With crisp mornings and warm afternoons, spring is the perfect time for an Albury Wodonga escape.
Come September, nature likes to put on a bit of a show around here. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to miss out, here’s our top 10 list of things to see, do, taste and sip in springtime:
1. Feel the Spirit of the Land
Giilangyaldhaanygalang Tours
Let Wiradjuri storyteller Aunty Ruth guide your journey into the rich traditions and art of the Wiradjuri people. This one-hour fast paced walk takes in the northern loop of the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. Or if you want something even more immersive, opt for the 3-hour tour and add the bush tucker tasting experience to the end of your walk. Good weather. Great stories. And a deeply felt connection to nature’s traditional custodians. Perfect, huh?
2. Get Some Inspiration
Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail
Spring weather is perfect for getting out and exploring all the art on offer, so you can fill up your creative cup. With over 142 artworks to discover, the Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail will give you plenty of inspiration. From vibrant murals to soulful sculptures, this collection of public art will keep you busily exploring and reflecting on the beauty and creativity of the region. It’s a great way to take in the local culture, surrounded by the delight of nature in full bloom.
3. Feel the Wind in Your Hair
High Country Rail Trail
The High Country Rail Trail offers 80km of adventure, but don’t worry – you don’t have to do the whole thing (unless you’ve packed the bike shorts). The Lake Hume foreshore leg offers 30 picturesque kilometres of trail and a cooling dip to recharge your spirits (probably very cool in spring!) Take the section between Tallangatta and the Mitta Mitta River or start at Shelley Station and glide downhill for 20km through pine plantations. No matter which part of the Rail Trail you tackle, the fresh air and stunning scenery will no doubt make you feel so invigorated that you’ll want to take on the entire 80km next time (we believe in you!)
4. Stroll Through Nature
Albury Botanic Gardens
Spring in the gardens brings the city’s leafy oasis to life with vibrant blooms, floral scents and gentle sunshine. If you have kids, head to the fully-enclosed Children’s Garden and find the life-sized dinosaur, fairy temple and troll cave set in the gardens. Or simply explore the meandering paths of the gardens, watch the fish gliding in ponds and pause beneath the towering trees – the kind that feel like they’re keeping centuries of stories just under their bark. This is a perfect spot for a serene escape, right in the heart of it.
5. Smell the Roses (and Wildflowers)
Nail Can Hill Trail
Springtime in Albury Wodonga means the hills are alive with a carpet of wildflowers. Seek out the Nail Can Hill trail, where the flowers are going, well, wild, and the sweet scent of native blooms fills the air. If you want to take home some fresh, seasonal flowers, don’t miss The Real Florist, where the coffee is great, the bouquets are petal-perfect and the gift shop sells a range of gorgeous homewares that will level up your spring clean.
6. Listen to Nature’s Soundtrack
Birdwatching
If you’re a twitchy type, Swainsona Reserve, Mungabareena Reserve, Horseshoe Lagoon and the Wagirra Trail provide excellent wetland and bushland habitats. You’ll find species like the striking azure kingfisher, golden whistler, brown-headed honeyeater and the brown thornbill. If you’re keen on wetland birds, Wonga Wetlands and Gateway Island are top spots to sit and soak up that sweet springtime soundtrack.
7. Taste the Season
Almar Organics
Taste the region’s best organic fruit, vegetables and groceries. Almar sources its produce directly from local organic farms, and every item is fresh, high quality and supportive of sustainable agriculture. With everything from organic spices to sauces to kombucha, your picnic basket will be looking very handsome indeed.
8. Sip in the Sunshine
Albion Hotel
Cold beer. Seasonal plates. A rooftop view. Is this the perfect springtime venue? We think so. We should also let you know that they offer Rooftop Brunch on Saturdays, which includes a two-hour service of selected cocktail jugs, wine and beer, a brunch menu item of your choice and giddy levels of fun to be had – for $75 per person. Need we say more?
9. Gain New Perspective
Huon Hill
With perfect weather, you may as well go for a decent hike. Take a walk along the summit track to challenge your fitness. Don’t worry – you’ll be distracted from the uphill climb by the rich scents of springtime and the view at the top. The area is perfect for birdwatching and simply enjoying the delightful swagger of spring. Gain a whole new perspective from 434 metres up.
10. Watch the River Flow
The Murray River
No top 10 list would be complete without a mention of the Murray. Watch the water glisten in the sunlight, and take in the sounds of birds and the rustling of reeds. While the river is a worthwhile detour at any time of year, in spring the riverbanks are exploding with life, bushland scents and a palpable (and contagious) feeling of joy. The riverside practically bounces with excitement – or maybe that’s just you after a top-notch day of springtime surrender.
