8 Mar 2023
Australia's murray region has culture, food, family-friendly activities and gorgeous river towns to explore.
Revisiting the murray region puts you back in touch with some of Australia's most unique holiday experiences.
Here are six reasons to holiday on the Murray this year.
6 REASONS TO REVISIT THE MURRAY REGION
Table of Contents
A Taste of Real Australia
One reason the Murray River has to be on your list of must-dos is its history.
Since the Murray Basin took shape some 60 million years ago, the Murray River has seen water levels rise and subside; survived floods, gone through epic droughts and even an ice age!
Always offering visitors a unique perspective on regional and rural Australia, the murray region was at one stage very much at the forefront of our economy.
These days it's still thriving as a producer of fruit and vegetables especially, but if you really want to understand the history of the Murray, the best way is to visit the Port of Echuca, which many people consider the heart of Australia's Riverland.
Credit: Visit NSW - Port of Echuca Discovery Centre
Things to do in Echuca
Jump aboard the Echuca Paddlesteamers – and the best part is you can bring your furry friend along for the ride. Whether you are a history buff, steam buff, or simply looking for a fun day out, step back in time and discover what riverboat life was all about.
Explore the flavours of the murray region with the Echuca-Moama Food and Wine Trail: a journey through local wineries, producers and mouth-watering dining experiences.
If you are after something a bit more quirky, and one of its kind, then you must visit The Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum. With an outstanding collection of brewing and motoring items from all around the world, you are able to look through history while having a nice cold brew. What more could you want?
Did you know? Discovery Parks – Echuca has plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained for less. With its waterpark, heated indoor and outdoor pool, tennis and basketball court, it will be a holiday not to forget.
Experience the Great Outdoors
Weaving its way across three states, through limestone cliffs and Red River forest gums, one of the best reasons to visit the murray region is the spectacular range of scenery.
Throughout the course of the Murray River, wildlife is abundant, with kangaroos, koalas, possums, wombats and myriad native bird species sure to keep you company.
Things to do in Moama
One of the main charms of the murray region is its convenient proximity to neighboring towns and in this case, you're just a breezy 15-minute drive away from the lively Echuca!
Grab your canoe and cruise along the Murray River Canoe Trails. With four main trails to choose from, you'll be able to listen to the creak of river red gum branches, and the waterbirds in the wetlands as you explore the mighty Murray River by paddle power. It's the perfect spot for fishing, so bring your rod or, if you want to stop for lunch there are plenty of picnic spots along the way - so pack up a bag and get paddling.
If you are feeling something on the sweeter side, visit the Echuca Chocolate Company. With handmade chocolates and liqueurs and ports to go with it, there will be something to suite everyones taste buds.
This ones for the kids. If they have a little extra energy to burn then Aqua Island is the place for them to be. Running from November through to April, this floating playground has obstacles waiting for you to conquer!
Did you know? Discovery Parks - Maidens Inn has their own private lake in the park! Plus, three pools, and two large courts that you can play tennis and basketball on? There is also a small beach to relax by the water and boat ramps if you feel like going for a fish.
Just down the road is Discovery Parks – Moama West where you can swim, play in the games room or have a bounce on the bouncing pillow.
A Great Place for the Whole Family
Australia's murray region is a great place for kids to connect with nature and make lifelong memories with the whole family.
Visit waterparks, pools, riverside beaches and try an array of watersports like canoeing, kayaking and fishing for the very first time!
Credit: Visit Melbourne
Things to do in Lake Hume
For the adventurous, there is wakeboarding, water skiing, tube-riding, and stand-up paddleboarding.
For those who like a gentler pace, Noreuil Park is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, fire up a barbecue and experience the mountain views while you connect with friends and family.
Visit the Murray Art Museum and explore the different exhibitions that represent the regional area and culture. But, if art isn’t your thing, head over to the Army Museum Bandiana to see military vehicles, weapons, and uniforms from WWI, WW2 and present day.
Step back in time and visit the Bonegilla Migrant Experience and learn about how it became the longest operating migrant centre after World War II.
After taking in all that history, you deserve a drink. Check out the Rutherglen region. From tastings, to paint and sips, live music, and taking a walk amongst the vineyards, Rutherglen has it all for a day trip or a relaxing afternoon.
Did you know? Discovery Parks – Lake Hume, NSW has its own beach called Boyd’s Beach where you can kayak, go stand up paddle boarding or just relax by the water. Just ask our friendly receptionists about hire equipment options. But, if you don’t want to swim in the river, we have a pool and a spa to relax in.
Close by on the border of Victoria is Discovery Parks – Lake Hume, VIC that has with tennis courts, entertainment area, and boat ramps to start your fishing holiday adventure.
Discover Indigenous Culture
The murray region is a great place to learn about Australia's Indigenous culture.
In the Murray River region, Australia's Indigenous history dates back over 40,000 years. Even better there are still indigenous populations throughout the area, making it a great place to learn more about their culture.
Credit: Murray Darling Basin Authority - Elder of the Ngarrindjeri, Major Sumner
Things to do in Nagambie Lakes
Just two hours out of Melbourne, this little haven of a town has loads of activities to keep anyone entertained. From horse riding, to cruising down the lake in the Goulburn Explorer, wine tasting to exploring the eco-trail, this is a holiday not to miss.
Head down to Nagambie Lakes Community Markets, on the first Saturday of every month. It has a make, bake, sew and grow theme – so keep your mind open, you never know what you might find.
For all the hiking enthusiasts, Mt. Wombat Lookout is the hike for you. It is a moderately intense hike, but worth it when you reach the top. With views overlooking the Goulburn Weir and Waranga Basin, make sure to bring a camera, snacks and plenty of water!
Hungry after that hike? Nagambie Brewery and Distillery is a great place for a feed, and to refuel your holiday with homebrewed beer.
Did you know? Discovery Parks - Nagambie Lakes has a pool, tennis court and the best part is it’s right on the lake so you can take your boat out, paddle on a stand up paddle board or jump in and cool off.
Great Food and Wine
Australia’s murray region is a renowned food and wine region.
There are restaurants, wineries, cellar doors and cafes dotted along the Murray that offer some of the best dining experiences in Australia.
Credit: Visit NSW - Blacksmith Provedore
Things to do in Mildura
Take a stroll through the heart of Mildura, but make sure to look up – you are bound to spot a mural or 10 around the place.
If the kids are getting restless, or you are up for some adrenalin filled fun, then grab a sandboard and head to Perry Sandhills. You can run, jump, slide and board your way down 400 acres of sand dunes. But keep your eyes peeled and see if you can spot a familiar landscape. The Sandhills have been used as a backdrop in many films and television shows.
After a day of being on the go, the last thing you want to do is cook. So why not cruise along the river Murry River in the iconic paddle steamers on an evening cruise where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the serenity of the Murray River.
Did you know? Discovery Parks - Mildura is lucky enough to be located right on the river, with access to a boat ramp so you can go fishing or skiing, tennis courts, resort style pool if you are after a swim and even a BMX pump track for the kids!
River Cruising
You can’t go to the murray region without going on the river, and there are many ways to achieve this which kids absolutely love.
With heritage paddle streamers, modern riverboats and private houseboats available, it's easy for families to experience the wonder of the Murray River firsthand.
Credit: Visit Melbourne Things to do in Barmera
This one is for the foodies and wine lovers. Barmera may be a small town, but just up the road you have access to other great towns like Berry, Loxton, Renmark and Loveday to name a few.
If you are after some great coffee, along the way to your Riverland trip then head to HeBrews Coffee Co.
Base yourself in Lake Bonney, and you’ll be able to take day trips to wineries like 919 where you can BYO picnic, or order a picnic box in advance, taste their range of delicious wines and, you can even bring your furry friend.
Another popular place is Banrock Station located in Loxton where you can have a walk through the three self-guided walking trails that allow visitors to experience the magnificently restored wetlands, featuring story centres, information huts and bird hides.
If you are into Gin or Vodka, Twenty Third Street Distillery is the place to go with a delicious variety of whisky, gin, brandy, ouzo, rum and vodka range. For the beer lovers, we have you covered with Wilkadene Brewery. Drop by in your boat, there is plenty of room to dock, have a drink, a good feed and enjoy the atmosphere of the river.
Check out other places to eat and drink here.
Did you know? That Discovery Parks - Lake Bonney has loads of in-park activities for the whole family to enjoy. From a waterpark, 2x pools, outdoor cinema, and a lake with a water trampoline! Not to mention the variety of water equipment you can hire.
