Albury and Wodonga (locally referred to as “Albury Wodonga” or “AlburyWodonga”) is a terrific place to visit, whether you are planning a quick stopover on the way to Melbourne or a weekend away. Also, it is the first recommended stop of our Sydney to Adelaide road trip guide.
Surprisingly, these two twin cities have a lot to offer. So, if you are wondering what to do with kids in Albury Wodonga, here you can find some inspiration. Happy travel planning!
NB You’ll find info on the best deals at Albury hotels at the bottom of this post.
By Mireia Garriga Seguranyes
Albury
On the banks of the Murray River, you will find Albury Wodonga. It has always been an underrated destination because, for the majority of people, it is “that place that you stop overnight or to refuel on the way to Melbourne”.
However, Albury is a special place where a laid-back regional feel blends with an unexpectedly vibrant city centre that offers plenty of boutiques and award-winning eateries.
Also, if you go for a walk through its streets, you will realise that Albury has a rich historical and cultural heritage. Download the Albury’s Historic Buildings Walk app or follow the signposted Albury CBD Historic Building Walking Tour to discover 19th and 20th century buildings like the Post Office, the Court House, the Colonial Mutual Life Building the Albury Public School.
Albury Wodonga is also very close to the famous Rutherglen and Wahgunyah wine region. And, nearby, Lake Hume is the quintessential aquatic playground for water-skiing, jet-skiing, sailing and fishing. Furthermore, Falls Creek, Victoria’s largest all-season alpine resort is only 1.5 hours from Albury.
So, where you should start? Go to the Albury Visitor Information Centre on Railway Place, Albury NSW 2640. Phone: 1300 ALBURY (252 879). The centre is located in the historic Albury Railway Station precinct within an easy walking distance of Albury’s CBD. It is open every day, except Christmas Day and Good Friday. And, for those travelling in caravans, the Visitor Centre car park has long bay parking, a free dump point and water facilities available.
The best places to visit in Albury with kids
River Deck Café in Noreuil Park and playground
48 Noreuil Parade, South Albury NSW 2640
Bless this place! Watch your children from the deck and relax after the long drive! There are not many places that you can have a beer or a glass of wine while your children play. Also, a bonus, the food is exquisite.
Noreuil Park is also a good place to take the bikes and scooters. The bike path turns into the Wagirra Trail which goes all the way to the Wonga Wetlands.
Important: the playground is not fenced and it is next to the river. If you have little terrors, you might prefer to go to the fully fenced Oddies Creek Adventure Playspace.
Oddies Creek Adventure Playspace
Off Ebden Street, South Albury NSW 2640
This park is a fabulous play space to take the kids to burn some energy. Surrounded by gum trees, this fenced all abilities playground is designed for children aged up to 12 years old. It has lots of equipment including a 30 metre long flying-fox, a giant bird nest swing, and a complex climbing next besides a huge structure in the centre with several slides, musical instruments, climbers rockers, bridges and a sandpit. Outside the playground is a leash free area.
Monument Hill War Memorial
Memorial Drive, Albury NSW 2640
Going to Monument Hill is a good way to talk about your kids about history. This Hilltop observation area with World I and II memorial features sweeping views of Albury. From the top of the hill, it is quite impressive, you you can see directly down the main street of the city and North Albury.
Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)
546 Dean Street, Albury NSW 2640
Formerly known as the Albury Regional Art Gallery, this is a contemporary art museum located in the city centre. The museum displays indigenous and local art, besides modern and contemporary art exhibitions. The kids will love the little “art cupboards” with 3D art displays inside. There is always something interesting to see.
Wagirra Trail (8.5km one way)
Albury has more than 50 kilometres of trails, which most of them are flat. They offer safe access to Albury’s natural environment and places of interest. One of the most popular trails is the Wagirra Trail, incorporating Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and it is also the link of other picturesque trails.
Warriga Trail meanders through the riverside parks (Noreuil and Hovell Tree), past the Adventure Playspace at Oddies Creek, Albury Swim Centre, through Padman Park and west of Kremur Street (3.2km) Wonga Wetlands.
The Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk (commencing Kremur Street – 5.3km) features 11 contemporary sculptures created by local Aboriginal artists.
There are many places to stop and picnic or just enjoy the tranquillity of the Murray River.
Children’s Garden in the Albury Botanic Gardens
Corner Wodonga Place with Smollett Street, Albury NSW 2640
The Children’s Garden is a play space where kids can enjoy nature in a safe environment and in a way that stimulates their imagination. It has trails to explore and a variety of elements to discover such as a life-sized dinosaur with interactive speaking tubes, the living cubbies, a fairy temple, wetland and creek line, and the troll cave. It is ideal for young families, as it is fully fenced.
Other attractions:
Wodonga Creek Miniature Railway
The Albury Library Museum
Out of town: Drive to the heritage-rich town of Beechworth, explore the wine region of Rutherglen, visit Bonegilla Migrant Experience, enjoy the water of Lake Hume, discover the largest and most diversified Military Museum in Australia -The Army Museum Bandiana-, or make your own chocolate at the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory.
Albury Family Accommodation
Commercial Golf Resort
530 North Street, North Albury NSW 2640
Phone: 02 6041 1211
The Commercial Golf Resort is a motel style accommodation with a touch of luxury. The family rooms are spacious. It has a swimming pool, a tiny playground and a very popular bistro.
Check dates and prices on Booking.com here.
Albury Garden Court Motel
426 David St, Albury NSW 2640
Phone: 02 6021 6244
Ultra-convenient location, if you plan to stay in the CBD of Albury. Good customer service. The rooms were clean and comfortable. Also, the motel has a swimming pool for the hot summer days.
Check dates and prices on Booking.com here.
Fountain Court Motor Inn
568 David St, Albury NSW 2640
Phone: 02 6021 8411
This is another motel with a fantastic location. Very close to the city centre, it is across the road from the SSA Club and next to Soden’s Hotel, a local pub. Both SSA Club and Soden’s have a kids play area. The rooms are simple but clean. After a swim, we went to have dinner at Soden’s. Food was good and kids enjoyed the little indoor playground. For us, the best family holidays are the ones that involve outdoor activities.
Check dates and prices on Booking.com here.
Albury Deals Finder
PS You might also like to read: Things To Do in Melbourne With Kids
For us, Albury is more than a pit stop between Sydney and Adelaide. It has plenty of parks and playgrounds, some history, and plenty of and family friendly places to discover.
Next time, we’ll go to Lake Hume and Kurrajong Gap Lookout.
Have you ever been there?
Do you recommend any other places in Albury?
“The museum displays indigenous and local art, besides modern and contemporary art exhibitions. The kids will love the little “art cupboards” with 3D art displays inside. There is always something interesting to see. ”
I’d like to add that apart from contemporary art exhibitions, one of the fun things to do in Murray Art Museum Albury or MAMA for kids are art camps which are good for the holidays.
For parents that are seeking for extra activities for their kids, maybe this could help: https://www.mamalbury.com.au/kids-and-teens