Thanks to an irrigation network and a post-war influx of European settlers, the Murray River environs never fail to set the gastronomic juices flowing. A hub of citrus and stone fruit production, the river runs through Rutherglen, famous for its fortified wines, and the Riverland where a quarter of the nation's wine grapes are grown.
Sitting either side of the Hume Highway - where the busiest highway crosses our greatest river - are Albury and Wodonga. They grew up as both river ports and rail heads.
The blend of European food culture and a bounty of locally grown ingredients created truly regional cuisine. The European food experience - still dominant around centres, such as Milawa and Mildura - influences and educates the palates to this day.
Fresh is best at the Hume Murray Farmers' Market held every second Saturday at Wodonga.
Be inspired by the food and wine matches on offer at The Epicurean Centre at Brown Brothers Winery at Milawa.
Taste perfection at Chambers Winery in Rutherglen where the Rare Muscat and Rare Tokay wines rated 100 out of 100 by the world's most influential wine judge, Robert Parker Jnr.
Enjoy an Italian-style family feast at Stefano's Restaurant in the cellar of Mildura's Grand Hotel, cooked by Slow Food movement apostle, Stefano de Pieri.
Pick of the crops at Belstack Strawberry Farm, Murray Bank yabby farm, Fruits at Stanley or the Farm Gate Trail around Cobram-Barooga.