Murrumbidgee River Canoe Trail

Paddling the Murrumbidgee River Canoe Trail is like slipping into a living postcard of Australia's river country. This gentle, multi-day journey through the Murrumbidgee Valley offers a rare chance to immerse yourself in the rhythms of the bush, with towering river red gums, abundant birdlife, and the soft lap of water against your canoe. It's a trip for those who crave authentic, unhurried adventure—perfectly suited to a self-drive itinerary that starts and ends in the Hunter Valley or Canberra region.

Highlights & What to See

• Paddling through river red gum forests – glide beneath ancient trees that line the banks, their gnarled roots dipping into the water, creating a cathedral-like canopy overhead.
• Wildlife spotting – keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos drinking at the water's edge, graceful white-bellied sea eagles circling overhead, and the occasional platypus surfacing in the quieter stretches.
• Camping on sandy riverbanks – sleep under a canopy of stars on designated campsites that feel wonderfully remote, with only the sound of the river for company.
• Historic river towns – stop at small settlements like Gundagai or Narrandera to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, and soak up the gold-rush-era pubs and bridges.
• The Wagga Wagga to Narrandera section – a classic stretch offering easy paddling, reliable water levels, and a fine balance of wilderness and civilisation.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most paddlers allow 3 to 5 days for a full traverse of the trail's most popular sections, though you can easily tailor shorter overnight trips. A good plan is to start in Wagga Wagga and paddle 3 days downstream to Narrandera, camping two nights en route. This gives you time to fully absorb the landscape without feeling rushed. If you're pressed for time, a single-day paddle from Gundagai to Jugiong is a lovely taster.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – Australia's capital is just a 2-hour drive east, offering world-class museums, galleries, and dining.
• Wagga Wagga – a lively regional city with a strong café culture, the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, and the lovely Botanic Gardens.
• Gundagai – a historic gold-rush town famous for the Dog on the Tuckerbox statue and charming heritage streets.
• The Snowy Mountains – about 90 minutes south, this alpine region offers hiking, skiing in winter, and the stunning Kosciuszko National Park.
• Hunter Valley wine region – combine your river adventure with a few days exploring Australia's oldest wine region, just 3 hours north-east.

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