Cobram

On the banks of the mighty Murray River, Cobram is a laid-back country town that feels like a secret handshake between Victoria and New South Wales. With its sandy beaches, towering red gums, and a pace that slows to the river's current, it's the kind of place where you kick off your shoes and let the afternoon drift by. The local food scene punches above its weight, thanks to the surrounding fruit orchards and dairy farms, making it a rewarding stop on a Murray River road trip.

Highlights & What to See

• Murray River beaches: Cobram's sandy riverbanks are the town's crown jewel. Head to Thompson's Beach or the main Cobram Foreshore for swimming, kayaking, or just lazing under a river red gum.
• Cobram Barooga Golf Club: A championship 18-hole course that straddles the Victorian and NSW border. The back nine in Barooga offer sweeping river views.
• Fruit & farm gates: The Cobram district is orchard country. Stop at a roadside stall for stone fruit in summer or visit the Cobram Farmers' Market (third Saturday of the month) for local produce.
• River cruises: Hop aboard the historic paddle steamer Canberra for a leisurely chug along the Murray, with commentary on riverboat history and river ecology.
• Cobram Regional Park: A sprawling reserve of river flats and billabongs, perfect for birdwatching, cycling, and spotting kangaroos at dusk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Cobram is a true two-day destination. Arrive by lunch on day one, set up camp or check into a riverside cabin, and spend the afternoon swimming and kayaking. On day two, play a round of golf in the morning, then explore the orchards and wineries before a sunset river cruise. If you're passing through on a longer Murray drive, a single overnight stop is enough to soak up the best of the river life.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Yarrawonga & Mulwala: 45 minutes upstream, with a larger lake system and the famous Yarrawonga Weir.
• Rutherglen: 30 minutes south, a historic wine region famous for its fortified wines and muscats.
• Echuca: 90 minutes downstream, the historic paddle-steamer capital with a lively port precinct.
• Barmah National Park: 40 minutes east, protecting the world's largest stand of river red gums – a must for nature lovers.
• Shepparton: 50 minutes south, the regional hub with excellent museums and the Moooving Art cow sculptures.

Please check official sources for current details.