Arriving late 2025

A new era of escape is unfolding on the edge of the Murray. Trentham Waters Resort is set to transform the Mildura region, blending relaxed luxury with the warmth of the bush and the timeless pull of the river.

The vision belongs to former V8 Supercar Champion and two-time Bathurst 1000 winner Rick Kelly, alongside his father John Kelly and the Kelly family group – renowned for building one of Australia’s most successful touring car race teams, Kelly Racing. Now, they’re shifting gears.

“It’s certainly a change of pace,” says Rick, “but creating something lasting for the community — a place people come to reconnect and unwind – felt like the right next challenge.”

Inspired by Palm Springs architecture and shaped by the natural beauty of the Mallee landscape, Trentham Waters offers a sense of space, calm, and barefoot luxury. Guests can choose from a curated mix of accommodation: architecturally designed villas, elevated river retreats with wood-fired hot tubs, glamping tents, and spacious, powered drive-through caravan sites.

At its heart lies a 48-metre lagoon-style pool and spa, fringed with palms and sunbeds – the perfect spot to settle in with a cocktail or stretch out under Mildura’s endless skies. Families are well cared for, with a splash park, pump track, playgrounds, tennis court, games room, and mini-golf course, offering space to roam and play.

Of course, the true showstopper is the Murray River itself – woven seamlessly into the resort’s design. Guests will find a private boat ramp and jetty, boat cleaning bays, and secure storage, with easy access for fishing, wakeboarding, and long river days.

“We wanted to honour the landscape,” says Rick, “not just build around it – but with it. Every detail, from the layout to the materials, was designed with the river in mind.”

The resort also features a poolside restaurant, celebrating local produce and regional wines, with menus crafted to reflect the flavours of Sunraysia. And just beyond the main resort, the second stage of the vision is taking shape: Trentham Waters Living, an exclusive 119-home gated community, offering architecturally designed homes and a lifestyle steeped in riverside ease.

“After years of travel, I kept coming back to Mildura,” Rick says. “It has something special – the light, the river, the sense of peace. This project is our way of sharing that feeling with others, and giving back to the region that means so much to us.”

Local councils have thrown their support behind the project. Wentworth Shire Mayor Daniel Linklater and Mildura Mayor Liam Wood both acknowledge the resort as a game-changer for the region – creating jobs, drawing new visitors, and adding momentum to Mildura’s growing reputation as a destination of choice.

“This development brings lasting benefits – from tourism and hospitality to local business,” says Mayor Wood. “It’s exciting to see such a bold and beautiful project coming to life right here in our backyard.”

Trentham Waters Resort is set to welcome its first guests — and homeowners — in late 2025