Robinvale is a picturesque town situated on the banks of the mighty Murray River. It is located approximately 480km north west of Melbourne and between the towns of Swan Hill and Mildura on the Murray Valley Highway. Robinvale is accessible by the Murray Valley Hwy (Vic) and Sturt Hwy (NSW). Robinvale also has daily bus transport services to Swan Hill, Mildura, Hay and beyond.

 

History
In 1830 explorer Charles Sturt and his party became the first known Europeans in the area, however settlement didn’t occur until the late 1840’s. The town was initially named Bumbang but this was changed in 1924 to Robinvale, named in memory of Lieutenant George Robin Cuttle, who was killed in action during air combat over France in 1918.

Today Robinvale is known for the massive production of grapes, olives, carrots and almonds and boasts some of the largest plantations in the State.

Tourist Information
The Robinvale-Euston Tourist Information Centre is located 100m south of the Robinvale Motel on Bromley Rd. It is also the V/Line and Greyhound bus stop where you can catch public transport to Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide. Apart from providing local information they also sell local craftwork and produce. Opening hours are 8.00am to 3.00pm weekdays.
Tel: (03) 5026 1388.

Attractions

Murray River
The river bends around the township of Robinvale and is home to many species of bird, fish and wildlife. There are numerous river walking tracks and places to sit, relax and forget about your daily stress. The river is also used for many water sports including fishing, water skiing and rowing.

Robinswood Homestead
The original home of the town founder Herbert Cuttle. Situated on the banks of the river and set in pleasant gardens with distinctive palm trees it was built c. 1926. Both house and town were named in memory of Herbert Cuttle’s son, Lieutenant George Robin Cuttle, killed in action during air combat over France in 1918. Consequently, Robinvale is now twinned with the French town of Villers-Bretonneux, located near the site of Cuttle’s death. In fact, the school at the French town was rebuilt with money raised by the Victorian government and an appeal organised by local schoolchildren. Inside the house are historical items relating to the French connection and can be opened for inspection by contacting the caretaker who lives next door.
Tel (03) 5026 3046

Rural Life Museum and Robinvale Railway Station
Located adjacent to the Tourist Information Centre and across the road from Robinvale Motel is the Rural Life Museum. Established in 1991 the museum contains an extensive display of vintage tractors, engines, farming tools and equipment. Museum is open Thursday and Saturday or other times by appointment.
Tel (03) 5026 4045

The Historic Robinvale Railway station is located next to the rural life museum. Although passenger trains stopped a long time ago, the station has now been preserved and maintained by a dedicated group of locals. The building and platform are accessible and worthwhile to take a quick look into an era gone by.

Southern Cross Windmill
Located adjacent to the newly constructed River bridge (completed 2006) you will notice a huge windmill, erected in 1948 to supply the town with water. At 18.3m, it is supposedly the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. There is a picnic area under the bridge and good views of the bridge and the river.

Euston Weir
Euston Weir and Lock 15 are located on the south-western edge of town at the end of Pethard Rd. Built to store water for irrigation, it features a fish ladder which allows fish to jump over the weir. There are picnic-barbecue facilities, pleasant lawns and shelters.

Mungo National Park
About an hour away is the stunning Mungo National Park in the heart of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. Includes the ancient dry lake bed of lake Mungo and Mungo’s walls of china, a spectacular landform that provides the iconic images of the park.

Events
Robinvale is home to many annual sporting and cultural events.

Robinvale Ski Race – March Long Weekend

Mallee Almond Blossom Festival – August

Robinvale / Euston Show – September email

Tour of the Murray Cycle Race – Robinvale and Euston Stages – August / September

Easter Tennis Tournament – Robinvale Tennis Club. Tel (03) 5026 1220

Festival of Golf – Robinvale Golf Club – September. Tel (03) 5026 3286

St Mary’s School Fete – October. Tel (03) 5026 3483

Rotary Farmers Market – 3rd Saturday every month – Caix Square. Tel (03) 5026 3095