Holiday houses in Bundalong

Bundalong is a small lakefront town located near the New South Wales border between Melbourne and Australia’s capital, Canberra. The town joins the bank of the Murray River, where the Ovens River spills into Lake Mulwala, so, unsurprisingly, life in Bundalong centres on water. The lake and river both attract lovers of water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, canoeing, and boating, and there are plenty of places in town to hire equipment and learn the basics.

Bundalong is also a great base for exploring the wider region and crossing the state border into New South Wales. Just 15 minutes northwest lie the larger twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala, where you’ll find a lively atmosphere in local pubs, golf courses for a leisurely round, a cinema, and the calm waters of Lake Mulwala — the hub of the region’s water sports community. Journey 15 minutes in the opposite direction and you’ll reach Rutherglen, which is home to over 20 wineries — the region is renowned for its bold Durif and rich Muscat.

Spring and autumn are the most popular months to book accommodations in Bundalong, when the days are generally warm and sunny and the nights are mild. In March, the Tastes of Rutherglen festival takes place 30 minutes away, with the region’s best food and wine producers putting on a progressive foodie feast all weekend. Visitors to the festival will be able to visit local wineries and sample delights from celebrated regional chefs. Summer days and nights in Bundalong are hot, drawing locals and visitors to the water for boating and kayaking on the Murray River. In January, the BeerBQ Festival takes centre stage in Bundalong with a weekend full of food, drinks, and live music from local and national musicians.

Water sports

There are a whole host of water activities to try on the Murray River and Lake Mulwala, the most popular being water skiing and wakeboarding. If you don’t have your own gear, there are plenty of places to rent it, and it’s easy to get a lesson or two if you’re a little rusty or have never tried it before. More laid-back pursuits include canoeing or kayaking, or, if you just want to cool off, there are several beautiful spots in Bundalong where you can enjoy a refreshing and safe swim.

Chinamans Island Nature Reserve

Explore this tranquil reserve 15 minutes away on Chinamans Island via a scenic walking track on the southern shores of Lake Mulwala. The main feature here is a large wetland area, which is home to over 60 species of waterbirds, including rails, crakes, and bitterns. If you are lucky, you may even spot a platypus or a yellow-bellied water skink. The track is suitable for wheelchairs and is accessible in all weather.

Yarrawonga Farmers & Craft Market

Take the short drive west to the town of Yarrawonga to pick up some treats from a market that prides itself on a strict “make it, bake it, sew it, grow it” policy. The Yarrawonga Farmers & Craft Market is held on the fourth Sunday of each month, and all store holders must sell only goods that have been created from local produce and materials. This is the place to sample fragrant citrus fruits, take home artisanal cheeses, and browse handcrafted clothing.