SWAN HILL Swan Hill is the next and major town (city) heading west along Murray River road network. Swan Hill is also a town nestled against the Murray River. Swan Hill is a nice town, but sadly modern development has determined a somewhat sterile place. That said an overnight visit is a must. The area was given its current name by explorer Thomas Mitchell, while camping beside a hill there on 21 June 1836. The European community grew up around a punt river crossing, which was established as early as 1846. This crossing serviced the growing agricultural area, and was the only river crossing for 100 km. The Post Office opened here on 1 February 1849. In 1853 Frances Cadell navigated the Murray River from its mouth in South Australia to Swan Hill in his Paddle Steamer, Lady Augusta. He arrived on 17 September 1853, In 1876 Swan Hill was described in the following terms: (abridged) “Swan-hill is a small, and, notwithstanding its 20 or 25 years of existence, not very flourishing, township. But the township can boast of a substantial post and telegraph office, which is the principal building in the place. There is a church built of brick, belonging to the Church of England, and a small wooden chapel owned by some other denomination. The hospital is prettily situated at the junction of the Little Murray with the main stream. The district around the town is principally pastoral.  There is a mail three times a week, and the township is already connected with the metropolis by telegraph.” There is only the single hotel in Swan Hill (many times renovated), but there is a pub over the river. A product of the pre 1960’s Victorian liquor laws. The Churches are modern., but at least the Anglican is traditional. The Museum is the ‘Pioneer Village’ that is a first rate proposition. The War Memorial has a high profile cbd location. As stated a nice place and worthy of a stay over. The Pioneer Village and Paddle Steamer Ride is worth a go. Just out of Swan Hill is the cricket bat farm.