Murrumbidgee River

Flowing for over 1,500 km through the heart of southern New South Wales, the Murrumbidgee River is a lifeline of lush river red gums, wetlands, and historic towns. Whether you're canoeing its gentle stretches, fishing for Murray cod, or exploring the river's role in Indigenous Wiradjuri culture and early European settlement, the Murrumbidgee offers a serene escape into the Australian bush.

Highlights & What to See

• Narrandera: A hub for river recreation, with the Narrandera Fisheries Centre (stocking native fish), the Koala Reserve, and scenic river walks along the Murrumbidgee.
• Wagga Wagga: The largest city on the river, featuring the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, the historic Wiradjuri Walking Track, and the Riverina Environmental Education Centre.
• Gundagai: Iconic for the Prince Alfred Bridge (one of Australia's longest wooden bridges) and the historic town centre, with the Murrumbidgee River meandering past.
• Fivebough & Tuckerbill Swamps (near Leeton): Internationally significant wetlands for birdwatching, especially for migratory waders.
• Murrumbidgee Valley National Park: Protected riverine forests, great for canoeing, camping, and spotting kangaroos and emus.
• Yanco Weir & Power Station: A historic irrigation site with picnic areas and a glimpse into the region's agricultural engineering.

Suggested Time to Spend

To appreciate the river's diverse landscapes and towns, plan at least three to four days. Spend a day in Wagga Wagga exploring its cultural sites, another day paddling or fishing between Narrandera and Gundagai, and a final day visiting the wetlands or national park. If you're self-driving, the river offers a relaxed pace with plenty of spots to pull over for a picnic or a short walk.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Griffith: A vibrant Italian-influenced town in the Riverina, known for its wineries and the nearby Lake Wyangan.
• Cootamundra: Historic gold-rush town with heritage buildings and the birthplace of Sir Donald Bradman.
• Tumut: Gateway to the Snowy Mountains, with trout fishing and the Blowering Dam.
• Hay: On the Murrumbidgee's lower reaches, with the Hay Gaol Museum and the river's expansive wetlands.
• Canberra: The national capital, about two hours east of Wagga Wagga, with its museums, galleries, and Lake Burley Griffin.

Please check official sources for current details.