Exploring Beautiful Murray River Towns

The Murray River – Victoria’s lifeblood and Australia’s longest river. Imagine over 2.1 million megalitres of water flowing through its veins daily. Its 2,500-kilometre journey starts in the Australian Alps and drains into the sea at the Murray Mouth near Goolwa. As it winds through Victoria, NSW and South Australia, it breathes life into towns like Echuca-Moama, Swan Hill, Albury, Wodonga, and Corowa.

Murray River towns depend on its unrelenting flow, attracting thousands of tourists annually. They come to enjoy paddle steamers in Echuca, fishing, taking part in water sports in Swan Hill and wine tasting in Mildura’s wineries.

And let’s not forget its historical importance – Corowa is the birthplace of the Federation, which has shaped Australia’s history, marking the beginning of a united nation.

Are you ready to discover what makes Murray River towns unique? Join us on a journey of excitement and adventure as we explore this mighty river. From rising in the Australian Alps to meeting the sea at Lake Alexandrina.

Pack your bags, and let’s hit the road to visit Murray River settlements.

Discovering The Murray River

Winding through Victoria and New South Wales, this scenic wonder is Australia’s lifeline. Nicknamed “Australia’s food bowl”, it’s estimated that one-third of the country’s fruit and vegetable crops come from the Murray Valley thanks to irrigation from the meandering river. The Murray River also plays a crucial role in the timber, wool, meat, and other industries.

In short, without the Murray-Darling Basin, Australia would be a different country.

Murray River’s importance goes back thousands of years, long before the first European settlers. Australia’s Traditional Owners enjoyed a close affinity with the Murray River. It winds through Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, and Barapa Barapa lands. It’s also home to the world’s largest river red gum tree forest.

Today, the mighty Murray is the thread tying communities together. Whether through ecological habitats, irrigation, fishing, water sports, camping, hiking, or festivals, Murray is the heart of Southeastern Australia.

Top Towns To Visit Along The Murray River

Let’s start our journey closest to where the river begins – the western side of Australia’s highest mountains.

Albury-Wodonga: Where Two States Meet

The twin cities of Albury and Wodonga are the perfect place to start exploring. You’ll love strolling along the river’s banks, relaxing in parks, delving into rich history, and enjoying the vibrant arts scene. It’s an ideal place for relaxation and exploration.

The blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences in Albury-Wodonga is thanks to these popular attractions:

Shop at the Sunday Market, popular for local produce
Explore the Albury Botanic Gardens
Relax in Noreuil Park by the river
Wakeboarding, cycling, water skiing, or paddleboarding on Lake Hume
Cycle along the Murray River trail
Visit the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

Corowa: The Birthplace Of Federation

Located 57 km east of Albury, Corowa is a charming town known as the birthplace of the Australian Federation. Visitors enjoy cycling, swimming, and fishing along the Murray’s banks. It’s also famous for its whisky, chocolate production and golf course.

What else does Corowa have to offer? Here’s a taste of the best activities in the city:

Tour the whisky distillery and sample organic chocolate and liquorice
Explore the Federation Museum
Dine in local restaurants to sample locally produced wine
Enjoy Max’s Motor Museum or the various art galleries
Play a round of golf

Yarrawonga-Mulwala: Lakeside Living At Its Best

A 40-minute drive downstream from Corowa is the twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala. Here, the Murray River becomes the expansive Lake Mulwala and is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts. Imagine taking a break from your road trip by unwinding by the beautiful lake.

Other activities in Yarrawonga-Mulwala include the following:

Try fishing, canoeing, or waterskiing on Lake Mulwala
Discover Mulwala’s Pioneer Museum
Play a round of golf at the championship Yarrawonga-Mulwala Golf Club Resort
Delve into local heritage and enjoy local produce at the Byramine Homestead

Echuca-Moama: Paddle Steamer Paradise

Visiting Echuca and Moama is one of the highlights of a road trip in the Murray Valley. The twin towns are famous for paddle steamers and cruising the river. You’ll enjoy Echuca’s vibrant waterfront, towering gum trees, and historic inland port – Australia’s largest inland port since 1854. It’s also an excellent base for exploring the Murray Valley.

What else does Echuca-Moama have to offer? Here’s a taste of what you can do in Echuca-Moama:

Enjoy a paddle steamer ride and learn about the river’s heritage
Explore the Murray River canoe trails
Visit wineries – our favourites are St Anne’s and Morrisons Riverview
Swim at Moama Beach
Sample local drinks at the Echuca Distillery
Explore shops, historic buildings, and cafes along the Murray Esplanade

Swan Hill: The Authentic Taste Of The Outback

Continuing along the Murray River, you come to the beautiful town of Swan Hill. It’s known as one of the most unspoiled areas of the river. Spend a week visiting this regional area along the river. It’s also the perfect location to explore Lake Boga for water sports and swimming. Highlights of Swan Hill are the Food and Wine Festival in March and October’s Australian Wine Show.

Discover what makes Swan Hill a must-see town on the Murray River with these activities:

Learn about Australia’s history at the Pioneer Settlement
Discover local produce at the Swan Hill Farmers’ Market
Chill out in Riverside Park
Take a paddle steamer ride (if you missed it in Echuca)

Mildura

Mildura is a 2hr 30min drive from Swan Hill, nestled among some of the region’s finest vineyards. Visitors to Mildura describe the Murray River town as a foodie’s paradise.

Here, you can enjoy fine dining while sipping the best wines Australia produces. When spending a day or more in Mildura, a trip to the Mungo National Park is a must-do activity.

Here are more activities to experience the best Mildura offers:

Explore some of the nine award-winning wineries in Mildura
Discover local art at the Mildura Arts Centre
Experience spectacular views of the meandering River from a hot air balloon ride
Learn about Aboriginal art at the Barkindji Wiimpatya Murra Centre

Wentworth: Where Two Rivers Meet

A short drive northwest of Mildura is the Murray River town of Wentworth. The most popular activity in the township is visiting Junction Island Nature Reserve, where the Murray and Darling Rivers meet. Once Australia’s biggest inland river port, it’s now a gateway to the Mungo National Park, the Darling River, or for renting a houseboat.

Highlight in Wentworth for tourists include the following activities:

Explore the shifting sand dune at Perry Sandhills
Visit historic buildings in the town, including the Wentworth Pioneer Museum and Old Wentworth Gaol
Enjoy an adventure at Orange Worlds, home to more than 10,000 orange trees

Renmark: Riverland’s Hidden Gem

Crossing the border to South Australia along the Murray River, we arrive in the lovely town of Renmark. The township is known for its vibrant riverfront, river cruises, and fantastic restaurants.

Renmark also has some of the finest orchards Down Under. Once you arrive here, it’s difficult to leave.

Here are some of Renmark’s top attractions to explore on a camping trip:

Winetasting at Mallee Estates Wines
Enjoy fabulous gins at the Rustons Distillery or Twenty Third Street Distillery
Hire a riverboat for a luxury holiday
Explore some of the finest Murray River hiking trails

Mannum: The Gateway To River Life

Traveling four hours west toward Adelaide, you come to Mannum, a vibrant township and home to a historic wharf.

Mannum is famous for being home to the first paddle steamer on the Murray River – the Mary Ann. Thanks to its rich history, it’s dubbed the “Birthplace of the Murray River Paddle Steamers.”

To enjoy the best Mannum, South Australia, offers, check out these activities:

Explore the stunning Mannum Waterfalls reserve
Get a history lesson at the Mannum Dock Museum
Discover local wildlife on a bushwalking adventure
Enjoy stunning views of the Murray River banks, like gum trees, willows, and granite cliffs

Murray Bridge

Murray Bridge is one of the largest towns on the Murray River. The city offers a wide range of tourist activities, including museums, parks, and plenty of water activities.

It’s also the place in South Australia to see giraffes, lions, rhinos, and monkeys in Montaro Safari Park – the largest outside of Africa.

Apart from the safari park, what else does Murray Bridge offer? Here are some top activities:

Water sports on the Murray River
Explore the Murray Region’s history at the Captain’s Cottage Museum and Round House
Relax in one of the city’s 65 parks and reserves
Enjoy stunning views of the river landscape from the Murray Bridge Wharf

Tailem Bend

Downstream from Murray Bridge and near Lake Alexandrina is Tailem Bend.

Described as Australia’s most prominent pioneer village, the town is home to motorsports, botanic gardens, an outdoor museum and wetlands.

Its proximity to the Ben Motorsport Park and Murray River makes it a perfect destination for thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts.

Other reasons to include Tailem Bend on a Murray River road trip include:

Panoramic views from the Tailem Bend lookout
World-class racing at the Bent Motorsport Park
Explore the Coorong National Park for birdwatching and wildlife
Delve into history at the Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village

Hidden Gems Along The Murray

Apart from towns on the Murray River, NSW and Victoria have hidden gems off-the-beaten-track.

For example, Barham and Koondrook are quaint riverside towns worth visiting. Here, you’ll find a more authentic, less touristy experience than the larger towns of Echuca and Swan Hill.

They also offer a quieter experience by the Murray, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Also, Moulamein on the Edward River has a beautiful 15-hectare lake where you can fish, swim, or enjoy water sports. It’s also a magnet for birdwatchers, where you can see pelicans, ducks, and black swans. Historic sites like the Gaol and Old Courthouse are also popular attractions.

Unforgettable Murray River Adventures: Where To Find The Best Activities

We love travelling along the Murray River and staying in towns along the way. If this is your first time in the Murray Valley, you’re probably wondering how to plan your road trip. Here are some suggestions about where to enjoy the best activities.

Outdoor Adventures On The Murray River

Murray River towns offer a plethora of outdoor activities for all tastes, ages, and physical abilities.

Here are the best Murray towns where you can enjoy these outdoor adventures:

Fishing: Head to Swan Hill or Wentworth for the best spots for fishing. You can cast for Murray cod, catfish, or golden perch here.
Water sports: Is kayaking, paddleboarding or canoeing your thing? If so, spending a few days in Yarrawonga-Mulwala beside Lake Mulwala is perfect.
Hiking and camping: We’re sure you will enjoy some of the best camping experiences in Echuca, a gateway to several national parks. It also has the best campsites on the Murray River.

Cultural And Historical Experiences

The Murray Valley is the heart of Australia’s Original Owners. Here, you can delve into history stretching back thousands of years. For some immersive experiences, include these on your itinerary:

Paddle steamer cruises: Echuca-Moama is the best place to enjoy authentic Murray River paddles teamer cruising. Also, the ancient harbor lets you step back in time to a bygone era of Australia’s burgeoning industries.
Aboriginal heritage: With its proximity to the Barmah National Park, Echuca is perfect for exploring Aboriginal land. Swan Hill has the stunning Pioneer Settlement to learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi people.
Museums and historic sites: To learn more about Australia’s history from the 19th century, include towns like Swan Hill, Wentworth, Renmark, or Mildura on your road trip itinerary which have the best mix of heritage buildings.

Food And Wine

No trip to the Murray Valley would be complete without sampling local produce, including delicious food made from local lamb and beef and imbibing in the finest wines Australia produces.

Wine tasting: The best wineries along the Murray River are near Mildura, VIC and Renmark, SA. Just ensure you have a place to camp for the night to sample as many wines as possible.
Farmers’ markets: The Murray Valley produces a spectacular array of food. Be sure to head to farmers’ markets in the following towns:
- Albury-Wodonga
- Swan Hill
- Barham
- Yarrawonga

Travel Tips

How can you make the most of your time when visiting Murray River towns? Here are some top tips and recommendations we’ve picked up on our travels:

Best time to visit: Late winter, spring and autumn are the seasons to head to Murray. You’ll enjoy pleasant weather and fewer crowds as summer is the peak season.
Accommodations: You’ll find well-appointed campsites along the Murray River. However, you can also find B&Bs, friendly hotels, and houseboats – the ultimate in luxury river living.
Getting around: A car or RV is essential to explore Murray River towns. We like taking bikes with us to make getting around towns easier and exploring trails along the Murray River.
Packing essentials: Remember to pack sunscreen bug repellent, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for hiking or walking.
Local events: Do you want to maximize your Murray River experience? Check out the when the following event take place:
- Mildura Country Music Festival: This festival in late September highlights local and national country music talent.
- Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival: This music festival is the highlight of the winter calendar in Echuca. You’ll enjoy the best live blues music across various venues.
- Swan Hill Region Food and Wine Festival: Do you want to try delicious food and the most delicious wines? Attend Swan Hill in March to try the region’s best food, wine and local produce.
- Southern 80: Crowds flock to Echuca-Moama annually to watch the thrilling water ski race on the Murray River.
- Riverland Rose and Garden Festival: Held in Renmark every October, the horticultural event celebrates the beauty of roses with garden tours and festivities.

Why Choose Murray River Towns For Your Next Adventure

Visiting Murray River towns on a road trip is one of the best ways to experience Australia’s outback and rich heritage.

The Murray region offers unforgettable adventures –

From the vibrant art scene in Albury to historic paddle steamers in Echuca and Midura and Aboriginal heritage.

So why not make the Murray River your next adventure?

You’ll love the chance to unwind and enjoy stunning river landscapes in the heart of southeastern Australia.