Murrumbidgee River Regional Park

Murrumbidgee River Regional Park is a sprawling natural corridor that follows the meandering Murrumbidgee River through the Australian Capital Territory and into New South Wales. This park offers a serene escape into riverine landscapes, with opportunities for bushwalking, birdwatching, fishing, and paddling. The park's diverse habitats — from grassy woodlands to rocky gorges — support abundant wildlife, including kangaroos, echidnas, and over 150 bird species. Whether you're seeking a peaceful picnic spot or a multi-day canoe trip, this park delivers an authentic outback river experience within easy reach of Canberra.

Highlights & What to See

• Point Hut Crossing – A popular launch point for kayaking and canoeing, with calm waters ideal for beginners and a grassy picnic area.
• Pine Island Reserve – A family-friendly spot with swimming holes, barbecues, and walking trails that wind through river red gums.
• Murrumbidgee River Canoe Trail – Paddle sections of the river from Point Hut to Tharwa, passing through scenic gorges and spotting waterbirds.
• Kambah Pool – A large, deep swimming hole with sandy banks, popular for summer dips and surrounded by walking tracks.
• Woodstock Nature Reserve – Adjacent to the park, this reserve protects dry sclerophyll forest and offers hiking trails with views over the river valley.
• Birdwatching – Look for superb parrots, white-bellied sea eagles, and azure kingfishers along the riverbanks.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day to a full day exploring a single section of the park, such as a morning paddle followed by a picnic lunch. To experience the park's full diversity, plan a weekend: spend one day canoeing a stretch of the river and the next day walking the Woodstock Nature Reserve trails. If you're combining with Canberra, a day trip from the city is doable, but staying overnight in a nearby town like Tharwa allows for a more relaxed pace.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Australia's capital, just 30 minutes north, with its national museums, galleries, and dining scene.
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – A wildlife sanctuary offering ranger-guided walks and the chance to see platypuses and koalas.
• Namadgi National Park – Rugged alpine wilderness with hiking trails and historic huts, south of the Murrumbidgee.
• Tharwa – A historic village with a general store and the Tharwa Bridge, the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.
• Lanyon Homestead – A 19th-century pastoral property with guided tours and gardens, located near the park's southern end.

Please check official sources for current details.