Top Things To Do On The Murray River
Every great road trip needs three essential elements: unique attractions, fantastic scenery and comfortable places to stay along the way.
The Murray River has all three elements and much more to enjoy. This is the longest Australian river, it coils through the landscape over a distance of 2,500km.
The source is the Upper Murray in Victoria, from here it forms the New South Wales border and it finally terminates in the Great Australian Bight in South Australia.
Along the river, there are multiple fishing spots, 37 golf courses, numerous places to eat, beautiful scenery, watersports, and much more.
Taking a road trip in the area to visit even a few of these places will elevate your much-deserved break to the next level. Let’s take a look at some great things to do on the Murray River.
Fishing On The Murray River
Anglers are drawn to this area to catch Murray Cod, Silver Perch, Carp, Redfin, Golden Perch and more. Certain sections near national parks, conservation zones and weirs may have extra restrictions in place, including catch and release areas and no-fishing zones.
Some species such as the Murray Cod are subject to closed seasons to protect spawning and the specific annual dates may vary. If you want to catch and release with the proper gentle techniques must be used to improve the survival chances.
The best places to fish are:
- Robinvale: This stretch of the river has deep holes and snags to catch Murray Cod, Carp and Golden Perch.
- Cobram: This a scenic part of the Murray River with great bank access for families. This is a great place to fish for Murray Cod, Silver Perch, Carp, Redfin and Golden Perch.
- Yarrawonga/Lake Mulwala: This is arguably the best spot to fish for Murray Cod, but anglers will find Redfin, Carp and Golden Perch too.
- Swan Hill: This area has deep channels, backwater and sandbars that are perfect for bait and lure fishing for Murray Cod, Carp, Redfin and Golden Perch.
- Echuca/Moama: This area has boat ramps and a wide range of popular fishing spots with a mix of snaggy areas and deep holes that attract large fish.
- Mildura: This is a deeper section of the river, boat fishing is popular and there are plenty of access points.
- Turrumbarry Weir: Anglers can fish from a boat or the bank and this area is renowned for the large Murray Cod that have been caught there.
- Barmah: Here the river winds its way through the Barmah National Park, there are some quiet, beautiful and less crowded fishing spots to experience.
To protect the fish populations along the Murray River there are fishing regulations to consider. These vary because the river passes through Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales. But, there are some general regulations to follow:
Fishing Licenses:
In Victoria and NSW recreational fishing licenses are a must and they can be purchased for specific durations. There are regulations in place in South Australia, but at this time, recreational fishing licenses are not a requirement.
When fishing in the Murray river between Victoria and New South Wales, you are required to have a New South Wales.
This is because the Murray River is in New South Wales.
Bag And Size Limits Of Fish:
The size limit for Murray Cod is from 55 cm up to 75 cm, the daily bag limit is two in Victoria and South Australia and one in NSW.
The closed season is September 1st to November 30th when only catch and release is allowed. Silver Perch must be at least 30 cm and only one is allowed per day and catching them is totally prohibited in certain areas.
There are no size or bag limits on Redfin, they are considered to be a pest and catching them is encouraged! Golden Perch must be at least 30 cm, the daily limit is two in South Australia and five in Victoria and NSW.
There are no bag or size limits on carp, after catching they cannot be released because they too are an invasive species. Trout Cod are a protected species along the Murray River, if they are caught they must be released immediately.
Equipment And Bait Restrictions:
Collecting yabbies and bait fish is restricted in certain areas, especially in national parks. To reduce the potential for injury to the fish, the use of barbless hooks is encouraged. Some fishing spots restrict the use of traps, set lines, and certain nets.
Experience The Murray River On A Paddle Steamer
The paddle steamers played an important role along the Murray-Darling river system; they were the lifeblood of social and economic life in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Without paddle steamers the development of inland Australia would have been much harder.
In 1853 the earliest Murray River paddle steamer was the PS Mary Ann built by William Randell. The success of this paddle steamer prompted Francis Cadell to launch the PS Lady Augusta later in the year. This prompted a rivalry between the two entrepreneurs for years as the demand for reliable river transport grew.
When gold was discovered in Victoria and NSW these river craft became essential to move wheat, wool and other inland farm produce to the coast for export.
In the 1860s the Murray River was an essential trade route with multiple transport hub towns, including: Swan Hill, Mildura, Echuca and Moama. It was Echuca which became the largest inland port and a ket trading post because it was where the Victorian rail system met the paddle steamers. By this time approximately 240 paddle steamers and numerous barges were transporting livestock, timber, produce and other goods along this river system.
These paddle-steamers were also important passenger vessels that brought new settlers and their supplies to remote places. When the paddle steamers were docked they were often turned into temporary social centers to host community events and dances.
As the rail network expanded the paddle steamers became less viable. The trains were more reliable and they were not affected by droughts or seasonal change.
By the 1920s the new roads, railways and river regulations brought an end to the dominance of paddle steamer transport. Some vessels were converted for other purposes and some were abandoned or sunk altogether.
Today there are four Murray River paddle steamer cruises that you may enjoy:
PS Pevensey:
This historic paddle steamer was used at the PS Philadelphia in All the Rivers Run which was a TV miniseries based on the Australian historical novel written by Nancy Cato. Now, this vessel operates out of Echuca providing short river cruises to view the scenic river views and bushland. There is commentary on the history of the vessel and the significance of the Murray River.
PS Emmylou:
This is another paddle steamer operating from Echuca and it is one of the more luxurious vessels still afloat. There are overnight cruises from 1-7 nights that can offer passengers an immersive cruising experience with gourmet dining and comfortable rooms.
Along the route there are winter visits, onshore tours, campfire dining experiences, bushwalks and more. At this time this is the only wood-fired paddle steamer in the world that offers overnight cruising.
PS Cumberoona:
This is a scenic boat tour that takes in the natural beauty of Lake Mulawa. There’s a licensed bar, a set menu, special events and sunset dinner cruises to try.
The vessel can be privately chartered for weddings and other events throughout the year. This is a family operated business that in 2019 was a finalist in the Excellence in Tourism and Hospitality category.
Captain Proud Paddle Boat:
This vessel operates from Murray Bridge offering 2-3 hour lunch and dinner cruises. This is an excellent way to enjoy a meal as you view the wetlands, wildlife, cliffs and more. For those that want a shorter cruise paired with excellent food for a day trip this is a must.
A cruise on a historic paddle steamer that has been meticulously restored is a wonderful way to experience the charm and historical significance of these special vessels. They offer some excellent photo opportunities and the constantly changing scenery is especially dramatic and sunrise and sunset.
You can expect to see: kangaroos, swans, pelicans, emus, wetlands, red cliffs, gum trees and much more. The captain and/or crew usually offer some insightful commentary on the role of paddle steamers and the Murray River in the development of inland Australia. The meal options can vary from quick snacks to more elaborate breakfasts, lunches or dinners with spectacular river views.
Houseboat Adventures On The Murray River
If you want to get out onto the Murray River with your family and friends, perhaps you would prefer a modern houseboat over a paddle steamer experience. This is a great way to explore the national parks, towns, wineries, golf courses and more along the river.
The smaller vessels can accommodate 4-6 people and the larger ones can accommodate up to 12 people. Many houseboats have a top deck for an excellent viewing and BBQ experience and all the kitchen facilities you need to prepare meals. At any time, you can stop at a river beach to swim or paddle a dinghy or canoe to explore the tributaries.
There is almost 200 km of navigable river to explore and houseboat operators know all the best places to visit on the Murray River. The cruising speed is sedate at around 8 km/h downstream which is halved if you want to travel upstream. So, you will need to know where you want to visit ahead of time and pick a houseboat operator that meets your needs.
Some highlights include the Coomealla Golf Club at Wentworth, the Trentham Estate Winter, and brunch at the Three Black Sheep in Echuca Moama. The rates can vary from $30 per person per night up to $200 plus for the larger luxurious vessels with a hot tub! These prices will vary and it is possible to get a good deal if you’re prepared to take your trip off season.
Water Sports And Activities
The area around Wentworth on the lower Murray River is a great place for beginners to try their hands at water-sports because the waters are calm and free from rapids. Here you can hire a canoe and paddle past the red gums in complete tranquility.
All along the Murray River there are fishing spots, shady clearings and places to enjoy a picnic. Deeper into the Barmah Forest there are flood plains filled with frogs and native birds to see.
Our four favorite canoeing and kayaking trails are: Kings Billabong, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Safe’s Lagoon on Gunbower Island and Lake Mulwala.
For those that want to swim and relax along the Murray River, there are numerous beaches with sand shores and tranquil water to enjoy. But, it’s important to stick to the safer designated swimming spots to avoid underwater obstacles, sharp depth changes and strong currents.
Some of our favorite places to swim, relax and enjoy watersports are Victoria Park Beach and Moama Beach in Echuca, Horseshoe Lagoon in Mildura and Big Toms Beach in the Barmah National Park.
Those looking for more speed can find plenty of places on the river to try water and jet skiing. There are experienced professionals that offer classes and the placid waters are a great place to get started. In our opinion, the best locations are the wide river stretches at Torrumbarry, Echuca, Moama, Mildura and on the lakes at Lake Boga, Lake Hume and Lake Mulwala.
Wildlife Watching On The Murray River
The Murray River is long and filled with a wide variety of habitats including floodplains, riverine forests, wetlands, sandy beaches and more. As you might imagine, this area is a paradise for bird watchers that want to observe or capture the perfect picture.
Some of the most prominent bird species, include the:
Great Egret, Australian Pelican, Black Swan, Australian White Ibis, Royal Spoonbill, Whistling Kite, Purple Swamphen, Brown Falcon, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Crimson and Eastern Rosella parrots and the enigmatically named White-bellied Sea Eagle. Patience and a good set of binoculars are a must. The best times for bird-watching are early morning or late afternoon.
If you tire of bird-watching, one of the best things to do on the Murray River is to watch the native wildlife. There are many iconic and some lesser known animals that make their home along the river and connected waterways, including the Platypus, Common Brush-tail Possum, Eastern Grey Kangaroo, Koala, Sugar Glider and Rakali (water rat).
These creatures can often be seen drinking or hunting along the river bank. Some species like the Sugar Glider are nocturnal, but they will move at dusk and make high-pitched calls to signal their presence.
A good guidebook to the flora and fauna in the Murray River area can be helpful. But if you really want to understand the wildlife the best option is to book a guided tour.
This gives you the chance to look at the biodiversity on the river up close without causing any disturbance. There are guided nature walks in the adjacent national parks which are a great way to look at local plants and land-based wildlife.
Camping And Picnicking On The Murray River
The Murray River is a great place to enjoy natural beauty with ready access to water-based activities, bird-watching, wildlife watching and more. So, it’s understandable that this is a popular place for campers with many well-equipped parks. There are many places to enjoy a BBQ or picnic and two of our favourites are Moama Recreation Reserve and Victoria Park in Echuca.
For the most natural iconic river gum forest settings visit Ulupna Island and the Barmah Lakes Picnic Area. The best picnic views of the Murray River in Renmark are Riverside Park and the 16th Street Reserve.
For a successful camping trip, make sure you check the local conditions before you book because the Murray River levels fluctuate and this could affect setting up a camp. Some camping spots are very basic, you may need to bring extra camping gear, firewood and drinking water. Store your food securely to prevent animal attraction and be mindful that snakes may be around. Always use the designated fire pits and comply with the local fire restrictions.
To enjoy your picnic check the facilities to ensure that you have the amenities that you need. Early morning or late in the afternoon are nicer times to eat outdoors and this is especially true in summer. Always bring insect repellent, sunscreen and plenty of bottled water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Before you leave, clean up after yourself and follow “Leave No Trace” principles to protect the flora and fauna.
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are many relaxing and exciting things to do on the Murray River. This is why it’s such a popular place for people that want to enjoy their outdoor activities. Many travelers visit regularly because there are so many things to see and do. Exploring what the Murray River and the connected towns have to offer is all part of the journey.