The Sunraysia region offers Melbourne professionals exceptional opportunities for rural lifestyle transformation through established horticultural enterprises, reliable irrigation systems, and productive rural living with semi-arid climate benefits. This productive region combines exceptional climate conditions, proven irrigation infrastructure, and strategic connectivity to interstate markets, creating ideal conditions for families seeking both profitable agricultural ventures and sustainable rural lifestyle experiences.
Overview of the Sunraysia Region
The Sunraysia encompasses approximately 9,500 km² of Victoria’s most productive irrigated agricultural country, including major centres of Mildura, Red Cliffs, Irymple, Robinvale, and Ouyen, with over 55,000 residents including established communities of former Melbourne professionals who’ve successfully transitioned to productive horticultural enterprises in Australia’s premier irrigated agricultural region.
The region’s strategic position along the Murray River, combined with unique semi-arid climate conditions and world-class irrigation infrastructure, creates exceptional agricultural advantages through abundant sunshine, premium fruit and vegetable production, and established agricultural systems supporting commercial enterprises and diversified farming operations.
Temperature patterns reflect the region’s semi-arid climate with hot summers (typical maximums 30-36°C) and mild winters (typical minimums 4-10°C) creating optimal conditions for intensive horticultural enterprises whilst providing comfortable rural living through low humidity and distinct seasonal advantages for year-round production.
The region’s river flat geology creates exceptional agricultural opportunities, from fertile irrigated soils supporting intensive citrus production to sandy river flats suited to premium table grape and diverse crop enterprises. This soil suitability enables newcomers to develop highly productive agricultural systems with proven track records of commercial success and sustainable farming practices.
Water resources throughout Sunraysia include Murray River access providing reliable irrigation, comprehensive irrigation infrastructure supporting intensive agriculture, established water trading systems, and modern precision irrigation providing outstanding water security for both domestic needs and intensive agricultural enterprises whilst maintaining environmental sustainability.
Land holdings range from small intensive agricultural blocks of 5-40 hectares perfect for families developing premium boutique enterprises to substantial agricultural properties exceeding 200 hectares suitable for comprehensive commercial operations and diversified farming systems with established rural character.
Demographics & Urban Accessibility
Sunraysia’s strategic location along the Murray River creates exceptional accessibility to interstate markets whilst maintaining authentic rural character and established agricultural communities supporting successful urban-to-rural lifestyle transitions.
Key Towns and Urban Centres
Mildura serves as the region’s agricultural capital with approximately 35,000 residents, offering comprehensive services including specialised agricultural machinery dealers, fruit packing and processing facilities, irrigation system specialists, banking facilities, and professional services essential for intensive agricultural operations. The city provides excellent educational facilities, medical services, and established networks supporting families transitioning from urban to productive rural enterprises.
Red Cliffs functions as the region’s citrus industry centre with over 4,500 residents, providing established agricultural services and community networks whilst maintaining strong citrus industry connections and irrigation infrastructure supporting premium citrus operations.
Irymple offers unique opportunities combining table grape production with established agricultural enterprises and processing facilities. The town provides comprehensive rural services whilst maintaining authentic agricultural character and premium fruit production connectivity.
Robinvale provides specialised table grape services combined with established export networks, offering premium opportunities whilst maintaining authentic agricultural character and international market enterprise support.
Ouyen serves as the region’s dryland agricultural centre with established grain systems, providing essential services whilst maintaining traditional rural lifestyle and diversified agricultural community networks.
Distance and Connectivity – Strategic Positioning
| Destination | From Mildura | From Red Cliffs | From Irymple | From Robinvale |
| Melbourne CBD | 550km (6 hours) | 570km (6.2 hours) | 540km (5.8 hours) | 450km (5 hours) |
| Adelaide | 290km (3.2 hours) | 310km (3.4 hours) | 280km (3.1 hours) | 320km (3.5 hours) |
| Sydney | 680km (7.5 hours) | 700km (7.7 hours) | 670km (7.3 hours) | 580km (6.3 hours) |
| Broken Hill | 300km (3.3 hours) | 320km (3.5 hours) | 290km (3.2 hours) | 330km (3.6 hours) |
| Ballarat | 350km (4 hours) | 370km (4.2 hours) | 340km (3.8 hours) | 320km (3.5 hours) |
Agricultural Connectivity:
- Sturt Highway providing excellent interstate connectivity for fresh produce transport
- Regional freight networks connecting directly with Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney markets
- Mildura Airport supporting agricultural exports and business connectivity
- Murray River transport corridor supporting agricultural distribution
- Established cold storage and fruit packing facilities throughout agricultural areas
Services and Infrastructure – Rural Excellence
Medical Facilities include Mildura Base Hospital, comprehensive primary healthcare throughout agricultural centres, and specialist services. Interstate connectivity ensures access to metropolitan medical care whilst regional facilities provide excellent healthcare support including agricultural health programmes and rural medicine specialists.
Educational Opportunities encompass excellent public and private schools with strong environmental and agricultural programmes, La Trobe University Mildura campus providing local tertiary education access, and established agricultural education supporting farming career development with rural lifestyle integration.
Digital Connectivity – Essential for Modern Rural Operations:
- NBN fibre available throughout major towns with comprehensive agricultural area coverage
- Fixed wireless coverage extending to most irrigated properties
- Excellent mobile coverage throughout populated areas and major agricultural districts
- High-speed internet standard for modern rural properties supporting precision agriculture and remote monitoring
- Professional services and co-working facilities available in Mildura
Shopping and Services:
- Comprehensive shopping centres and agricultural retail facilities in Mildura
- Specialised irrigation, agricultural, and viticulture suppliers throughout the region
- Major agricultural machinery dealerships and service facilities
- Quality dining, accommodation, and wine tourism facilities throughout rural areas
- Complete banking services and professional support networks specialising in agriculture
- Extensive tourism infrastructure and recreational facilities supporting agricultural enterprises
Land Use & Agricultural Potential
Sunraysia’s agricultural reputation stems from exceptional irrigation infrastructure, climate reliability, and established premium agricultural systems enabling urban refugees to develop world-class export enterprises whilst building on generations of agricultural excellence and proven farming systems.
Soil Types and Agricultural Suitability for Productive Rural Enterprises
Red Sandy Soils throughout northern irrigation areas provide exceptional drainage and workability suited to premium citrus enterprises requiring precise irrigation management whilst producing outstanding export quality. These soils provide optimal growing conditions for intensive citrus production whilst supporting established export enterprises with proven international market success.
Murray River Alluvials across river flat areas offer excellent fertility and water retention suited to diverse agricultural enterprises including table grapes, stone fruits, and vegetable systems. These rich soils enable newcomers to achieve exceptional results with proper irrigation management whilst supporting sustainable premium enterprises.
Mallee Sandy Loams in elevated areas provide good drainage and excellent root development suited to viticulture and specialty agricultural systems. These soils provide optimal wine grape growing conditions whilst supporting established boutique wineries with premium market positioning.
Calcareous River Soils in premium locations provide unique characteristics for specialty fruit production requiring precise management and premium quality outcomes with distinctive terroir characteristics.
Primary Agricultural Activities – World-Class Farming Systems
Citrus Production represents the region’s premier agricultural enterprise with established orchards, proven export varieties, and premium international market access providing exceptional opportunities for families developing commercial citrus enterprises with reliable export income potential and rural lifestyle integration.
Table Grape Production utilises exceptional irrigation infrastructure and climate advantages producing premium export table grapes for Asian and international markets. The region’s export facilities and cold storage enable premium pricing and established international relationships supporting successful export viticultural enterprises.
Wine Grape Production including premium varieties utilises climate conditions and established irrigation providing premium wine production with established market access and tourism integration opportunities through cellar doors and wine tourism facilities.
Stone Fruit Production including almonds, peaches, and apricots utilises climate advantages and precision irrigation providing premium fruit production with established processing access and export integration opportunities.
Vegetable Production including processing tomatoes and fresh vegetables complement agricultural operations whilst providing diversification opportunities through established processing facilities and rural lifestyle benefits.
Dried Fruit Production utilising abundant sunshine and established drying facilities provides value-added opportunities maximising returns from fruit enterprises whilst supporting traditional agricultural practices.
Rainfall and Water Resources
| Area | Annual Rainfall | Elevation | Reliability | Agricultural Quality |
| Mildura | 285mm | 50m | Variable | Premium (irrigated) |
| Red Cliffs | 270mm | 45m | Variable | Outstanding (irrigated) |
| Irymple | 290mm | 55m | Variable | Premium (irrigated) |
| Robinvale | 300mm | 35m | Variable | Excellent (irrigated) |
| Ouyen | 320mm | 100m | Variable | Good (dryland/limited irrigation) |
Water resources include Murray River access providing unlimited irrigation opportunities, comprehensive irrigation infrastructure throughout intensive agricultural areas, established water trading systems enabling flexible enterprise management, and precision irrigation technology ensuring water security for intensive agricultural operations.
Water Planning for Agricultural Excellence:
- Murray River water access through established irrigation infrastructure and permanent water rights
- Comprehensive irrigation districts providing reliable water supply for premium agriculture
- Water trading systems enabling flexible water management and enterprise optimisation
- Precision irrigation technology including drip systems maximising efficiency for premium agricultural enterprises
Self-Sufficiency Considerations
Sunraysia provides excellent opportunities for self-sufficient rural living, combining reliable irrigation access, abundant sunshine, and proven intensive systems enabling families to achieve comprehensive food independence whilst maintaining connectivity to regional services and rural lifestyle amenities.
Climate and Agricultural Advantages for Self-Sufficient Operations
The region’s semi-arid climate creates excellent conditions for self-sufficient operations through reliable irrigation access supporting year-round growing systems, abundant sunshine enabling extended growing seasons, and low humidity facilitating food preservation and rural living with exceptional agricultural productivity.
Hot summers provide outstanding conditions for intensive agricultural activities and food processing whilst enabling extended growing seasons for warm-season crops and fruit production. Mild winters enable year-round growing opportunities for cool-season crops whilst supporting traditional food preservation methods.
Abundant sunshine and distinct seasonal patterns enable precise planning for multiple cropping cycles, extended harvest periods, and food production systems whilst providing natural preservation advantages and excellent growing conditions for diverse food crops.
Energy Generation Opportunities:
- Outstanding solar potential with abundant sunshine hours throughout the year
- Good wind resources in elevated areas suitable for small-scale wind generation
- Limited micro-hydro potential except along Murray River systems
- Biomass generation from agricultural waste and vegetation management
- Excellent grid connectivity throughout irrigated areas with renewable energy feed-in opportunities
Water Security and Management
Sunraysia’s irrigation infrastructure and Murray River access create exceptional water security for self-sufficient operations. Reliable river water access, established irrigation systems, and water trading provide complete water independence for both domestic and agricultural requirements.
Domestic Water Systems:
- Murray River access providing unlimited high-quality domestic water through treatment systems
- Town water supplies available throughout developed areas with excellent quality standards
- Rainwater harvesting providing supplementary supplies despite low rainfall
- Excellent bore water quality available in limited areas with sustainable yields
Agricultural Water Systems:
- Murray River access through established irrigation infrastructure and permanent water rights
- Irrigation district infrastructure providing unlimited water supply for intensive production
- Water trading systems enabling flexible water management for diverse enterprises
- Precision irrigation systems maximising efficiency for intensive agricultural enterprises
- On-farm storage systems providing irrigation timing flexibility and water security
Food Production Systems
Sunraysia supports comprehensive food production systems combining intensive irrigated agriculture with rural diversification enabling complete food independence through integration of citrus production, viticulture, vegetable systems, and livestock utilising the region’s exceptional irrigation advantages.
Intensive Food Production Systems:
- Citrus production providing year-round fresh fruit and processing opportunities through established varieties
- Vegetable production providing continuous fresh produce through succession planting and season extension
- Stone fruit orchards providing seasonal fresh fruit and drying opportunities utilising abundant sunshine
- Herb and medicinal plant production complementing food systems with diverse varieties and essential oils
- Protected cropping systems enabling year-round production and crop diversity
Livestock Integration:
- Free-range poultry systems integrated with agricultural operations providing eggs and meat
- Goat enterprises providing dairy products suited to semi-arid conditions and dietary preferences
- Sheep enterprises utilising non-irrigated areas and providing meat with traditional preparation methods
- Bee keeping operations supporting agricultural pollination whilst providing honey products
- Heritage livestock breeds adapted to semi-arid conditions
Food Processing and Value-Adding:
- Fruit processing including juice production, preserves, and dried fruit utilising abundant sunshine
- Wine and spirit production utilising grape enterprises and traditional methods
- Vegetable processing including traditional preservation methods and specialty products
- Artisan food production including cheese making, curing, and specialty product development
- Value-adding opportunities for surplus production with premium market positioning
Regional Sub-Areas & Towns in Sunraysia
Sunraysia’s diverse irrigation access and agricultural specialisation creates distinct subregions offering varying advantages for different agricultural interests, lifestyle preferences, and family needs from premium export agriculture to rural lifestyle integration.
Central Mildura – Premium Agricultural Hub
Central Mildura and surrounding areas provide exceptional opportunities for families seeking intensive agricultural enterprises with comprehensive infrastructure and premium rural lifestyle benefits. The service concentration and export connectivity create optimal conditions for commercial agricultural operations with international market access.
Family Considerations:
- Export Infrastructure: Major fruit packing, cold storage, and export facilities supporting international market access
- Education: Comprehensive educational facilities including university campus and agricultural training programmes
- Healthcare: Regional hospital and specialist medical services including agricultural health programmes
- Services: Complete agricultural services including irrigation specialists and precision agriculture support
- Recreation: Quality recreational facilities and Murray River lifestyle amenities
Property Characteristics:
- Price Range: $25,000-$60,000/hectare for premium irrigated export agricultural properties
- Export Quality: Premium irrigation infrastructure supporting export-quality fruit production
- Infrastructure Access: Direct connectivity to export facilities and international markets
- Commercial Focus: Established export agricultural systems with proven international market success
Red Cliffs District – Citrus Excellence
The Red Cliffs district offers unique opportunities combining premium citrus production with established industry infrastructure and rural lifestyle benefits. The citrus industry focus and processing integration create specialised agricultural opportunities.
Family Considerations:
- Citrus Specialisation: Premium citrus industry with established processing and export systems
- Industry Integration: Citrus processing facilities and established industry networks
- Community: Specialist citrus growing community with multi-generational expertise
- Rural Lifestyle: Established rural lifestyle with citrus industry character
- Market Integration: Direct processing connectivity and premium citrus market positioning
Property Characteristics:
- Price Range: $20,000-$45,000/hectare for premium citrus production properties
- Citrus Excellence: Established citrus orchards with proven export production systems
- Processing Integration: Direct connectivity to citrus processing and juice production facilities
- Industry Expertise: Established citrus community with specialist technical support
Robinvale Region – Table Grape Premium
The Robinvale region provides opportunities combining premium table grape production with established export systems and international market connectivity. The table grape specialisation and export focus create premium agricultural opportunities.
Family Considerations:
- Table Grape Expertise: Premium table grape production with established export systems
- International Markets: Direct connectivity to Asian and international export markets
- Specialist Community: Table grape growing community with export market expertise
- Export Infrastructure: Cold storage and packing facilities specialised for table grape export
- Premium Positioning: Established premium table grape market positioning and quality systems
Property Characteristics:
- Price Range: $30,000-$70,000/hectare for premium table grape export properties
- Export Specialisation: Premium table grape varieties with established export market access
- Quality Systems: Export-grade quality systems and cold storage infrastructure
- International Focus: Established international market relationships and export expertise
Irymple District – Diversified Excellence
The Irymple district offers exceptional opportunities combining diversified agriculture with established agricultural systems and rural lifestyle integration. The agricultural diversity and lifestyle focus create comprehensive farming opportunities.
Family Considerations:
- Agricultural Diversity: Mixed agricultural opportunities including citrus, grapes, and vegetables
- Lifestyle Integration: Rural lifestyle with established community amenities
- Agricultural Diversity: Multiple enterprise opportunities with risk diversification benefits
- Community Character: Established agricultural families with diversified farming knowledge
- Recreational Access: Murray River recreational opportunities with agricultural integration
Property Characteristics:
- Price Range: $15,000-$40,000/hectare for diversified agricultural properties
- Enterprise Diversity: Multiple agricultural enterprises with established market systems
- Rural Character: Premium rural lifestyle with agricultural diversity
- Market Flexibility: Diversified market opportunities with multiple enterprise options
Property Prices & Market Data
Sunraysia land prices reflect exceptional irrigation infrastructure, export market connectivity, and rural lifestyle benefits, with significant premium for established export operations, premium varieties, and processing connectivity supporting commercial agricultural systems.
Current Market Conditions
Price Influencing Factors for Rural Properties:
- Irrigation access and water rights significantly affecting property values for all farming enterprises
- Established orchards and crops providing immediate income and food production potential
- Quality of existing infrastructure including homes, sheds, and fencing
- Proximity to towns and services affecting lifestyle convenience
- Quality of irrigation systems including modern technology and water efficiency
- Size and suitability for intended rural lifestyle and self-sufficiency goals
Market Demand Characteristics:
- Strong interstate interest from families seeking rural lifestyle change
- Melbourne and regional buyers looking for tree/sea change properties with income potential
- Retirees seeking self-sufficient rural properties with reliable water access
- Young families wanting to raise children in rural environments with agricultural opportunities
- Investors seeking agricultural properties with lifestyle and income diversification
Investment Considerations for Agricultural Buyers
The region’s exceptional irrigation infrastructure, export market connectivity, and established agricultural expertise provide outstanding foundations for families transitioning from urban careers to premium agricultural enterprises whilst maintaining access to comprehensive services and rural lifestyle amenities.
Financial Planning for Agricultural Operations:
- Premium property values reflecting irrigation and export infrastructure providing stable long-term investments
- Established export enterprises offering immediate premium income potential through proven agricultural systems
- International export markets providing reliable premium income streams with currency diversification benefits
- Water trading opportunities providing additional revenue streams and operational flexibility
- Tax advantages through primary production enterprises and agricultural improvement allowances
- Export market integration enabling premium positioning and international business development
Operational Considerations for Agricultural Success:
- Substantial working capital requirements for water rights, irrigation systems, and agricultural establishment
- Intensive enterprise management requiring specialised agricultural expertise and precision agriculture technology
- Export market compliance requiring quality systems, traceability, and international certification standards
- Seasonal labour requirements for harvest and packing operations requiring workforce management skills
- Water management requiring technical expertise and regulatory compliance for irrigation operations
- International market positioning requiring export expertise and cultural market understanding
Legal & Regulatory Considerations
Sunraysia operates under comprehensive irrigation and export agricultural planning frameworks protecting river environments whilst enabling appropriate agricultural development and intensive agricultural enterprise expansion throughout Victoria’s premier export agricultural region.
Zoning and Planning Framework for Agricultural Properties
Farming Zone dominates throughout agricultural areas, supporting intensive agricultural enterprises, export agriculture activities, and rural dwellings whilst protecting premium irrigated agricultural land from inappropriate development. This zoning provides excellent security for agricultural investments and long-term enterprises.
Rural Activity Zone applies in areas supporting intensive agricultural activities including packing facilities, processing operations, cold storage facilities, and agricultural service businesses. This zoning enables commercial enterprises and agricultural business development.
Irrigation District Overlay applies throughout irrigated areas requiring compliance with irrigation district regulations and water management requirements.
Agricultural Planning Considerations:
- Water allocation and trading regulations affecting irrigation enterprise development and operational flexibility
- Export facility development regulations affecting packing sheds, cold storage, and processing infrastructure
- Environmental protection affecting development near Murray River systems and irrigation infrastructure
- Quality assurance requirements for export operations including traceability and food safety systems
- Cultural heritage assessments for properties containing Aboriginal and European river heritage values
Local Government Areas and Agricultural Support
Mildura Rural City: Comprehensive agricultural and export agricultural planning expertise, excellent intensive agricultural support, established irrigation and export expertise with agricultural focus.
Environmental and Heritage Management
Sunraysia contains significant river environmental and heritage values requiring understanding for successful agricultural enterprise development including Murray River protection, salinity management, and extensive cultural heritage recognition.
Environmental Compliance Requirements:
- River environment protection including drainage management and sustainable irrigation practices
- Salinity management requirements including drainage systems and soil conservation measures
- Biodiversity conservation opportunities including habitat protection along river systems
- Sustainable irrigation incentives including water conservation programmes and environmental funding
- Chemical use regulations including spray drift management and export residue compliance
Heritage and Cultural Considerations:
- Extensive Aboriginal cultural heritage protection requiring comprehensive assessment along river areas
- European heritage conservation affecting historic irrigation infrastructure and settlement areas
- River landscape protection maintaining environmental values and agricultural character
- Community heritage values recognising established irrigation families and agricultural innovations
Practical Tips for Sunraysia Buyers
Successful Sunraysia property acquisition and agricultural enterprise development requires understanding established irrigation systems, export markets, water trading, and precision agriculture whilst maintaining realistic expectations about intensive enterprise requirements and export compliance obligations.
Site Selection and Assessment for Agricultural Success
Irrigation and Export Assessment: Understanding water rights, irrigation infrastructure, and export market connectivity determines realistic agricultural planning and enterprise selection. Professional agricultural assessment prevents overestimating property potential whilst identifying optimal enterprises for irrigation access and export market positioning.
Soil and Varietal Evaluation: Assessing soil suitability, established varieties, and agricultural infrastructure determines premium production potential and development opportunities. Understanding precision irrigation requirements and agricultural management needs enables realistic budgeting and development planning.
Export Market and Quality Positioning: Evaluating export facility access, quality systems, and international market connectivity determines viable agricultural enterprises and export strategies. Understanding international market requirements and premium positioning opportunities ensures optimal enterprise development.
Water Trading and Compliance Assessment: Assessing water trading opportunities, irrigation regulations, and export compliance requirements determines additional opportunities and regulatory obligations for agricultural operations.
Agricultural Enterprise Development for Newcomers
Starting with Established Export Systems: Beginning with proven agricultural enterprises including established citrus, table grapes, or export varieties provides immediate export income whilst enabling skill development through established precision agricultural management systems.
Professional Agricultural Support: Connecting with established agricultural families, export consultants, and irrigation specialists provides essential knowledge transfer whilst accessing export supply chains and international market expertise.
Export Market Development: Understanding premium international positioning, quality requirements, and agricultural systems ensures optimal export pricing whilst building sustainable agricultural enterprises with established international market recognition.
Precision Water Management: Developing comprehensive water management plans addressing irrigation efficiency, water trading opportunities, and seasonal allocation optimises productivity whilst managing water resources for premium agricultural production.
Community Integration and Agricultural Networks
Agricultural Organisation Participation: Joining established agricultural organisations, export groups, and irrigation districts provides networking opportunities whilst accessing agricultural expertise and international market advocacy support.
Rural Community Engagement: Participating in rural community activities, agricultural societies, and export organisations enables social integration whilst building support networks and international market connections.
Professional Agricultural Service Networks: Establishing relationships with agricultural specialists including agricultural consultants, export advisers, irrigation engineers, and international market specialists ensures ongoing support and professional advice.
Continuous Agricultural Learning: Accessing ongoing education including export agriculture courses, precision irrigation training, and international market programmes ensures skill development and industry knowledge for agricultural operations.
Conclusion
Sunraysia of Victoria represents an exceptional opportunity for Melbourne professionals seeking rural lifestyle transformation through world-class export agricultural enterprises and sustainable irrigation-based living. The region’s exceptional irrigation infrastructure and climate conditions create distinct advantages supporting premium export production and rural lifestyle integration unavailable in most agricultural regions.
The region’s strategic positioning along the Murray River corridor, combined with established export industries, international market connectivity, and comprehensive professional support networks, creates compelling advantages for families pursuing rural transition whilst maintaining access to regional services and premium Murray River recreational opportunities.
Whether seeking premium export citrus enterprises supporting world-class fruit production, comprehensive table grape systems combining intensive agriculture with international market access, or diversified agricultural operations utilising proven sustainable irrigation systems, Sunraysia provides the water security, export infrastructure, and community support necessary for successful agricultural operations and sophisticated rural lifestyle transformation.
Success in Sunraysia agricultural transition requires understanding established export systems, international markets, precision irrigation techniques, and agricultural advantages whilst maintaining realistic expectations about intensive enterprise management and export compliance obligations. The comprehensive industry support infrastructure, established networks of successful agricultural families, and world-class export systems provide crucial resources for families achieving their agricultural excellence and substantial export income objectives in Australia’s premier export agricultural region combining international market success with premium rural lifestyle benefits.
frequently asked questions
Sunraysia has a hot, dry climate with long summers and mild winters. The area receives high sunshine hours, making it ideal for fruit and wine production.
Grapes, citrus, almonds, olives, and stone fruits thrive in Sunraysia. The region is one of Australia’s most important producers of table grapes and oranges.
Yes, but water management is critical. The dry climate requires reliable irrigation from the Murray River to sustain crops and livestock.
Sheep, goats, and cattle are common, though feed and water availability limit stocking rates. Poultry and small-scale livestock are also viable.
The Murray River is the main source of irrigation water, but allocations can vary in dry years. Water rights and planning are essential for farming.
The region has sandy loam and clay soils, often requiring management through fertilisation and irrigation. Some areas are prone to salinity.
Land is more affordable than in coastal Victoria. Prices depend on water rights, soil quality, and proximity to towns like Mildura.
Mildura is the regional hub, supported by smaller towns such as Red Cliffs, Merbein, and Robinvale.
Mildura has schools, hospitals, shopping, and an airport. Smaller towns provide basic services, with strong transport links via road and rail.
The region faces drought and heat stress in summer. Dust storms and bushfires can also occur, though river irrigation reduces fire risk in farmed areas.
Solar power performs exceptionally well due to the high number of sunny days. Wind energy is less reliable but possible in exposed areas.
Sunshine, fertile soils, and irrigation support strong food production. Land is affordable, and the community has a long history of farming innovation.