The rich soil and hot, dry climate of the Riverland region makes it ideal for growing a wide variety of roses. Today, visit Ruston's Rose Garden, which dates back to 1919. Originally a fruit orchard, it was converted to a rose garden by the son of the original owner and went on to house some 50,000 species of roses. Our next visit brings us to a private garden featuring wisteria and annuals, as well as several structures built from recycled materials which complement the cottage garden. At the National Trust's Olivewood Historic Homestead, we find the 1880s log cabin accompanied by several antique printing machines, photographic equipment and a 1926 Garford fire engine. On our way across the border to Mildura, we stop at the Banrock Station conservation project and meet with a ranger for a walk along the wetlands. Stay Three Nights: Quality Hotel Mildura Grand or similar (B)