Rutherglen Itinerary Ideas
Rutherglen wine production started back in 1858 and once home to some of the biggest wineries in the southern hemisphere, some of those early vineyards are still trading today.
The vineyards are set amongst beautiful rural landscapes and have the mighty Murray River as their backdrop. Producing luscious fortifies, fruit driven table wines and Durif, a unique grape which makes soft, full bodied red wines and sparkling red wines.
Rutherglen township dates back to the Gold Rush and a tour of this historic town is not complete without sampling a wine or two, dipping your feet in the Murray River and an afternoon tea of delectable cheeses, olives and a bottle of wine.
Visit Northeast Victoria
With so many towns and villages to discover that are within a 45 minute drive from Beechworth,
why not make us your base and stay a little longer to explore in North East Victoria.
Guided Tours
Garden Art by Helen Hay
Jones Winery houses an exhibition of garden sculptures by local artist Helen Hay.
Helen works with parts of old farm machinery, horse drawn vehicles and other metal objects to transformed them into unique works of art.
Galleries, Artists and Music
Arts Rutherglen's - Fine Film Seasons
Generally held on the 4th Thursday of each month at The Vine Restaurant, Rutherglen High School.
Foreign films (with sub-titles), something a little different, or movies less mainstream are shown to hopefully stimulate conversation.
Arts Rutherglen members are FREE and guests $10. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are available from 6.30pm and the film commences at 7.30pm. BYO wine.
Arts Rutherglen’s - Sculpture Trail
A burgeoning permanent sculpture trail of Art Rutherglen commissioned works has being developed for the enjoyment of locals and tourists.
Scattered in and around the towns of Rutherglen and Wahgunyah, in public spaces, businesses and wineries. It's well worth spending some time, on foot, bike or by car in sourcing them out.
Arts Rutherglen - Tastes of Art Exhibition
The Rutherglen Tastes of Art Prize is an opportunity for artists to exhibit in paintings, works on paper, photography and sculptures.
Visitors are able to purchase works which are of exceptional quality.
Held over March long weekend.
Jones Winery Gallery
Home to Helen Hay garden art made from discarded bits of farming metal which she lovingly turns back to life as beautiful sculptures.
GALLERY 294
Displaying work by the talented artists and craftspeople of Corowa and the surrounding regions. The artists work with diverse range of mediums to produce beautiful arts and crafts. Open Daily.
The Victoria Hotel - Sunday Series
Enjoy live tunes by a range of talented artists in the Garden at The Victoria Hotel Rutherglen on the second and fourth Sunday of every month.
Lake King
Take a walk around Lake King which was once the town’s water supply.
It was formed in the 1860's and once had a swimming pool, held rowing regattas, even a diving board and lighting.
Local Markets
Rutherglen Farmers Market
Features over 25 local and regional producers offering extensive range of fresh Produce, cakes, plants and flowers for sale.
The Market operates monthly on the second Sunday of every month in the Lions Park by Rutherglen Railway Station.
Corowa Federation Market
Has a great range of stalls selling a variety of goods from second hand items to fruit and vegetables.
You’ll also find plants, jewellery, body products and fashion accessories.
Held on the first Sunday of the month at Bangerang Park Corowa.
Golf Courses
Twitching (Bird Watching)
The Rutherglen and Chiltern regions are one of the premier bird-watching areas in southern Australia.
The district has exceptional bird diversity due to the high quality of habitat protected in the Chiltern Iron Bark Park and surrounds.
More than 220 species have been recorded in the area, 180 of them residents or regular visitors.
The highlights of birding in the district are threatened woodland species such as Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot, Turquoise Parrot and Square-tailed Kite.
Some of the best places to spot birdlife are Chiltern Valley Rd No 1, No 2 Dams, and Wenkes Rd wetland. Beechworth's Lake Sambell and The Ponds of Wooldshed Rd are also excellent locations
In Mt Pilot National Park, look for Lappins Dam, off Lappins Track, 100m from its junction with Donchi Hill Road in the north west of the park.
Or Green Hill Dam, next to Green Hills Road, between Pipeline Track and Battery Hill Road in the north east of the park.
Cyanide Dam, off Cyanide Road at the Honeyeater Picnic Ground on the south side of the park.
Some of the species to look for include:
| White Plumed Honeyeaters |
| Regent Honeyeater |
| Fuscous Honeyeater |
| Yellow Tufted Honeyeater |
| Painted Honeyeater |
| Black Chinned Honeyeater |
| Eastern Spinebill |
| Weebill |
| Buff rumped Thornbill |
| Red-capped Robin |
| Hooded Robin |
| White Throated Gerygone |
| White Throated Warbler |
| White Throated Nightjar |
| White Throated Treecreeper |
| Sittella |
| Turquoise Parrot |
| Swift Parrot |
| Square TaiIed Kite |
| Barking Owl |
| Powerful Owl |
| Diamond Firetail |
| Chestnut Rumped Hylacola |
Fishing
Lake Moodemere is a great fishing spot being peaceful and secluded, close to town, and easily accessible. Redfin are most common within the lake and carp provide some fun for the kids.
Lake King is a small man made lake in Rutherglen and offers carp for the kids, and has recently been stocked with Yellowbelly.
A short drive will take you to prized freshwater fishing grounds including Lake Mulwala, Lake Hume and Dartmouth Dam.
Boat Ramps
Public boat ramps can be accessed at:
- Ball Park Caravan park in Corowa
- Stantons Bend near Rutherglen
- Lake Moodemere
