Want to escape into nature? The Murray excels in natural wonders. Explore the Murray’s natural wonders touring route and discover it’s the sheer diversity of landscapes and environments just as the early explorers discovered, from High Country to semi-desert, it’s a place of rivers, lakes, River Red Gum forests, National Parks, native riverine bushland, and plentiful bird and animal life. Gourmet traveler? Dip into sensational food and wine country along the Murray’s culinary tour, which leads you around Albury, Yarrawonga, Echuca, Swan Hill, Mildura, and many other Murray towns, where you can scour the farmers’ markets and savour the cellar doors – this is, after all, Australia’s abundant food bowl. Golf more your thing? The Murray boasts some of Australia’s finest architect-designed courses, studding both sides of the river like emeralds on a silver necklace. History Buff? The Murray River flows through the very heart of Australia’s history. The Murray is imbued with thousands of years of Aboriginal settlement, while stories of pioneers, pastoralists and bushrangers will entertain you along the Murray Heritage Trail. Beautifully preserved paddle steamers still ply the waters at Echuca, Mildura and Swan Hill, while historic towns and museums along the way showcase the importance of the Murray to a developing nation. River adventurer? The Murray is a natural playground for the adventurous at heart. Carve your own way along the Murray River’s adventure tour, which offer leisurely pursuits like swimming, fishing and bushwalking to adrenalin sports like waterskiing, kayaking, mountain biking or skydiving. There’s a legendary river adventure waiting for you. Golf more your thing? The Murray boasts some of Australia’s finest architect-designed courses, studding both sides of the river like emeralds on a silver necklace. History Buff? The Murray River flows through the very heart of Australia’s history. The Murray is imbued with thousands of years of Aboriginal settlement, while stories of pioneers, pastoralists and bushrangers will entertain you along the Murray Heritage Trail. Beautifully preserved paddle steamers still ply the waters at Echuca, Mildura and Swan Hill, while historic towns and museums along the way showcase the importance of the Murray to a developing nation. Or just looking for a memorable holiday? The Murray is a natural family attraction offering riverside camping among the River Red Gums, swimming, fishing, boating, biking and plenty more diversions for kids and the young at heart along the way. Jump in your car and take the family or group of friends on a road trip to remember along the mighty Murray. Come and create your own legendary River stories. We look forward to welcoming you to the Murray soon. For full touring itineraries please go to: www.visitthemurray.com.au
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Distance from Melbourne: 315kms Travel Time: 3.5 hours
The Murray’s cosmopolitan gem Albury Wodonga’s stunning location on both banks of the Murray River provides easy access to some of the Murray’s most inspiring natural attractions, oldest wineries, tastiest regional produce and beautifully-preserved historical towns. The unique atmosphere of the twin cities blends an urban vibe with laid-back country charm, tradition with innovation, and adrenalin-charged action with quiet afternoon strolls.
Things to see and do: For outdoor adventurers and families alike, Albury Wodonga is packed with great activities to make your stay enjoyable. Amongst Albury Wodonga’s greatest natural attractions are the waterways of the Murray River, Kiewa River, Wodonga Creek and Lake Hume, offering a fun and exciting backyard for exploration and adventure. Jump on a bike or throw on some joggers and immerse yourself in the cities sprawling parks, gardens, tracks and trails and reserves. For the more adventurous, head out to Lake Hume and hire a BBQ boat, kayak or stand up paddle board or if you fancy fishing, grab a tinny and drop a line. If you have a couple of hours you can paddle one of the most scenic areas of this part of the Murray between Mungabareena Reserve and Noreuil Park or try the relatively unexplored Kiewa River. For those interested in the Murray’s fascinating history and heritage, it is definitely worth taking the time to explore the local area. After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Army Museum Bandiana to see one of Australia’s best collections of military memorabilia. Make your way to the Bonegilla Migrant Experience to explore the national heritage listed Block 19; Australia’s largest and longest-operating migrant centre. Don’t miss the Weir Wall and Hydro–power station on the way to the Kinross Woolshed Hotel. Call into Albury’s Library Museum or Wodonga’s Art Space and enjoy local, national and touring exhibitions. A little further afield are the historic townships of Beechworth, Yackandandah and Rutherglen which are well worth a visit. No self-respecting twin river city of this size would be complete without a lively cafe dining, nightlife and shopping scene, and Albury Wodonga has it all. Dean Street is the place to start with breakfast or brunch, just take your pick, before hitting the boutique stores from some city-style shopping. In the evening, an array of quality restaurants on either side of the river are there for you to devour and the tree lights give Dean Street a festive feel, perfect for a night on the town. Keep an eye out for energetic local markets including the Albury Wodonga community Market every Sunday, the boutique QEII Twilight Market on the second Thursday of every month from October to March, the Hume Murray Farmers Market at Gateway village every second Saturday and the Murray River Farmers Markets every Saturday. Albury Wodonga Caravan & Camping accommodation Boathaven Holiday Park | Albury Motor Village | Albury Citygate Holiday Park click here To view more Murray Region parks ⏎ Back to Murray home
Distance from Melbourne: 300kms Travel Time: 3.5 hours Golf, Whisky, Wine or History? Visit Corowa Howlong Uncluttered, unspoiled, uncrowded.....if only all camping spots were this good! The Corowa Howlong region offers 175 kilometres of Prime River and lake frontage along the mighty Murray, where you can find your perfect camp spot just metres away from the river bank. Kick back, wet a line and enjoy the serenity. The Corowa and Howlong region is the undiscovered backdrop for the ultimate weekend getaway; dining in the many authentic country pubs, taking part in multitude of water and outdoor activities on offer or just enjoying the fun times with your kids in the great outdoors. Things to see and do: For lovers of the great outdoors, experience the scenic and extremely popular Corowa Lagoon sandy river beach and Fishing Platform, located next to the historic John Foord Bridge. The Lagoon is located on a sweeping bend of the Murray River, providing the perfect backdrop for a riverside picnic or to throw a line in the hopes of catching the Mighty Murray Cod. For the more active, various walking and cycling tracks are specifically mapped out with differing lengths, to suit everyone. Hire a bike at the Corowa Visitor Information Centre and explore Corowa or the nearby Rutherglen Wine Region. History and heritage enthusiasts will be delighted when visiting Corowa, regarded as Australia’s birthplace of Federation. The best way to explore this beautiful heritage town is via the self-guided historic walk, which takes you past the historic Corowa Courthouse and the Oddfellow’s Hall, where the People’s Convention took place and the Corowa Federation Museum, which provides comprehensive displays taking you on the journey of the establishment of Australia’s federation in 1901. Howlong’s Heritage Trail also provides the perfect way to explore this other quintessential Australian country town. The trail is 13.3 kms long and covers 28 significant locations in the area. For environmentalists, a visit to the Savernake station is a must. Offering a rare mix of unique features including a 1912 woolshed and Shearers Quarters, Cook’s Museum and a 400 hectare woodland that is home to 120 bird species including the endangered Superb Parrot, Curlew and Powerful owl. Corowa Caravan & Camping accommodation: Corowa Caravan Park | Bindaree Motel & Caravan Park click here To view more Murray Region parks ⏎ Back to Murray home
Distance from Melbourne: 301kms Travel Time: 3.55 hours Discover the home-grown authenticity of Deniliquin Deniliquin – Deni to the locals – is nestled on the banks of the beautiful Edward River and an ideal holiday destination. Deni boasts more hours of sunshine than the Gold Coast, fabulous riverside beaches, excellent Murray cod fishing, award-winning caravan and holiday resorts and a natural wildlife park right in the town centre. You can enjoy fun on the river, in the forest and on the greens and Deni has a dynamic dining scene, country pubs and entertainment that will keep you going well after the sun goes down. Things to see and do: The picturesque Edward River, a tributary of the Murray, is renowned for fishing, boating, skiing, canoeing and swimming while McLean Beach and Willoughby’s Beach are pretty, family-friendly swimming spots close to town. Riverside walking and cycle tracks link both beaches with the Island Sanctuary, a natural island in the town centre that provides an oasis for birds and wildlife, including kangaroos and platypus. There’s more good bushwalking, fishing and scenic drives in nearby Murray Valley National Park. Golf Anyone? With eighteen perfectly manicured fairways and greens, Deniliquin Golf Club is a shining example of the magnificent country courses in the Murray Region. Deniliquin is regarded as the events capital of the region, presenting 4 major events each year. The most famous of these is the Deni Ute Muster is held on the NSW Labor Day weekend in October. Plan your next holiday to coincide with one of these uniquely entertaining Australian events: a) The Deni Ute Muster (October) b) The Deni Fishing Classic (February) c) The Big Sky Blues and Roots Festival (Easter) and d) The Cruising Nationals (April) Denilliquin Caravan & Camping accommodation: Jerilderie Motel & Caravan Park | Deniliquin Riverside Caravan Park BIG4 Deniliquin Holiday Park | Wanganella Creek Camp Park | Pioneer Tourist Park click here To view more Murray Region parks ⏎ Back to Murray home
Distance from Melbourne: 210Kms Travel Time: 2.5 hours Embrace a quintessential Australian experience in Echuca Moama The romance of the river is alive and well in Australia’s paddle steamer capital, where the twin towns of Echuca Moama ooze a rich history. But this is no museum-piece – with so many sights, activities and caravan parks right on the River, it simply has to be on your next touring itinerary. Things to see and do: Echuca Moama’s fascinating river heritage, as the busiest and most prosperous port town on the Murray in the 1800’s, is still celebrated today and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The nostalgic whistle is still a familiar sound, as the Echuca Moama wharf is home to the world’s largest fleet of operating riverboats. Take a nostalgic cruise along the Murray River on a gracious, historic paddle steamer. Cruises run throughout the day aboard PS Pevensey (star of the TV mini series All the Rivers Run), PS Alexander Arbuthnot, PS Canberra, Pride of the Murray and PS Emmylou, a beautifully restored steamer that also offers overnight cruises. Echuca’s other star attraction is the recently opened Port of Echuca Discovery Centre where you can step back in time to 1860 and relive an authentic steam port, explore the revitalised Wharf, and watch the steam driven saw mill in operation. The pedestrian Murray Esplanade is lined with old-time shops, cafes and the 1864 Star Hotel, with its underground escape tunnel! The Perricoota Wine region is within easy distance from Echuca Moama, whether by paddleboat or car, where you can tantalise your tastebuds at the dozen or so cellar doors. A must experience is the Wharf to winery Paddle steamer cruise. It really doesn’t get any better than this; a magnificent cruise on an historic paddle steamer which takes you right to the door of one of the region’s top wineries, Morrisons winery. Echuca Caravan & Camping accommodation: Moama Riverside | Rich River Holiday and lifestyle Village | Maiden's Inn Holiday Park A Shady River Holiday Park | Echuca Holiday Park | Gulpa Retreat Tourist Park Merool On the Murray | Murray River Holiday Park | Yarraby Holiday Park click here To view more Murray Region parks ⏎ Back to Murray home
Distance from Melbourne: 285 -330kms Travel Time: 3.30 - 4.20 hours The Gannwarra region, encompassing charming country towns of Kerang and Cohuna, the twin river towns of Koondrook-Barham, a mini patchwork of lakes and the superb red gum forests of Gunbower Island National Park, is riverine nature at its best. Choose from the many freshwater lakes, the Murray River or the Gunbower Creek and experience a unique holiday….. close to nature, close to water. Things to see and do: This region boasts some 57 lakes, including Lake Charm, Kangaroo Lake and Duck Lake, where families connect for fishing, water skiing, canoeing and swimming. Water skiing is popular at Lake Charm, Lake Meran, Kangaroo Lake and on the Gunbower Creek at Cohuna while the Kerang Lakes are popular sailing venues. The Gunbower Island Canoe Trail follows a marked 5km return route through wetlands – perfect for getting a feel for this natural waterway. Enjoy a spot of fishing? Murray Cod and Yellow Belly can be caught in the Murray River, Gunbower Creek and Loddon River along with Redfin, Carp and Bony Bream. Anglers may also catch fish in the many channels and lakes throughout the region. Before fishing, anglers need to ensure they have the required licence to fish and be aware of all rules and regulations. For nature lovers, this is the gateway to Gunbower Island, Australia’s largest inland island and home to Victoria’s second-largest river redgum forest, sandy river beaches and shady bush camping sites, so find a spot and stay as long as you like! The wildlife and natural beauty of Gunbower and Kerang wetlands are protected by their international Ramsar (Convention on Wetlands) listing and world-class for bird watching. Gannawarra Caravan & Camping accommodation: Koondrook Caravan Park | Barham Lakes Caravan Park | Lake Boga Caravan Park Cohuna Waterfront Holiday Park click here To view more Murray Region parks ⏎ Back to Murray home
Distance from Melbourne: 386kms Travel Time: 4.12 hours
Great Aussie Holiday Park click here To view more Murray Region parks
Distance from Melbourne: 550kms Travel Time: 6 hours Gateway to the outback but bursting with fruity goodness, Mildura-Wentworth is a true oasis, with rows of orchards and vineyards, lush golf courses and a blue-sky Mediterranean climate, where the mighty Murray and Darling Rivers converge. For a unique experience, spend peaceful nights at any of our Tourist Parks - some with direct river frontage. Or you may choose to camp along the banks near one of the many beautiful river beaches or in a national park. For an ultimate rural experience, why not consider some of our unique Heritage and National Park locations including Mungo, Murray Sunset or the idyllic Hattah-Kulkyne National Parks, all within easy access from Mildura. Mildura’s big open skies, sun soaked days and welcoming locals will cast a long and lasting impression, leaving treasured memories of holidays here. Things to see and do: The standout appeal of Mildura is that it is set on the banks of the magnificent Murray River - Australia’s most important waterway, it provides visitors with an irresistible choice of leisure activities. The Murray and Darling Rivers provide wonderful outlets for river cruises such as Wentworth River Cruises or the PS Melbourne, Rothbury and Mundoo. Swimming, boating, skiing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, plus hiring a houseboat or pontoon boat are also popular amongst locals and visitors. Apex Beach offers a great sandy stretch for swimming and fishing or even enjoying a walk along the river track. Around here, with 50km of accessible river frontage, take your pick where you choose to enjoy the action or the scenery. Long-recognised as an important Australian food bowl, the Mildura region is definitely a foodie’s delight. Mildura’s vast surrounding agricultural districts are bursting with grapes, citrus fruits, almonds, olives, countless varieties of vegetables plus much more. Closer to town, local restaurants and eateries celebrate the magnitude of local-grown produce and offer a truly cosmopolitan ambience. Our main eating precinct is aptly known as “Feast Street”…not just for its food, but also for the generous selection of fine local wines - many of them award winners - that are so popular with locals and visitors alike. Take a stroll and pick from a range of cuisines to suit your taste or budget and, with culinary competence on show all around town, you’ll find a host of quality cafes, bakeries, delis and pubs as well as world class restaurants such as the 2 -hatted Jim McDougall in Stefano’s Cellar Restaurant. Further out of town, don’t miss the Dockside Café overlooking Mildura’s marina, while both the Gol Gol Pub and Trentham Estate Winery remain firm local favorites A short walk in the city and your senses are drawn to our arts, culture and history. Art galleries, museums, a number of sculptures and historic sites are dotted throughout the city streets. Catch a show or enjoy the gallery at the new Mildura Arts Centre, or tap into history with a tour of Rio Vista House. Take a stroll along Deakin Ave, where you’ll find Gallery 25, the Wallflower Gallery and the Art Vault with its wonderful gallery and artists-in-residence studio spaces. Across the river, nearby Wentworth has its own quirky arts scene including the Artback Australia Gallery & Café, which showcases local artists in a superbly renovated heritage building. Don’t miss the upcoming Mildura Revisited Sculpture exhibit.
Mildura Caravan & Camping accommodation: All Seasons Holiday Park | Willow Bend Caravan Park | Palms Caravan Park Mildura Fort Courage Accommodation and Caravan Park | Buronga Riverside Caravan Park click here To view more Murray Region parks ⏎ Back to Murray home
Distance from Melbourne: 335kms Travel Time: 3.5 hours
The heart of the Murray The Swan Hill region, known as the ‘heart of the Murray’ is situated in North West Victoria nestled on one of our country’s most beautiful natural assets, the Murray River. Bathed in sunshine, visitors enjoy long, warm summer days and crisp, clear winters. Swan Hill is a friendly riverside town, with a rich river heritage and is at the heart of a bountiful region of stone-fruit orchards, wineries, top-notch fishing – for Murray cod, of course – and great riverside camping spots. Although Swan Hill is the central hub, the surrounding townships have their own unique character and identity. Things to see and do: Swan Hill was a staging port for riverboat traffic in the 19th century, a bygone time you can relive at the Pioneer Settlement. Take the family and experience the old world charm of this unique village where the streets, shops, homesteads and community buildings of a 19th-century port town come to life, and costumed characters greet you from behind shop counters. It’s a step back in time with a genuine sense of fun but also of the hardships of the early days. For kids there are horse drawn carriage rides, an old-time lolly shop and the rare and fascinating Kaiser Stereoscopic Theatre – an early version of the cinema. The huge paddle steamer Gem is parked here, but for a river cruise you’ll need to board the PS Pyap, an 1896 steamer that departs daily from the Pioneer Settlement wharf. The heart of the Murray food bowl, Swan Hill’s fresh produce can be found plated up throughout the township. Modern Mediterranean style meals are on the menu in many of the region’s fine dining and affordable restaurants and are an ideal match for the warm weather produced pinot Gris and Shiraz. Spend a relaxing afternoon soaking up the river’s natural beauty at Spoons Riverside Restaurant, enjoy a quality dinner at family-owned pizza parlour Quo Vadis Restaurant, or try an unexpected highlight of the region, Java Spice Thai Restaurant. Swan Hill Caravan & Camping accommodation: Riverfront Caravan Park | Wood Wood Caravan Park | Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park click here To view more Murray Region parks ⏎ Back to Murray home
Distance from Melbourne: 272kms Travel Time: 3.2 hours The name says it all – it’s sunny out here! Expect blue skies, inspiring country towns, fabulous golfing adventures and gourmet food and wine trails, all nourished by the Murray, Ovens and Goulburn rivers, and the water sports and fishing mecca of Lake Mulwala. Sun Country on the Murray, Including Yarrawonga, Mulwala, Cobram, Barooga, Numurkah, Barmah, Nathalia Tocumwal, Finley, and Berrigan, really is an inland oasis where you can take to the waters, explore natural wonders or simply lay back and take in the stunning natural surroundings. Things to see and do: Sun Country on the Murray is an experience in nature that offers something for visitors of all ages. The central feature of the region is Lake Mulwala, the perfect place for water sports and fishing. On Yarrawonga Mulwala’s foreshore, you can hire fishing boats, canoes, and wakeboards, or take a cruise on a paddleboat. The river itself has many natural attractions, from sandy beaches, such as Thompsons Beach at Cobram, to reserves set up for bushwalking, camping, mountain-biking, bird watching and swimming. West of Yarrawonga Mulwala, you will find the stunning Barmah National Park, home to the largest single stand of river red gums in the world, as well as many significant Aboriginal sites sacred to the Yorta Yorta people. An eco cruise on the narrow stretch of the Murray here is a must to experience the wetlands, forests and rich birdlife. Sun Country on the Murray is gourmet food and wine territory. Come and tempt your taste buds along the Farm Gate Trail which take you on a journey from paddock to plate. Visit working farms where you can sample and buy honey, handmade chocolates, olives, cheese, award-winning wines, boutique beers or pick your own berries and fruits. Golfers will find some real gems in Sun Country on the Murray Region. Imagine standing at a tee and staring down a par five hole with the mighty Murray River running the length of the fairway. You can find it here at the Murray’s largest resort course, Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, a glorious 45-hole course. Other courses in this region to test your skills include the Peter Thomson-designed Black Bull Golf Course, Cobram Barooga Golf club’s impressive 2 courses, the classic championship 36 hole Tocumwal Golf Course, and the lesser known Nurmurkah, Nathalia and Berrigan golf courses.
Sun Country Caravan & Camping accommodation: Sun Country Holiday Village | Cobram Barooga Golf Resort | Numurkah Caravan Park BIG4 Yarrawonga - Mulwala Lakeside Holiday Park | BIG4 Tocumwal Tourist Park Bushlands on the Murray Holiday Park | Boomerang Way Tourist Park click here To view more Murray Region parks ⏎ Back to Murray home
River Adventures Must Experience: • Feel the thrill of high-speed water sports – water-skiing or wakeboarding on the Murray or the region’s lakes • Fish for Murray cod on Gunbower Island or Lake Mulwala • Hire a luxury houseboat in Mildura or Echuca and experience the bliss of easy-going river life Natural Wonders Must Experience: • Camp and kayak in beautiful Gunbower National Park. • Cruise through Barmah National Park, home to the world’s largest stand of River Red Gums. • Explore the ancient dry lake and the spectacular Great Walls of China formations in Mungo National Park, where some of Australia’s oldest archaeological finds have been uncovered. River Heritage Must Experience: • Discover Australia’s fascinating migrant past at the Bonegilla Migrant Experience Heritage Park, Albury Wodonga • Relive those romantic All the Rivers Run days on an authentic steam-driven paddle boat at Echuca’s Heritage Port Precinct. • Step back in time at Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement, a faithful recreation of a 19th century port town Experience Food and Wine in Australia’s great food bowls Must Experience: • Explore the Murray Farm Gate Trail or the Echuca Moama Food and Wine Trail or eat and drink your way through Mildura’s ‘feast street’ • Schedule a visit to one of the regular farmers’ markets held along the river • Leave the car behind and book onto a winery tour around one of the 4 main wine regions throughout the Murray - Mildura, Swan Hill, Perricoota or Rutherglen. A Golfers paradise Must Experience: • Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort - A mammoth three-course, 45 hole club with something for everyone. • Rich River Golf Club - Echuca Moama’s golfing highlight features 72 holes: the East Course was redesigned by Peter Thomson • Cohuna Golf Club - Local club of golfing great Stuart Appleby • Murray Downs Golf Resort - regarded as one of the best resort courses on the Murray
Family Fun Must Experience: • Step back in time at Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement, with horse drawn carriage rides, old-time lolly shops and paddle steamer cruises • Go fishing, camping, canoeing or lazing on the banks of the Murray at Gunbower Island • Sandboard down the red dunes at the Perry Sandhills near Mildura