03 Feb 2026
Tags: Trentham Waters Mildura, Trentham Waters Resort, Palm-Spring style, Regional NSW, Regional Victoria, Rick Kelly, Trentham Cliffs, Murray River
Trentham Waters Resort officially opened its gates in mid-December, and we are currently in our ‘Test Flight to Paradise’ phase – a soft launch until the full resort opens in a few months.
The response to date has been wonderful with incredible Google reviews - driven by the design, scope of scale of the resort (which is simply beautiful), the idyllic setting on the Murray River, and the amazing team we have on site who offer first-class customer service.
Envisioned by V8 Supercar Champion Rick Kelly and his family, Trentham Waters Resort blends sun-drenched relaxation with a Palm-Springs aesthetic - set against a backdrop of a Mallee loam landscape and the magical Murray River. The current offering features architecturally designed one, two and three bedroom villas, ensuite caravan sites, a 48-metre lagoon pool with splash park, a tennis and basketball court, table tennis, kids room, function rooms and KOKOMO – our poolside restaurant offering. Once fully opened, there will be a substantial increase in the number of luxury villas, drive-through caravan sites, additional recreational facilities and our eco-designed River Retreats with wood-fired hot tubs.
The jewel in the crown, however, is the majestic Murray River, meticulously integrated into the resort's design to respect and complement its natural beauty. Boating enthusiasts will delight in the private boat ramp and jetty, boat cleaning bays, and storage opportunities, making Trentham Waters Resort a sought-after destination for skiing, wakeboarding, and fishing adventures.
Rick Kelly and family have certainly channelled the same discipline, drive and competitive spirit they applied to Rick’s racing career into creating what they hope will be one Australia’s leading resorts - one that honours the magic of the Murray River and the surrounding landscape.
We offer long-term stays too - architecturally designed 3 and 4-bedroom homes in a secure, gated community. Palm Springs-inspired, spacious, and perfect as a holiday rental or a forever riverside escape.
"Our commitment is to create a haven where guests can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of Mildura's landscape while enjoying world-class amenities and hospitality," adds Rick. The resort also boasts an in-house restaurant overlooking the pool, serving the very best cuisine using local produce, complemented by a selection of regional wines. In addition to the resort, Stage 2 of the project is currently underway, featuring the development of a 119-home, exclusive, gated community.
Named Trentham Waters Living, this enclave promises unparalleled luxury and lifestyle in the heart of Mildura. “In my Supercars career, I travelled extensively, yet Mildura remains my favourite destination due to its climate, river, and surroundings.
After leaving Supercars, I wanted to give back to Mildura and share my love for the region. Trentham Waters Resort allows me to do just that, offering a unique experience that will attract new visitors and benefit the local community and businesses.” says Rick.
There is a compelling opportunity to arrange an interview with Rick Kelly - a story that goes far beyond motorsport and speaks to reinvention, resilience and the courage to back a new dream.
Rick Kelly is, of course, best known as a V8 Supercars Champion and one of Australia’s most respected racing drivers. Today, he’s channelled the same discipline, drive and competitive spirit into an entirely new arena: hospitality and tourism, as the co-owner of Trentham Waters Resort, a major new destination on the Murray River in Mildura.
Rick’s transition from elite sport to regional business ownership is a thoughtful story. He speaks candidly about investing outside the city, building local teams, learning a new industry and applying high-performance principles to hospitality and tourism.
• Regional growth and tourism
• Small business and entrepreneurship
• The transition from elite motorsport to business ownership
• Taking calculated risks, backing regional Australia, and building something meaningful beyond the track
• The fear (and thrill) of starting again in a new industry
• Building something lasting beyond personal accolades
Rick is a natural and engaging interviewee: warm, articulate and self-aware, with broad appeal. Rick is grounded, engaging and deeply committed to the region, making him an authentic and credible voice on air and in print.
www.trenthamwatersmildura.com.au
Media contact: Melanie Quirk: 0420 975 2254. melanie@trenthamwatersmildura.com.au