Dareton

• Population 960
• Distance from Mildura 23km
• Dried fruit and wine grapes

The Dareton/Coomealla township is in the heart of the Coomealla Irrigation Area, known for its superior dried vine fruit, citrus, and wine grapes.

The Dareton Agricultural Research and Advisory Station has operated for over 50 years, providing scientific data for developing and sustaining agricultural industries, including fisheries, in the Wentworth Shire. The station is the national repository for all citrus varieties and provides citrus bud-wood and rootstock seed to the Australian citrus industry.

Things to do

• The Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club - Play indoor and outdoor sports including golf and bowls, or enjoy clubhouse dining.
• Tee off at the Coomealla Golf Club - a championship status course overlooking the Murray River.
• Go fishing - find a peaceful spot on the Murray riverbank near the golf course.

History

Dareton was founded as part of the ‘Million farms' scheme that provided for World War I returned soldiers. It experienced another influx of working families as veterans returned from World War II.

The cornerstone for Coomealla's ambitious horticultural development was laid in 1922, when Murray Lands Advisory Committee members inspected the area and recommended an irrigation scheme be established. The irrigation area came to be known as ‘Nine Mile'.

The town is named after Water Conservation and Irrigation Commissioner Henry Harvey Dare, whose support of the proposal led to the approval of the initiative.

Today Dareton, and the surrounding Coomealla Irrigation District, are a thriving horticultural centre renowned for quality produce.

Facilities in Dareton

• Fuel
• Accommodation
• Post Office
• Dareton Shire Library
• Police