray River. This all-weather cruise departs daily and offers a range of food menus and cruising options.

Lake Mulwala is an excellent spot for the thrill-seekers to get the boat out for an action-packed day of wakeboarding or tubing. For the less experienced wakeboarders, the Mulwala Waterski Club offers wakeboarding and waterskiing lessons and equipment hire. The club also puts on many events like water ski shows and 'family fun' days, so there should be some excellent water entertainment no matter when you visit. The Mulwala Waterski Club also houses 2 restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop and a pro shop.

First time Wakeboarding or Waterskiing? Check out our beginners guide to waterskiing or 5 Wakeboarding Tips for Beginners.

Aquazone Waterpark is a fantastic inflatable, floating obstacle course located on Lake Mulwala for the whole family. The 300m² course is for people of all ages and abilities to test their agility, speed, and strength. The course has inverted climbing walls, monkey bars, and hurdles to play on and enjoy. You should expect to spend 1-2 hours at the waterpark for optimum fun.

There are many other options for water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and windsurfing. And if you don't have your own equipment, it is possible to hire everything you need to get started. Both sides of Lake Mulwala have picnic and barbeque spots, playgrounds, and walking tracks, making it a great place to bring the whole family.

Aquazone Waterpark at Lake Mulwala

Aquazone Waterpark at Lake Mulwala

Things to do at Lake Mulwala - On Land

There are many events held in Mulwala throughout the year, so there will be something on when you visit the area. On the 3rd Sunday of each month, the Yarrawonga Mulwala Rotary Club puts on a market of 135 stalls that sell tools, kids' toys, clothing, homewares, and much more. On the 4th Sunday of the month, the council puts on the Yarrawonga Farmers and Craft market. With an abundance of local produce, including wines, nuts, olives, honey, cheese, and citrus, this market is the perfect place to pick up some local goodies. Click here for market dates. 

The Byramine Homestead is a heritage-listed country homestead built in 1842. The pioneer home is famous for its unique design, featuring octagonal rooms. It was constructed by the explorer Hamilton Hume for his sister Elizabeth Hume and her nine children after bushrangers murdered her husband. It is possible to tour the house and see what it might have looked like in the pioneer days.

The Byramine Homestead

The Byramine Homestead

For a bit of fun for the kids (or big kids), Tunzafun has an 18 hole mini-golf course, dodgem cars, and much more. This community-owned amusement park also has a barbeque area and a kiosk.

Golf at the Yarrawonga Golf Club Resort

If you're planning on packing the golf clubs, the Yarrawonga Golf Club Resort is Australias largest public golf course and sits between the Murray River and Lake Mulwala. The club boasts three well-designed and well-manicured greens that will keep you occupied for hours. For another day of golf, head to the Black Bull Golf Course at Silverwoods Estate. The championship par 72 course wraps around Lake Mulwala for one of the most picturesque courses in Australia.

The Yarrawonga Mulwala area is well known for its olives and olive oil, with most of it coming from the Rich Glen Olive Farm. Visitors to the farm can participate in an olive oil tasting and masterclass (by appointment) to discover flavour characteristics and learn how to choose the best olive oil for cooking. During the masterclass, visitors will pick botanicals, herbs, and fruits from around the farm to make a bottle of olive oil to take home afterwards. Add the Butter Truffle Oil to savoury dishes for a rich umami flavour. Rich Glen also make and sell various dressings, cordials and sauces all available for purchase at their Rich glen provedore and orangerie in the Main Street of Yarrawonga.

Places to Eat at Lake Mulwala

Homemade Pizzas at Blacksmith Providore

Mulwala has no shortage of great places to eat, with many restaurants and cafes along the foreshore. Blacksmith Providore is located on the banks of the lake and showcases the Murray region's finest wines and locally made beer. Guests can select cheese and meats to make their own charcuterie board and enjoy in the restaurant's courtyard. Across the river lies the heritage-listed Byramine Homestead, where you'll find a brewery, winery, and cellar door. The homestead's restaurant serves a Ploughman's plate, with their famous farmer's lunch complete with homemade meatloaf, chutney, and pickles.

Many restaurants and eateries in Mulwala and Yarrawonga are accessible by boat along Lake Mulwala. For an interactive dining experience, book a table at Stonegrill at Club Mulwala. As the name suggests, Stonegrill serves dishes on a hot stone, and diners can cook their meal to their liking. Their menu has a range of premium cuts of beef like a Black Angus Porterhouse.

There are also several takeaway eateries in Mulwala that use local produce. Located across the lake on the Victorian side of the Yarrawonga-Mulwala township, The Cook & Co Kitchen is a hole in the wall with an ever-changing specials menu. They serve sushi, bao, burgers, Thai curries, and tacos made with local, fresh ingredients.

Head to the Lake Mulwala Bakery if you're looking for a coffee to start your day. It's also an excellent place for a quick breakfast or lunch as they serve a range of homemade pies and sandwiches. You will find the bakery on Melbourne Street on the Mulwala side of town.

Just across the bridge in Yarrawonga is Hardluck Coffee Co; a coffee shop and cafe that looks like it’s been plucked from the middle of Melbourne. Open from 6:30 am, Hardluck serves Allpress Coffee and a small menu of tasty breakfast options. Try their Eggs Benedict with Milawa corn muffins for a filling, eggy breakfast. Hardluck serves coffee and breakfast from 6:30 am so you can get your morning buzz before starting a big day of activities. Be sure to try one of their peanut butter cookies with strawberry buttercream.

Eggs Benedict at Hardluck Coffee Co

Breakfast at Hardluck Coffee Co

It wouldn't be a trip to a country town if you didn't visit the local pub for a beer on tap and a chicken parma. The Royal Mail Hotel is Mulwala's local pub that sits right across the road from the banks of Lake Mulwala. The pub has a courtyard and a full kitchen that serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. And if there isn't live music when you visit, select a tune from their jukebox.

Chicken Parma at the Yarrawonga Hotel

Parma at the Yarrawonga Hotel

Across the river on the main street is the Yarrawonga Hotel, also known as the ‘Pelican’ or ‘White Pub’ (the building is painted white). It is a cozy pub with rooms to stay in and a full restaurant that serves their specialty, fish of the day. Wander out back to the courtyard and enjoy the sunset while you tuck into a parma and a pint. What more could you ask for?

Where to Stay at Lake Mulwala

When visiting Mulwala, the best place to stay would be anywhere along the lake. Fortunately, there are many accommodations like self-contained homes and bed & breakfasts. For those looking to camp or bring the caravan, the Big-4 NRMA Yarrawonga Mulwala Holiday Park is located directly opposite Lake Mulwala. This campsite has barbecues, self-contained kitchens, a tennis court, a playground, and kids bouncing pillow.

Big 4 NRMA Yarrawonga Mulwala Holiday Park

For those planning on spending as much time on the water as possible, the Lake Edge Resort is an excellent option. Located next door to the Mulwala Waterski Club, the central location allows guests to get right in on all the action. The Lake Edge Resort has luxury 2-6 people apartments with water views and excellent facilities. Complete with indoor and outdoor heated swimming pools, you can visit the resort at any time of year.

River Of Islands Houseboat

River of Islands Houseboats

It is also possible to stay on the water at Lake Mulwala with your very own houseboat. River Of Islands rents out 3-bedroom, two-story houseboats that launch from a private jetty 15km from Mulwala. From there, the drive-yourself house will take you off on a river adventure to enjoy swimming, fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing on the onboard hammock.

The Paradise Palms Motel Mulwala offers 12 rooms catering to solo travellers and families for more simple accommodation. Relax by the pool or throw something tasty on the barbeque in their BBQ area for a great afternoon by the lake. This motel is the most central in Mulwala, with many pubs and restaurants within walking distance.

If you're staying on the Yarrawonga side of the river and need a quiet place to rest, book into Motel Yarrawonga. This small, family-owned motel is a 10-minute walk from the middle of town and has many essential stores nearby. The family that run it are friendly and helpful and can recommend a great restaurant or pub. Its quiet and affordable location is excellent for anyone needing a good night's sleep on their travels.

Getting to Lake Mulwala

Driving from Melbourne

Mulwala is a three-hour drive from Melbourne and passes through Shepparton or Benalla, depending on your route. Stop off in Shepparton for a coffee at one of the many local cafes or grab a deli sandwich from Europa Deli and Cafe.

The town of Mulwala is situated 1 hour West of Albury in New South Wales. The twin township sees Mulwala on the NSW side of the border and Yarrawonga on the Victorian side. Many visitors to Lake Mulwala will bring their boat or lake equipment and usually drive.

Driving from Sydney

Driving from Sydney to Mulwala takes just over 6 hours and passes through Wagga Wagga or Albury, depending on your route. The slightly shorter way is through Albury, and you will pass Goulburn and Gundagai on the way. Be sure to stop in Albury to stretch your legs and dine in at one of the many famous restaurants.

Flying to Lake Mulwala

It is possible to fly to Albury to get to Mulwala to reduce travel time. REX and Qantas fly from most major cities to Albury almost daily. Visitors should then hire a car and make the one-hour drive West to the Yarrawonga Mulwala region.

No matter what time of year you visit Lake Mulwala, there will always be something to do, something to eat, and a beautiful lake to enjoy. The closest Auski store to Mulwala is in Albury so you can get any last minute equipment before heading out onto Lake Mulwala.

Follow us on Insta 👇🏻


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Blogs

The Best Weekend Getaways from Brisbane
The Best Weekend Getaways from Brisbane

April 17, 2024 16 min read

If you're yearning for a weekend escape from the vibrant streets of Brisbane, you've arrived at the perfect destination. Here are the 14 Best Weekend Getaways from Brisbane, in alphabetical order…
Read More
Choosing Snowboard Length: What Snowboard Size is Right for Me?
Choosing Snowboard Length: What Snowboard Size is Right for Me?

April 03, 2024 17 min read

Selecting the proper snowboard size can be challenging. There are four main elements that affect choosing the length of a snowboard, including: weight, riding style, ability level, and height. Auski has developed a straightforward method for determining the ideal board size.
Read More
A Local's Guide to Skiing in Niseko
A Local's Guide to Skiing in Niseko

March 27, 2024 14 min read

Hokkaido in Japan is renowned as a premier international ski destination celebrated for its abundant light powder snow, breathtaking backcountry, and a vibrant international community. Here's your guide to skiing in Niseko.
Read More