There’s something magical about swapping grey winter skies for sunshine, and our recent houseboat trip to Mildura was exactly what we needed. We spent three nights aboard the Cutting Edge – a beauty of a boat with three bedrooms and two sofa beds, perfect for our crew of three couples and two teenagers.

It was a bit of a trek – six hours’ drive from home – but the moment we stepped onto the deck, felt the warm air, and saw the glassy surface of the Murray River, we knew it was worth every kilometre. Mildura greeted us with the kind of weather you dream about in the middle of winter: warm, sunny, and begging you to slow down and just enjoy.

Life Aboard the Cutting Edge

Our days quickly settled into the most blissful rhythm. The boys got straight into fishing – rods in hand before we’d even unpacked – while the rest of us leaned into relaxation mode. We spent hours in the spa, wine glasses in hand, chatting and snacking while the river gently flowed by. Meals were long, lazy, and always delicious, and laughter was our soundtrack.

We even made our trip a little more competitive with our inaugural Fishing Championship. Before we left home, we’d picked up a trophy from a shop in Warrnambool for under $20. It was surprisingly solid, with a great weight to it, and topped with an awesome fish-shaped figure – perfect for bragging rights. In the end, my hubby took home the honours, reeling in an impressive 11 fish over the trip.

Scenic Stops and Tasty Detours

One of our first highlights was a stop at Trentham Estate for a delicious lunch and wine tasting. Sitting by the river with a good glass of wine in hand felt like something straight out of a travel brochure.

Further along, we pulled up at Red Cliffs, and wow – the views were jaw-dropping. The towering red cliffs here were formed millions of years ago, carved by the mighty Murray, and they glow spectacularly in the changing light. The area has a rich history too – from the traditional custodians, the Latji Latji people, to its days as part of the region’s pioneering irrigation schemes. We caught both sunset and dawn here, and the stillness was unforgettable.

Why We’ll Do It Again

This trip was the perfect mix of relaxation, laughter, and connection. There’s something about being on the water – away from the rush of everyday life – that slows your pace and clears your head. Between the warm weather, incredible scenery, great food, and endless laughs, we couldn’t have asked for a better winter escape.

Our Cutting Edge adventure may have been just three nights, but it’s left us with enough stories, inside jokes, and happy memories to last well beyond this season. And yes, that trophy is proudly on display – ready for next year’s rematch.