Julie & Jim Hill
Julie and Jim Hill love their prickly pocket of Victoria, with its perfect weather and laid-back environment. The Hills bought a peach orchard in the 1980s, with plans to make something more. Jim soon put his green thumbs to work, making a home and constructing a half acre garden.
Now known as Cactus Country, the garden has grown to 8 acres. It's filled with cacti and succulents of every shape and size. Cactus Country is also home to a cafe, where you can settle in for a Mexican-inspired meal and house-made margaritas, paired with cactus cake and ice cream for dessert.
Julie and Jim share some of their favourite spots in the Murray with us.
1. The Murray River
The region's eponymous river stretches 2,700 kilometres along the state border. Although there's a plethora of things to do both near and on the river, it's also the perfect spot to take time and relax. 'There's just something about watching the water flow and feeling the sand between your toes, as you soak up the sun,' Julie says.
2. Sunset spots
This part of the state is known for its epic sunsets. Pack a picnic or bring a thermos and camp chair and look west, for a view with a hue. Julie and Jim reckon nothing beats the sunset over Cactus Country, paired with an ice-cold beer or margarita.
3. Warrabilla Winery
There are some stellar wineries in Murray country and while it's hard to settle on a favourite, Julie reckons Warrabilla Wines is pretty close to perfect. 'You just can't go wrong here,' she says. Head to their cellar door, just 12 minutes out of Rutherglen, to sample a glass of their big, bold red for yourself.
4. Rich Glen Olives
The Murray is the life blood for Victoria's food bowl and so there's a huge range of fresh, local produce just waiting to be sampled. Julie and Jim recommend a visit to Rich Glen Olive Farm, for the ultimate farm gate experience. Browse their selection of gourmet food and skincare products and order a delicious tasting platter to enjoy in their beautiful garden.
5. Bushwalking
Along with an abundance of wildlife, the Murray is home to forests of red gum, which house a diverse range of wildlife. Julie and Jim recommend a trek on Ulupna Island near Barmah State Park and Forest. Keep an eye out for Aboriginal sacred sites, and sleepy koalas lazing among the trees.
