Down by the riverside, where art, culture and food meet in the middle

Mantra Albury: This modern seven-storey hotel features 146 spacious rooms, a ground-floor restaurant, bar, gym and conference facilities. Located in the Volt Lane precinct of Albury CBD, Mantra is perfect for business or pleasure stays. Pet-friendly rooms are also available on the first floor. Within walking distance of the city's art gallery, Murray Art Museum Albury, and Albury Botanic Gardens, Mantra will appeal to travellers looking for central accommodation within easy reach of the city's highlights and nightlife. all.accor.com

Circa 1928 Art Hotel: Located in the tree-lined Paris end of Albury's main street, the hotel with a heritage-listed facade and iconic entry columns creates a sense of grandeur on arrival. Circa 1928 has only four luxurious suites and studios. In keeping with the hotel's celebration of art and culture, each room was named after a renowned artist born in 1928. All have a luxurious ensuite bathroom, with walk-in showers, deep bathtubs built for two and bathing products from Australian natural skincare brand Hunter Lab. Mini bars offer chocolate, snacks, leaf teas, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. circahotels.com

Close Collective Cafe: This social enterprise opened in the heart of Wodonga in March 2024. The cafe is run by Junction Support Services, which has helped the community's most vulnerable people since 1989. The cafe is headed by David Kapay, who trained in London under celebrity chefs Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay. All profits go to Junction's youth and community support programs. It opens weekdays, 7am to 3pm, and Saturdays, 8am to 2pm. closecollective.org.au

Norma: A little off the beaten track, this charming neighbourhood wine and pasta bar is worth seeking out. Serving regional wines and Italian-inspired food, Norma never fails to deliver crowd-pleasing dishes Nonna would approve. It's renowned for its house-made semolina pasta, antipasto and a house-made tiramisu. Now the only hatted restaurant in Albury, Norma still feels like a warm hug from your favourite Italian cousin. Salute! normawineandpasta.com

Yardbird: Nestled in the Paris end of Albury, Yardbird offers a unique dining experience in a thoroughly modern space. The menu is based on local produce complemented by an excellent selection of district wines. Head chef Simon Arkless never fails to deliver on his ethos to respect the produce while adding his own innovative stamp. Think smoked eel fillet soft-boiled egg, grilled cos, anchovy mayonnaise and crisp chicken skin to start and 18-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder with baba ganoush, cucumber salad and harissa jus for main. yardbird.com.au

Step back in time: One in 20 Australians has family ties to Bonegilla. Bonegilla Migrant Experience is an intimate glimpse into the hopes and dreams of post-war migrants. Explore the historic camp buildings, hear shared stories and imagine walking in the shoes of 320,000 migrants who called Bonegilla their first home. Guided tours are available. Open daily from 10am to 4pm. bonegilla.org.au

Go with the flow: The Wagirra Trail meanders through Albury's picturesque riverside parks (Noreuil and Hovell Tree), past the Adventure Playspace at Oddies Creek and west of the city to Wonga Wetlands. The sealed section of the trail from Kremur Street to the wetlands features the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. Aboriginal artists have created 15 stunning works that punctuate the trail. South of the border, the Crossing Place Trail follows the banks of the majestic Murray River. alburycity.nsw.gov.au

CBD culture club: A must-see in Albury is Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), the heart of art and culture on the Murray. MAMA is popular for its innovative, original exhibitions, featuring some of the best contemporary artists in Australia. Located between Dean Street and the open green space of QEII Square, it combines heritage features with light-filled contemporary spaces. Open seven days (excluding Good Friday, Anzac Day and Christmas Day). Check out the wonderful nearby eatery, Canvas, too. mamalbury.com.au

Getting there: Positioned in the middle of the Melbourne-Sydney-Canberra triangle, Albury-Wodonga is easily accessible by road, rail or air. Albury Airport is five kilometres from the city centre and offers more than 160 direct flights weekly to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Regional Express and QantasLink service the airport. Located just one block from the Albury city centre, Albury Railway Station offers daily rail services (NSW TrainLink and Vline) connecting Albury-Wodonga with Melbourne and Sydney. Bus services (NSW TrainLink, V/Line, Greyhound and Firefly) connect the cities with plenty of destinations. Albury-Wodonga is an easy drive from major capital cities along the M31 Hume Motorway.

Best time to go: Albury-Wodonga is a place for all seasons, but the best time to visit is during autumn or spring. The weather is mild, with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the outdoor beauty of the region. The Twin Cities put on a stunning display in autumn as the deciduous trees dial up the colour in vibrant red and yellow hues. The Albury Gold Cup is one of the premier country racing carnivals in Australia every autumn. Albury-Wodonga is a great base to access the Victorian Alps. On the longest night of the year, Survivors of Suicide and Friends hosts the Albury-Wodonga Winter Solstice to bring together the community in a moving ceremony like no other.