Mallee road trip explores small country towns

Venturing off the beaten track, I wanted to discover the hidden gems of Australia’s Mallee country on this captivating three-day road trip with my new camper. Looping through the sun-drenched landscapes of South Australia and Victoria, this journey took me from the banks of the mighty Murray River to the heart of the iconic mallee scrublands.

As I traversed this 750 kilometre circuit, I encountered a tapestry of small towns rich in history, vast golden wheat fields stretching to the horizon, and the unique beauty of the semi-arid outback. From towering silo art to pink salt lakes, from pioneer museums to welcoming country pubs, this Mallee meander offers a genuine slice of rural Australian life that few tourists ever experience. Buckle up and come with me on an adventure that will challenge your perceptions and leave you with a deep appreciation for this often-overlooked corner of the continent.

Route: Swan Reach – Galga – Copeville – Karoonda – Lameroo – Pinnaroo – Walpeup – Patchewollock – Ouyen – Red Cliffs – Werrimull – Loxton – Swan Reach

Day 1: Swan Reach to Pinnaroo

• Swan Reach
  Nestled on the banks of the Murray River, Swan Reach was the perfect starting point for my Mallee adventure. It was an easy drive from home and I always enjoy a ferry crossing. This charming town boasts a rich history dating back to the riverboat era. Before setting off, I took a moment to enjoy the stunning river views and visit the Swan Reach Museum to learn about the area’s past. Unfortunately the rooms were closed but I could still wander around the yard to admire all the old machinery. This is only a five minute drive from the ferry and worth the slight detour.
• Galga
  As you leave Swan Reach, your first stop is the tiny settlement of Galga. While there’s not much to see in this quiet hamlet, it offers a glimpse into the remote lifestyle of the Mallee region. The surrounding farmland provides a picturesque backdrop for your journey. Don’t leave before taking a walk around the silo’s and taking a photo or two.
• Copeville
  Continuing on, you’ll reach Copeville, another small community that exemplifies the resilience of rural Australia. Take note of the old railway siding, a reminder of the area’s agricultural heritage and the importance of rail transport in the region’s development. This is another silo art location but this one is still a working silo so entry is not allowed.
• Karoonda
  

  Click to enlarge

  Karoonda is one of the larger towns you’ll encounter on your first day. Known for its striking silo art, part of the Australian Silo Art Trail, this town is worth a longer stop. The massive mural depicting local wildlife and farming scenes is a must-see. While here, consider visiting the Karoonda Pioneer Park to learn about the town’s history.

• Lameroo
  As you approach Lameroo, you’ll notice the landscape changing, with mallee scrub giving way to more expansive farmland. Lameroo is a thriving agricultural centre, and its wide streets and well-maintained parks make it an ideal spot for a late lunch. The Lameroo silo art also deserves a stop, located on the eastern side of town as you head towards Pinnaroo.
• Pinnaroo
  Your first day ends in Pinnaroo, a town straddling the South Australia-Victoria border. Known for its potato production, Pinnaroo offers several accommodation options for your overnight stay. Before settling in, take a stroll through the Pinnaroo Wetlands, a beautiful natural area teeming with birdlife. If you are free camping like I was and not looking for a motel, consider driving a little further to the Ngallo Park Camping Area a few kilometres over the border into Victoria.

Day 2: Pinnaroo to Werrimull

• Walpeup
  Crossing into Victoria, your first stop is Walpeup. This small town is home to the Mallee Research Station, which has played a crucial role in developing farming techniques suited to the region’s unique conditions. The Walpeup Lake, when filled, is a serene spot for a morning break. The attraction for me was the town’s silo art and directly opposite this, the native garden.
• Patchewollock
  Continuing east, you’ll reach Patchewollock, famous for its towering silo art featuring a local farmer. This striking mural has put Patchewollock on the map and is well worth a stop to admire and photograph. The town’s name, believed to mean “plenty of porcupine grass” in the local Indigenous language, hints at the area’s natural history.
• Ouyen
  Ouyen is one of the larger towns you’ll encounter on your trip. Once famous for its vanilla slice competition, Ouyen remains a hub for the surrounding farming communities. The Ouyen Historical Village offers a glimpse into early 20th-century life in the Mallee. Consider lunch at one of the local cafes before continuing your journey.
• Red Cliffs
  Your second day concludes in Redcliffe, a tiny settlement near the Murray River. While amenities here are limited, the area’s natural beauty compensates. The nearby Murray-Sunset National Park, with its iconic Pink Lakes, is a must-visit if time allows. The ethereal pink hue of these salt lakes, particularly striking at sunset, provides a magical end to your day.
• Werrimull A small rural town located in the Millewa region of northwest Victoria, Werrimull is approximately 50 kilometres southwest of Mildura and surrounded by the vast Mallee scrubland, characteristic of the area’s semi-arid climate. Despite its modest size, Werrimull has recently garnered attention for an impressive artistic endeavour that has transformed the local landscape.

Day 3: Werrimull to Swan Reach

• Loxton
  A short drive from Berri brings you to Loxton, another charming river town. Loxton is famous for its historical village, which recreates early 20th-century life in the region. With over 45 fully furnished buildings and exhibits, it’s a fascinating step back in time. Don’t miss the Tree of Knowledge, a large dead gum tree that once served as a marker for river height during floods.
• Swan Reach
  Your journey concludes where it began, in Swan Reach.
• You have been here before but if you missed anything at the start of this roadtrip, then now is a great time to catch up on these missed memories. And, if you are looking for samewhere to unwind and remonisce, perhaps with a meal or a drink or two, then I can highly recommend a visit to the Swan Reach Hotel for a true country pub experience.

Reflecting on the Journey

This three-day loop through the Mallee regions of South Australia and Victoria offers a diverse range of experiences. From the striking silo art trail to the serene Murray River, from tiny settlements to bustling agricultural hubs, this trip provides a comprehensive look at life in Australia’s heartland.

The journey showcases the resilience and ingenuity of those who have made the Mallee their home, adapting to its unique environment and creating thriving communities. It also highlights the natural beauty of the region, from its vast golden fields to its unexpected wetlands and lakes.

As you complete your loop back to Swan Reach, you’ll have gained a deeper appreciation for this often-overlooked part of Australia. The Mallee may be harsh and unforgiving at times, but it’s also a land of surprising beauty and rich history, well worth exploring for any curious traveller.

Key highlights include:

• – The striking contrast between the Murray River landscapes and the arid Mallee scrubland
• Iconic silo art in Patchewollock
• The Pink Lakes of Murray-Sunset National Park near Red Cliffs
• Opportunities to engage with local communities and experience genuine country hospitality
• Diverse wildlife, particularly birdlife, adapted to the unique Mallee ecosystem
• Rich indigenous and settler history, showcased in various museums and historical sites along the route

This three-day journey offers a unique insight into a often-overlooked region of Australia. From the mighty Murray to the vast wheat fields and the distinctive mallee scrub, it’s a trip that captures the essence of rural Australia and the indomitable spirit of its people.