How To Spend The Ultimate Weekend In Albury Wodonga!

If you live in New South Wales or Victoria, chances are you’ve stopped in Albury Wodonga for a quick break along the Hume Highway at some point.

Located 3.5 hours from Melbourne, these towns indeed make for a great stopover, but stick around a little longer, and you’ll find there’s so much to see and do.

From viewing the latest contemporary art exhibits at Murray Art Museum Albury, to sampling local wines, or even water skiing on Lake Hume, there’s something for every holidayer!

For us, the perfect weekend away involves art, food, great coffee, a spot of shopping, and stunning natural scenery.  So here’s our ultimate guide to Albury Wodonga, featuring some of the region’s best restaurants, shops, accommodation, and cultural experiences!

EAT

Norma

Pasta and wine bar Norma is quickly shaping up as one of Albury’s best eats.

Located in a former convenience store, the newly-opened space is now a stylish and intimate restaurant serving house-made pasta (casarecce, spaghetti, linguine, and pappardelle). 

Side dishes are zesty and fresh including butter broth mussels; and heirloom tomato with peach and whipped ricotta.

500 Guinea Street, Albury
normawineandpasta.com

Canvas Eatery

Every town needs a reliable all-day eatery, and in Albury, that title belongs to Canvas Eatery.

Located right on the main street adjoining Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), this is the natural meeting spot for brunch, a family dinner, or drinks in the garden.

546 Dean Street (rear of MAMA), Albury
canvas-eatery.com.au

Mr Benedict

Visit Mr Benedict for a more laid back scene where eggs and burgers are available all day long, with cocktails on the side. There’s also kombucha and almond milk made on site.

If you’re just in town for a stopover, you can also take a stroll around the Botanic Gardens located just around the corner!

664 Dean Street, Albury
mrbenedict.com.au

Bistro Selle

The rave reviews of Bistro Selle practically speak for themselves. Since opening in 2017, owner Matthew Fuller and head chef Tara Davis have been delivering refined European cuisine from their seasonal, curated menu. 

Pair your meal with wines from their equally impressive drinks list, including many labels from the nearby Rutherglen and King Valley regions.

1/467 Olive Street, Albury
bistroselle.com

Others to visit: Brothers Cup for coffee; Frankies for pastries; Hapi for dumplings; and Temperance and General for cocktails

SEE & DO

Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk

Stretch your legs along the Wagirra Trail, on the banks of the Murray River. This 15 kilometre return walking and pedestrian track offers beautiful views of nature, with plenty of places to stop along the way for a picnic, including the popular Noreuil Park Foreshore.

Also on the path is the Wonga Wetlands and the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk, featuring sculptures created by local First Nations artists.

419 Kremur Street, West Albury

Lake Hume 

Lake Hume is located about 20 kilometres outside Albury, and is one of the town’s biggest draw cards. 

Holding approximately six times the water of Sydney Harbour (!), the lake is a popular spot for water sports, swimming, and fishing. 

It’s worth visiting at sunset for a walk or barbecue just to take in the incredible views across the water. 

Old Weir Road, Lake Hume  

Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

The official opening of MAMA in 2015 was a major coup for Albury Wodonga. In its first four months of operation alone, the museum welcomed 47,500 people through its doors – far beyond the 24,000 visitors in the previous gallery’s final year.

Not only are the exhibitions on show always fantastic, the museum is also entirely free to visit. 

546 Dean Street, Albury
mamalbury.com.au

Albury CBD Heritage Walking Tour

Explore Albury’s historic landmarks and charming 1880s architecture on the Albury CBD Heritage Walking Tour.

Download the app or map for the route covering all 21 sites including the Albury railway station, Botanic Gardens, and the former Waterstreet Hotel.

Others to visit: Nail Can Hill for bushwalking; Monument Hill for views and history

SHOP

Tribe Store

You could easily spend a day strolling Albury Wodonga’s shops, such as the gorgeous boutique, Tribe Store.

Step inside and you’ll feel instantly calmed by the beautiful display of homewares and gifts, from Japanese ceramics, to linen loungewear, and handcrafted tableware. 

493 Swift Street, Albury
thetribestore.com.au

Thistle & Fern

Two of the many creatives based in the Albury area are Carla Walsh from Rutherglen Florist, and business partner Kathy Kayll, who own the florist and gift shop, Thistle & Fern. 

You’ll find their shopfront in a converted shipping container in Wodonga’s Junction Square – the largest urban renewal project in regional Australia, located on a former historic railway station and rail yards. 

Junction Square, 34A Elgin Boulevard, Wodonga
thistleandfern.com.au

Others to visit: Pour Mes Amis for gifts; Di Billiet for clothing and books; Kiewa Street Market for fresh produce and wares every Sunday.

STAY

CIRCA 1928

Inside a former bank building now lies CIRCA 1928 – a day spa with two boutique hotel suites. 

After a long day’s driving or exploring, there’s nothing better than indulging here in a luxurious massage, exfoliant or body wrap.

588 Dean Street Albury
circahotels.com

Astor Hotel Albury

A recent refurbishment has transformed the once dated Astor Hotel Albury into a colourful, very Instagrammable backdrop for mid-century enthusiasts!

Thanks to its new orange, pink and white paint job by Techne Architecture + Interior Design, the hotel now sports a Palm Springs-inspired look in keeping with the building’s 1960s origins. 

641 Young Street, Albury
astorhotelalbury.com.au

Find out more and plan your Albury Wodonga holiday at www.visitalburywodonga.com. And for more NSW travel inspiration head to VisitNSW.com.