Murray River

Australia’s longest river, the Murray, carves a languid path through the Hunter Valley’s northern edge, offering a serene counterpoint to the region’s wine-country buzz. Here, the water is wide and brown, lined with ancient river red gums and the occasional sandy beach. It’s a place for slow travel: paddling a canoe at dawn, casting a line for Murray cod, or simply watching the light shift across the water from a riverfront deck. The Murray is less about sights and more about experiences – and the best ones unfold at a gentle pace.

Highlights & What to See

• Canoe or kayak the river – Paddle through the tranquil backwaters and billabongs near the town of Deniliquin; keep an eye out for kangaroos drinking at the water’s edge and flocks of corellas screeching overhead.
• Fish for Murray cod – This legendary native fish is the prize of the river. Charter a guided fishing tour from Echuca or Moama for the best chance of a catch (catch-and-release is encouraged).
• Houseboat holiday – Hire a self-drive houseboat from towns like Swan Hill or Mildura and spend a few days meandering, mooring for bushwalks and sunset drinks on the roof deck.
• Historic paddle-steamer ride – Board the PS Emmylou or PS Adelaide in Echuca for a nostalgic chug through the red-gum forest, complete with commentary on the river’s paddle-steamer heyday.
• Barmah National Park – Explore the world’s largest stand of river red gums from walking trails or a canoe; look for koalas, echidnas and the endangered superb parrot.

Suggested Time to Spend

To truly absorb the Murray’s rhythm, plan at least two full days. One day to get out on the water – paddle, fish or cruise – and another to explore a historic river town like Echuca (with its wharf and steamers) or the wineries and restaurants of Mildura. If you’re on a houseboat, three to four days is ideal for a slow drift between towns. Most visitors combine the river with a few days in the vineyards of the Hunter Valley or Rutherglen.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Hunter Valley wine country – Just a two-hour drive south, the vineyards around Pokolbin, Lovedale and Broke Fordwich offer world-class Semillon, Shiraz and cheese tastings between river adventures.
• Echuca-Moama – The twin towns on the Murray are the historic heart of the paddle-steamer trade, with a beautifully preserved port precinct and excellent riverfront dining.
• Rutherglen – Less than an hour from the Murray, this historic wine region is famous for its fortified wines and robust reds; stop for a tasting at Stanton & Killeen or All Saints Estate.
• Mungo National Park – A three-hour drive north of Mildura, this World Heritage-listed park features the dramatic, lunar-like Walls of China sand dunes and ancient Indigenous archaeological sites.
• Mildura – A lively river city with a vibrant food scene, art galleries and a sunny climate; perfect for a day of cycling along the riverfront trails.

Please check official sources for current details.