"Sweetberry's Wodonga Page" Wodonga by Sweetberry1

Wodonga is a major city situated on the Victorian side of the Murray River.. It is also on the main route between Melbourne and Sydney. It's sister city, Albury, is situated just across the Murray River, in New South Wales.. and often these two cities are referred to as the Twin cities.. with Albury being the larger of the two.

Sometime around 1836, brothers, Paul and Charles Huon, settled in this region, and at that time this town was named Belvoir. It wasn't until the 1860's that Wodonga was chosen as the name for this town. 'Wodonga' was thought to be an Aborigine word meaning bulrushes.
During the 1870s Wodonga's population increased.. pastoral runs were opened, and 1873, the railway from Melbourne to Wodonga was opened. The Wodonga shire was created in March, 1876, and included the towns of Bandiana and Bonegilla.
Construction of the Hume Dam began in 1919.. and completed in 1936.. this dam is located about 12 kl. east of Wodonga.

During the second world war military camps were established east of Wodonga at Bandiana and Bonegilla. Bonegilla was used for training infantry, and bomb-disposal personnel. It later became a migrant reception centre, and many immigrants settled in Wodonga in the years that followed.

Parks and waterways..

Wodonga has a fairly large commercial centre, many shops along High St. and the Centro shopping center, just off Elgin Boulevard.
At one end of High Street is a large 6-way roundabout with lovely gardens and a tall water tower located in the centre.
There are many parks and gardens, and some are situated along the many waterways in this city. Also plentiful, are the many walking and riding tracks, to attract the 'wanna be fit' fans, or those who just enjoy walking, or taking their furry friends for a walk.
It's always a pleasure to see this lovely city, whether it's just passing through, and stopping for a while, or staying and enjoying the layed back atmosphere.
The Hume Highway, brings you here from Sydney or Melbourne, and as highways go.. she's a pretty nice drive in either direction.

Ettamogah Pub.. (the one in Queensland)

Albury is located just across the Murray River.. in the State of NSW. This City is said to have been named by Thomas Townsend in the early 1800's. Townsend originally named this town 'Bungambrawartha' (wheww..what a mouthful..) but the region reminded him of the English village of Albury, so this is what the town was named.
Albury-Wodonga are located 300km north-east of Melbourne, 563km south-west of Sydney and 250km north of Canberra.

Some of the regions Attractions..

Ettamogah Pub... Australia's most famous pub.. built around a big tree, walls leaning outward, and an old truck on the rooftop. The pub is just one of the attractions and activities in this village. You definitely can't miss this pub, if you are travelling up the highway.
Ettamogah Sancuary... Just 10 kl out of Albury. Located in a natural bushland setting of over 20 acres, where you can wander and handfeed many native Australian animals. There are also guided tours, an animal hospital, and many activities for kids. (02 6040 3677 )
Murray River... is an attraction in itself.. Riverboats, Water sports of all kinds, Fishing, Trails to explore.. just some of the things to do here.
Also.. Botanical Gardens, Museums, Galleries, Clubs, and numerous Restaurants.

• Pros:Beautiful.. Not too big.. Right on the Murray River..
• Cons:Not far from the snow country, a little cold in the winter..
• In a nutshell:Great place for a holiday.. moreso in the summer months.