ALBURY Albury is the major city that contributes to the Albury Wodonga planned growth development centre that was started in the early 70’s. The decision to plan the area as a growth centre was to take the pressure of Melbourne and Sydney. The original plans were for Albury Wodonga to be a copy of Canberra. Fortunately this ambitious plan has not evolved and both Albury and Wodonga have maintained their small town appeal. Albury, which is in NSW, is the site of the explorers Hume and Hovell crossing of the Murray River, that at the time way back in 1862 was in flood. On their return to Sydney the explorers waxed lyrical about the land and pastures they had observed. By 1847, the Albury settlement included two public houses and a handful of huts, a police barracks and blacksmiths. A log punt established in 1844 serviced the crossing of the Murray River. Albury Post Office opened on 1 April 1843, closed in 1845, and then reopened in the township on 1 February 1847. Albury was one of the first river towns, and one of the stop-off points on what was soon to become a well traveled thoroughfare. Albury is a fantastic city and is a favorite holiday and business destination. Without exception all who visits love the place. The river, the weir, the nearby mountains, the shops and the people confirms Albury as fast growing commercial and tourist centre. And of course the Ettamoga Pub is a must. Albury has a warm, temperate, four-season climate, with cool to mild winters and very warm to hot summers. There is not a lot of early history that is on display at the museum. The downtown Churches are century old establishments. The Anglican quite magnificent The United, likewise an inspirational building and the Catholic also a century plus traditional building The Albury War Monument (WW1) is one of the famous land marks in Australia, and when constructed was deemed a very visionary monument to the fallen. The Monument is a must visit and allow plenty of time to read the inscriptions of the many who died from the Albury area. A great town that requires many days to enjoy.