From Mildura in the northwest to Barmera in South Australia’s Riverland, the mighty Murray River runs through some of Australia’s most unforgettable riverside attractions. Lined with red-gum forests and heritage towns, this is the place to watch the sun set as you wind the waterways on an historic paddle steamer, relax for a long lunch at a riverside vineyard or enjoy some riverside art and culture. This is a getaway that will help you replenish with life’s simple pleasures.
Mildura
Murray River Walk, Mildura. Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
A vibrant riverside city known for its restaurant, art and culture, Mildura is also famed for the gorgeous red gum riverside, where boats and paddle steamers cruise by the banks and a walking trail takes you past picnic areas and free Mildura Water Play Park – enjoy the park’s cool water jets in the warmer months. For a longer stroll, the riverside track also takes you past the fascinating Albury Weir, built in the 1920s to even the waters for the Mildura Paddle Steamers.
For a must-do Murray River experience, step aboard one of the historic Murray River Paddle Steamers for a relaxing cruise along the waterway. There are plenty of Murray River cruises to enjoy as the Captain regales you with the history of the river, from an upstream cruise to the townships of Buronga and Gol Gol, where you can enjoy lunch at the historic Gol Gol Hotel. There are also options for a two hour cruise through Mildura's Lock 11 or a scenic dinner cruise.
Tretham Estate Winery. Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
For another sip by the river, Trentham Estate Winery is a must-do for any wine lover. With gorgeous views to match the high-quality wines, this acclaimed vineyard has cellar door tours and a restaurant which pairs local produce with classic and alternative varietals. Golfers will also love the Midura Golf Course, where fairways are framed by red gums and open skies. Featuring 18 grass greens, this is a golf range riverside experience that is home to abundant bird life.
For a taste of culture, the Mildura Arts Centre is home to theatre productions and acclaimed art exhibitions. A short drive north leads to the junction of the Darling and Murray Rivers, an historical meeting point where two of Australia’s great waterways converge in the Murray-Darling River Basin. You’ll get a birds-eye appreciation of the rivers by climbing the viewing tower to see the confluence of these great waterways in action.
Accommodation in Mildura
You’ll find plenty of places to stay in Mildura from award-winning motels to hotels set in peaceful garden settings and landscaped surroundings.
Swan Hill
Image courtesy of Visit Swan Hill.
For riverside lifestyle meeting living gold-rush heritage, Swan Hill is another highlight on the Murray River trail. From the bankside swimming to fishing, boating and picnicking, the town’s water activities have made this town a Murray River highlight. The high perched Monash Drive River Viewing Platform and Boardwalk delivers sweeping views of the Murray and is a great place to enjoy the winding river and sunset.
The surrounding beauty is on full display at the Swan Hill Riverside Park where you can explore the surrounding woodlands along the riverbank on one of the walking and cycling paths. Showcasing a bounty of serene blossoms amongst the traditional Japanese pathways and manicured greenery, the Yamagata Garden celebrates Swan Hill’s sister-city connection with Japan’s Yamagata.
Swan Hills Pioneer Settlement. Image courtesy of Visit Victoria.
Swan Hill also celebrates its river heritage with a fleet of local paddlesteamers, which offer cruises from the town’s Pioneer Settlement – another unmissable attraction where you can grab a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, explore historical buildings, and see the Legends of the Malee Light Show. And no visit to Swan Hill feels complete without seeing the Giant Murray Cod (the biggest in the world!), a resident since 1968.
Accommodation in Swan Hill
Situated on the Murray River, Swan Hill accommodation is ideally located to explore the historic Swan Hill region, with the Pioneer Settlement within walking distance.
Barham
Koondrook Barham Redgum Statue River Walk, Barham. Image courtesy of Visit River Country.
Set in the heart of the Riverina’s famous ‘foodbowl’ region, Barham is known for food and wine experiences and quiet river attractions. Start your visit with a walk along the riverbank boardwalk at Barham Riverside Park. This trail steps you through the history of Barham and twin town Koondrook, situated on the opposite side of the river, with carved redgum statues and information boards along the Koondrook Barham Redgum Statue Walk.
A walk across the historic Barham Bridge is a highlight, offering views up and down the Murray. You can also enjoy the meandering river on a relaxing cruise with Wetlander Cruises through the Gunbower State Forest. CluBarham's championship 18-hole Barham golf club is one of the major golfing destinations on the Murray River. Grab a bite afterwards at the on-site Rivergum Restaurant or Don’s Kitchen. For a taste of something extra special, make sure to visit Barham Vines Vineyard, a charming small-batch winery renowned for its food and delicious reds.
Accommodation in Barham
Stay-and-play at Comfort Suites Clubarham Golf Resort is a golf lover’s paradise. Located in the heart of town, the Comfort Inn Clubarham is within walking distance from shops and restaurants.
Albury–Wodonga
Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
Set within the famous food and wine districts of Rutherglen, Beechworth and the King Valley, the twin Murray River towns of Albury-Wodonga are a meeting place of cuisine, nature, and riverside fun. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the green riverbanks here, from swimming or paddleboarding in Murray River Albury precinct to strolling the nearby Wagirra Trail and Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. The riverside trail sculptures tell the fascinating Indigenous story of the Murray River.
The River Deck Cafe. Image courtesy of Destination NSW.
The Albury River Deck Cafe is a great riverside stop for a hearty and fresh breakfast or lunch. We recommend a riverside egg and chorizo ‘cruffin’ or green goddess smashed avocado! Follow up with a sunny vineyard lunch in the nearby Rutherglen wine region, Pfeiffer Wines is a family-owned winery with an historic cellar door known for its elegant and signature Gamay.
For some culture The Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is one of Australia’s leading regional art galleries. Check out one of the year-round international art and photography exhibitions.
Accommodation in Albury
For accommodation right near the galleries and gardens, explore Albury hotels perfect for guests looking for both short and longer stays.
Barmera
Fishing on the Murray River. Image courtesy of South Australian Tourism Commission/Adam Bruzzone.
Known as the ‘Jewel of the Riverland’, the Barmera riverland region is a top spot for canoeing, boating and fishing. Known as ‘water place’ in the language of the Barmerara Meru clan of the Ngawadj people, Barmera is home to Lake Bonney – a picturesque expanse of water filled by the Murray. Explore the lake’s beachfront on the Aquatic Sporting Pioneers trail and follow the plaques commemorating numerous local water legends. You’ll find BBQs and picnic shelters, as well as the Lakes Bakery cafe.
Since 2018 the Riverland Wine Centre has been showcasing all Riverland Wines. Explore this purpose built area and enjoy some quality whites, reds and seasonal produce while you're there. Save some time for another kind of stroll through the verdant lushness of the region, enjoy the beautiful fairways and greens of the eighteen hole Barmera Golf Club.
Accommodation in Barmera
Relax in comfort and enjoy some Lake Bonney Barmera styled attractions at Comfort Inn & Suites Riverland.