Loosen your belt, pack yourself a bib and leave all inhibitions behind when you visit Swan Hill. It’s fair to wonder how this community can be so happy all of the time, but the answer is simple: fresh food and delicious wine.
Surrounded by the mighty Murray River, Swan Hill boasts a vibrant culture centred around quality local produce. Its delightful setting yields an array of bold boutique wineries, exclusive events, farmers’ markets and world-class restaurants.
You’ll immediately be won over by the culinary diversity of the Murray River region, where we won’t be surprised if you find yourself booking an extra night or two. With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve discovered the best hotels and top food and wine experiences, so you can truly immerse yourself in the enticing Swan Hill lifestyle.
Award-Winning Wineries
Swan Hill boasts a distinctive style when it comes to producing some of Australia’s finest wines. You could describe the region’s wineries as boutique or family-oriented, but they are quite simply heartfelt. From the experienced winemakers to the welcoming cellar doors, every winery in Swan Hill exudes an undying love for the art of winemaking.
You can feel this passion when sampling the award-winning wines on offer, which are often accompanied by wood-fired pizzas and alfresco dining beside the picturesque Murray River. Duck into Andrew Peace Wines, one of Australia’s largest family-run wineries, to find a variety of Merlot, Pinot Gris, Grenache and other exclusive drops. The four-star BEST WESTERN Burke & Wills Motor Inn places you close to the vineyards in Swan Hill and also features a pampering on-site spa, restaurant and lounge bar.
Farm-to-Table Farmers’ Markets
For a captivating experience, wander through Swan Hill’s farmers’ markets on a sunny day, discovering unique treats and picking up fresh produce while chatting to friendly locals. Held on the first Sunday of every month, the official Swan Hill Farmers’ Market showcases the region’s most delectable delicacies on the bank of the mighty Murray River. At the market, you can find strawberries, organic meat, fresh vegetables, wine and artisan jams and bread from surrounding wineries and farms while enjoying live family-friendly entertainment.
Swan Hill Rotary Market runs on the third Sunday of every month and is an excellent spot to discover hidden treasures. Browse the 30-plus stalls to find books, crafts, assorted handmade items, plants and other local gems.
Fine Dining along the Mighty Murray River
You’ll always have the perfect reason for dining out while visiting Swan Hill, as the region’s long list of fine-dining restaurants makes it possible to dine on a variety of tempting cuisine. One of our favourites is Spoons Riverside, mainly due to its prime Murray River outlook. However, the restaurant’s gourmet meals, regional wines, friendly staff, and well-stocked gift shop also makes it one of Swan Hill’s top restaurants.
You can also dine at Boo’s Place Cafe & Provedore for a seasonal farm-to-table menu, Quo Vadis for authentic Italian pizza and pasta, and Federal Hotel for classic pub meals and country hospitality in a historic setting. HotelsCombined visitors hold Comfort Inn Lady Augusta in high esteem, thanks to its central location, outdoor swimming pool and comfortable rooms with plush beds, private patios and in-room spa baths.
Annual Food & Wine Events
Swan Hill’s gastronomy delights are on show at many annual events, including the coveted Swan Hill Region Food & Wine Festival. Held over three days, this comprehensive culinary event includes cooking demonstrations, wine and food tastings and a twilight Murray River cruise on the heritage PS Pyap riverboat, where you’ll be treated to free-flowing Andrew Peace wines.
This family-friendly event also has plenty of entertainment for the kids, such as jumping castles and face painting, along with local bands performing throughout the day. However, the focus is firmly on your stomach, with stallholders from almost every local restaurant, cafe, bakery and winery ready to treat you with their delicious products.
Discover a Better Way of Eating at Swan Hill
There’s no doubt that food and wine are on everyone’s mind at Swan Hill. Restaurants, cafes, wineries and markets show you the best this Murray River region has to offer. Whether you prefer casual dining in a riverfront setting, exploring treasure-laden market stalls or visiting cellar doors for the next unforgettable wine, Swan Hill won’t ever disappoint.
Where is your favourite place to indulge your food and wine cravings in Swan Hill? Let us know in the comments.
References
