Murrumbidgee River

Flowing from the Snowy Mountains through the Australian Capital Territory, the Murrumbidgee River offers a tranquil escape just south of Canberra. Its winding course carves through bushland, farmland, and rocky gorges, creating a corridor of serene beauty perfect for swimming, fishing, kayaking, and riverside walks. The river's name means 'big water' in the local Ngunnawal language, and its banks are rich with Indigenous heritage and colonial history.

Highlights & What to See

• Kambah Pool – A popular swimming spot with sandy banks and clear, deep water. It’s a favourite for families and sunbathers, with a walking track along the river.
• Point Hut Crossing – A quiet picnic area with a sandy beach and gentle currents, ideal for paddling and birdwatching. The surrounding bushland offers short trails.
• Murrumbidgee Discovery Trail – A 15 km walking and cycling path that follows the river from Red Hill to Point Hut, passing through grasslands, wetlands, and forests. Keep an eye out for kangaroos and waterbirds.
• Woodstock Nature Reserve – A protected area where the river flows through a deep, rocky gorge. The walking track leads to a lookout with sweeping views over the river and rugged cliffs.
• Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex – While not on the river itself, this nearby facility (part of NASA’s Deep Space Network) offers a fascinating glimpse into space exploration and sits just a short drive from the river’s edge.

Suggested Time to Spend

For a relaxed day trip from Canberra, plan at least four to five hours to drive the scenic river loop, stop for a swim or picnic at Kambah Pool, and walk a section of the Discovery Trail. If you’re keen on kayaking or fishing, set aside a full day to explore different access points. The river is best visited between spring and autumn, when the weather is warm and the water inviting.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Australia’s capital is just 20 minutes north, with its world-class museums, galleries, and dining scene. Combine a morning on the river with an afternoon at the Australian War Memorial or the National Gallery.
• Namadgi National Park – A vast wilderness of granite peaks, alpine bogs, and eucalypt forests. It’s a 30-minute drive from the river and offers excellent bushwalking, from short strolls to multi-day treks.
• Tharwa – A historic village at the southern edge of the ACT, known for the Tharwa Bridge (the oldest road bridge in the territory) and access to the river’s upper reaches. It’s a great spot for a coffee and a paddle.
• Cotter River – A tributary of the Murrumbidgee, the Cotter has several swimming holes (like Cotter Bend) and a popular camping area, all within a 15-minute drive from the main river.

Please check official sources for current details.