Summertime in Albury Wodonga is alive with sun-drenched adventures, riverside lounging and long, warm evenings made for food, festivals and fun. 

Here are the best things to get up to from December to February:

Cool Off in the Murray

You can’t do summer in Albury Wodonga without getting to know the Murray River. Swim at Noreuil Park, float downstream on a pool noodle or simply lie back under a shady river red gum with a good book. Explore downstream with a hired kayak or canoe from Canoe The Murray and glide along the water in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is golden, the sun is low, and the birds are having an energetic social soiree.

Head to Lake Hume

A favourite local cool-off spot, Lake Hume is an easy 15-minute drive out of Albury Wodonga. The lake is ideal for boating, wakeboarding, water skiing, tube-riding and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s also some great fishing on offer, with Murray cod, rainbow trout, redfin and golden perch available to those with a licence. If you want to make a whole day of it, bring your camp chairs and some mates for a sweet mid-summer BBQ picnic, backlit by golden sun and lasting memories. 

Take to the Skies

Want to take in the whole region in one breathtaking sweep? Book a scenic flight with Helifly for a bird’s-eye view of the Murray River, Lake Hume and the patchwork of farms and bushland that makes up this slice of the country. It’s a stunning way to take in the sunlit landscape and see everything from a new angle.

Sip Something Local

A cold drink is obviously essential. Settle in for a tasting paddle at The Thirsty Devil Brewery or Murray Towns Brewing Co, or sip regional grapes under the gumtrees at Splitters Creek Vineyard, set in a small rural valley just 10 minutes west of Albury. For cocktail lovers, check out Level One Wine Bar, Public House or The Bended Elbow rooftop bar for those balmy summer evenings. 

Taste the Region in the Outdoors

Summer is the best time for al fresco feasting. Book a riverside table at The River Deck, enjoy gourmet pub fare at the Astor Hotel or grab lunch in the courtyard at Mr Benedict. On the Wodonga side, The Goods Shed and The Lincoln have shady outdoor seating for really soaking up the season.

Catch Some Entertainment

Warm evenings call for staying out late and enjoying live music, cinema and performance. Check what’s on at the HotHouse Theatre or the Cube Wodonga, or head to Regent Cinemas for blockbuster films in air-conditioned and popcorn’d comfort. Summer is also our event season: from live music to food festivals, keep an eye on our events page to see the latest on what’s happening. 

Go for a Good Walk

To avoid the heat, early morning or evening hikes are your best bet in summer. The air is delightfully warm, and the golden hour tones make every photo a keeper. Try Huon Hill, Nail Can Hill or Baranduda Regional Park for scenic trails and striking views. For something gentle, take a stroll along the Wagirra Trail beside the river, take an Albury CBD Historic Building Walking Tour or simply loop the CBD for a little retail therapy.

Entertain the Kids

Pack the kids up and stock your picnic hamper, then head to Sumsion Gardens, Belvoir Park or Oddies Creek play space. The Albury Wodonga Aquatic Facilities offer a shaded way to cool off without requiring sunscreen, and the pool’s perfect for younger swimmers. For more shady, temperature-controlled fun, duck inside to Worlds Beyond or catch a kid-friendly matinee at the cinema.