Discover Red Cliffs through its red rock cliffs and the history of an irrigation soldier settlement. You’ll also find views of wetlands, a monthly market and several historical themes. You can choose how to balance nature, local history and regional produce based on what interests you most during your stay.
Cliffs and Wetlands
Red Cliffs are 70-metre-high, red to orange rock cliffs, which gave the town its name and are considered worth seeing. At Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve, the reserve and its boardwalk offer views of the wetlands and the distinctive cliffs. Red Cliffs Lookout in the reserve is a roadside viewpoint. The two named viewpoints are described differently: the boardwalk is noted for its views of wetlands and cliffs, while the lookout is identified as a roadside viewpoint.
Market and Quandong Park
The Red Cliffs Country Market is held on the first Sunday of each month from 9 am to 1 pm on Ilex Street, at Indi Avenue and at Barclay Square. If you’re planning to visit the market, check the date and opening hours again before you travel. Its monthly schedule and set time window give you a specific reference point for planning.
Quandong Park has a playground, a skate park and public toilets for residents and visitors. It therefore offers a range of facilities for different kinds of visits. The market and park represent two different sides of the town: a recurring market day and a public park with recreational facilities.
The Settlement’s Origins
Red Cliffs was described as Australia’s largest irrigation soldier settlement. In 1920, returned soldiers began clearing the Mallee scrub there; 33,000 acres of land were allocated for the settlement. These details link the settlement’s beginnings to a specific year and an allocated land area. Big Lizzie played an important role in clearing the land on which Red Cliffs was established.
Museums, Collections and Local Mementos
The Red Cliffs Military Museum was established in 1997. Its extensive collection includes artefacts and memorabilia from the Boer War through to the wars in Vietnam and East Timor; all branches of the armed forces are represented. The time span and representation of all branches give the collection a military history focus.
In 1994, the Red Cliffs & District Historical Society was granted permanent use of the Court House as its headquarters. It houses a collection of historical objects, photographs, newspaper articles, books, maps and memorabilia. The Red Cliffs Courthouse Museum is run by the Historical Society and features exhibitions on the early history of Red Cliffs.
The Red Cliffs Water Tower Mural depicts the town’s history. It was created in 1991 by students from Red Cliffs Secondary College under the direction of artist Clark Barrett from Broken Hill. The steam locomotive of the Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway adds railway history to the historical themes: the locomotive, known as “Lukee”, was built in 1901.
Regional Produce
Mildura Farms in Red Cliffs stocks regional nuts, dried fruit, honey and juices in both single-serve and bulk packs. This is a retail offering of regional produce, not an advertised tasting or tour. If you’re planning to shop, check what’s currently available before your visit, as business details can change.
Discover more destinations: Nirranda, Caveat, Murtoa, Curdievale, Macarthur, Wongarra, Stawell, Sea Lake.
See the overview of the wider region: Victoria.
