Exploring the Murray River Region

Exploring the Murray River Region: What to See & Do

From Greater Sydney to the Hunter Region, a lot of NSW travel itineraries will see you travelling through city centres, wine country, and picturesque pastoral sights. There’s so much to see that most travellers don’t even think to venture to NSW’s southern stateline that hugs the Murray River. But believe it or not, the Murray River region is packed with fascinating attractions and opportunities for adventure. If you’re considering visiting the Murray River region on your next trip to NSW, then let this guide provide some inspiration for your trip itinerary. Here are our top recommendations on what to see and do when exploring the Murray River region. [caption id="attachment_49699" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Pelican Sitting On A Branch Along The Murray River[/captio

Swimming, fishing, and water sports

Swimming and kayaking across the Murray are passionate pastimes for both NSW and Victorian residents alike. And thankfully, there are some sections of the river that are perfectly suited to families looking to take younger children out for a swim or a gentle paddle. One of the top recommended swimming spots is Thompson’s Beach, which is closest to the Victorian town of Cobram. Just a day or two in Cobram with a canoe or kayak rental is a great way to kick off any Murray River holiday, so we recommend looking into Cobram hotels for your first (or perhaps last) nights of your trip. And what about fishing spots? Well, if you’re planning to head back to NSW via Yarrawonga to Albury-Wodonga, you’ll actually be passing plenty of great spots to cast a line, including Lake Mulwala, Mungabareena, and Heywood’s Bridge. And if you’re planning to drive back up to NSW via Gooramadda to Howlong, you’ll also pass by the fishing pier at Lions Riverside Park.

Book a historical or Indigenous cultural tour

Regional NSW is steeped in history, and the Murray River region is no exception here. With an abundance of historical tours on offer across the waterfront towns as well as walking tours to Indigenous cultural sites across the region, there’s no shortage of sights to take in and colonial and pre-colonial knowledge to absorb for history buffs.  A great place to start here is with the Corowa and Howlong History Trials, which will see you coming across over 25 historic sites and landmarks across the two townships. Travellers with an interest in Corowa’s role in the formation of the Australian Commonwealth in 1901 must absolutely stop at the Corowa Federation Museum. The Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk is another must-do while visiting the region. Located on the banks of the Murray River in West Albury, the walk will see you reimagining the riverside and the connecting wetlands, transporting you to an ancient time where kookaburra and magpie song echoed across the open horizon. We recommend exploring the wider Wagirra Trail that’ll take you around the wetlands and Horseshoe Lagoon, and promising plenty of opportunities to spot some wading birds and other wildlife.

Sample some wares at wineries and breweries

The Murray River region is also home to some of Victoria and NSW’s most iconic wineries and breweries, including Cofield Wines and Pfeiffer Wines just a stone’s throw from both Corowa and Wagunyah, and the must-visit De Bortoli Estate in Rutherglen.  There’s no Aussie vinophile who doesn’t know and love the name ‘De Bortoli’, so you’re in for quite an experience when visiting the Rutherglen Estate Cellar Door that was originally built in 1886. The De Bortoli Estate is also home to the renowned Tuileries Restaurant for further gastronomical delights, as well as the Aboriginal Exhibitions Art Gallery, making this winery another great stop for those looking to engage deeper with the region’s rich local Indigenous cultures and histories. On the Victorian river bank in Burramine, you’ll also find the Byramine Homestead and Brewery, which boasts not only local wines, but also beers and ciders. The cafe at the Byramine Homestead is also the perfect place for a quick pit stop on lengthy riverside road trips. And further northwest along the river on the way to Swan Hill is Barham Vines. This small-batch vineyard settled in Barham’s natural bushlands and just south of the Federation Botanic Reserve, is the perfect place to go for a quiet tipple amongst the trees, plus a really good slice or two of their iconic wood fired pizza and delectable charcuterie and antipasti. [caption id="attachment_49698" align="alignnone" width="1280"] Exploring the Murray River Region[/captio

Get lost out in the woodlands and park areas

On top of the region’s inviting river waters, the Murray-Darling Basin is also a rich habitat for wading birds, freshwater marine life, and plenty of iconic Australian marsupials that call the connecting woodlands and park areas home. There’s also a great variety of terrain and landscapes that stretch along the length of the river, from the sandy red plains of the Mallee Cliffs National Park in the west, to the lush wilderness of the Murray Gorge and the alpine Kosciuszko National Park in the east. At 690,000 hectares, Kosciuszko is NSW’s largest national park and Australia’s largest alpine park, so rest assured that there’s plenty to explore long after the snow has left the Snowy Mountains. For those travelling to Kosciuszko in the spring and summer months, be prepared to snap plenty of photos of the lush flora, with plenty of wildflowers blooming across what would be the snow fields in winter. For fans of adventure, the alpine landscapes also offer plenty of opportunities for exploring caves with local guides. Be sure to pack a headlamp and comfortable hiking boots! The Murray-Sunset National Park is an absolute must-visit for those who are also looking to travel across Mallee and the Mungo National Park areas in NSW. Drive south from either Mildura or Robinvale to explore Victoria’s second-largest national park which includes Lake Crosbie, the largest of the Pink Lakes. Yes, it’s a bit of a drive, but well worth it for those looking to explore the western edges of the Murray River Region and all its fascinating landscapes.

See NSW from a whole new perspective in the Murray River region

With the sheer variety on offer across the Murray River region, you may find yourself unable to cram everything you want to see and do into just one trip itinerary, and that’s okay – you can always come back another time! In fact, the region changes so much from summer to winter that it may even be worthwhile scheduling your second trip at another time of year to see just how life along the riverside changes from season to season.  No matter when and where you’re planning to visit, however, one thing is very clear: you will be sure to have a great time, steeped in adventure, culture, picturesque views, fine foods and drinks, and oodles of family time.