Holiday houses in Murray River

The third-largest navigable river in the world, the Murray River runs for 2,700 kilometres between the Great Dividing Range in Victoria and South Australia’s capital city of Adelaide. Cocooned by lush greenery and rust-coloured desert landscapes, the Murray River boasts picturesque landscapes at every turn. Its slow-moving waters nourish the abundance of native wildlife and vegetation like river red gums — one of Australia’s most iconic eucalypts. There are plenty of great fishing spots along the river and boat hires available for the chance to cast your lure in deeper waters. The Murray River is home to many fish species, including the legendary Murray cod, one of the largest freshwater fish on the planet.

There are various cities and towns dotted along the Murray River, such as Albury to the north or Cohuna to the south, both of which offer kayaking and canoeing. To the northeast, Monash is home to the popular Monash Adventure Park and Monash Playground, while Port of Echuca boasts its own Discovery Centre. Murray River is also in the middle of one of Australia’s best wine regions, with plenty of cellar doors located along its banks. The city of Swan Hill on the south bank of the river produces crisp white wines and full-bodied reds, while the southern town of Langhorne Creek is known for its cabernet sauvignon and shiraz.

Australia’s southern states experience pleasantly warm temperatures throughout the year, with temperatures dropping during the winter season. The balmy weather makes conditions ideal for enjoying a range of water-based recreation on the river, including fishing, swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding. During the winter months, temperatures can drop significantly and cause quite a chill.

The area is known for hosting numerous events throughout the year, especially in the city of Mildura. You can find an arts festival in March, a writers festival in July, a country music festival in September, and a jazz, food, and wine festival in November. During the long Labour Day weekend in March, Rutherglen hosts a festival that showcases the region’s coveted wines and produce. During a weekend in February, Echuca-Moama revels during the Riverboats Music Festival, which boasts an exciting combination of live music, paddle steamers, and local food and wine.

Heading Cliff’s Lookout

For spectacular views of the Murray River’s untouched beauty and hinterlands, head to Riverland in South Australia to reach Heading Cliff’s Lookout. Here the river snakes past ochre-coloured cliffs, and you’ll appreciate this stunning view from the higher vantage point. This lookout is a popular spot to capture a sweeping shot of the river, so bring a camera. The panoramic views make this lookout point well worth the drive.

Paddle Steamer Cruise

Exploring the Murray River on a paddle steamer cruise is one of the best ways to experience and learn about Australia’s largest river system. Several companies offer cruises and provide different boat options and dining experiences as a part of their packages. Head to Echuca to board an iconic wood-fired paddle steamer.

Wine tasting

The Murray River runs past some of the best wine regions in Australia. Rutherglen, in northeast Victoria, is home to 23 wineries, where visitors can sample the region’s rich, full-bodied red wines and crisp, dry white wines and learn about its history from local winemakers and experts who have produced wine in the region for up to six generations. From booking a breathtaking winery tour through the Rutherglen’s flourishing rolling vineyards to attending wine tastings, exploring this river-side town provides an exciting opportunity to experience the Murray River’s bounty first-hand.