Albury

Understand

Whilst in many senses Albury-Wodonga operates as a single community (sometimes to the dismay of residents), the twin cities possess parallel municipal governments and state government services. The closer proximity of Melbourne and the local predominance of Australian rules football perhaps give Albury a closer cultural affiliation with Victoria.

Grand plans were made by the Gough Whitlam government in the 1970s to turn Albury-Wodonga into a major inland city and the cities have grown rapidly from sleepy country towns to major regional centres.

The Albury-Wodonga Visitor Information Centre is on Lincoln Causeway (on what was once the Hume Highway) between the two cities. It is open 9AM-5PM daily.

Get in

250px|thumb|[[Hume Highway through Albury]]

Get around

In typical Australian fashion, the lack of cooperation between states has resulted in the lack of proper signage as both states don't really put the other state's city, making navigation quite difficult. However, within each city, signage to the respective CBD is well-signed, but it's still easy to get lost. Nevertheless, locals are almost always willing to help you.

By bus

Both Albury and Wodonga have extensive bus networks. There is also a bus that connects the two cities' CBDs that departs every 30 minutes.

Buy

Both Albury and Wodonga have many large department stores to cater to their growing population. Whether you prefer a large shopping complex with many of the popular chain stores, or the more unique boutique stores, tucked away in a quieter location, you'll definitely fine somewhere to enjoy a browse. Pop into one of the many cafes and coffee shops for a recharge when you need one.

Go next

The main routes out of Albury-Wodonga are the Hume Highway (between Sydney and Melbourne), Murray Valley Highway (a scenic route along the Murray River, the Riverina Highway (a route linking Albury and Deniliquin), and the Olympic Highway (links Albury with Wagga Wagga and Bathurst and provides an alternate route to Sydney).

Off the major roads are notable towns of: Beechworth - Known for its gourmet food and small craft boutiques. Bakery being so famous that it's spread all over Victoria and in some areas of NSW Bright - About an hours drive, in the heart of the high country. Rutherglen - 30 minutes away, featuring many surrounding wineries known for their reds.