Planning a trip and searching for the best things to do along the Murray River can feel overwhelming, with hundreds of attractions, towns, and natural landscapes stretching across New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
The Murray offers everything from historic paddle steamer cruises to vibrant food and wine trails, along with national parks, wildlife encounters, and a range of outdoor adventures.
With such a wide variety, it’s easy to miss some of the most rewarding experiences without a bit of guidance.
This guide highlights the must-do activities and destinations that showcase the river’s charm, making trip planning simple and enjoyable.
Things to Do Along the Murray River
The Murray River spans three states, offering a diverse range of cruises, food trails, and outdoor adventures.
Paddle steamers in Echuca and Mildura give a glimpse of river life, while the Riverland and Swan Hill are known for wine and fresh produce.
Nature lovers can canoe, fish, or camp along red gum forests and sandy beaches, with houseboats providing a chance to stay right on the water.
Historic towns like Albury, Wentworth, and Corowa add culture and heritage to the journey, enriching the overall Murray experience.
🛣️ Exploring the Murray River – By Road, Houseboat or Tour
One of the great things about the Murray is the numerous ways to explore it. Road trippers can follow the Mighty Murray Way, a scenic route that winds across three states.
It’s a journey dotted with river lookouts, quiet picnic spots, and welcoming towns, making it perfect for a leisurely drive.
Houseboating is a classic Murray River experience. These floating holiday homes move at river pace, giving mornings with water views and evenings with riverside barbecues or pub meals.
Houseboats range from simple two-berth boats to luxury stays with hot tubs, with popular hire bases in Renmark, Mildura, and Echuca.
Fishing off the deck or sipping local wine under the stars is all part of the charm.
For guided experiences, paddlewheeler cruises are a nostalgic way to see the river.
The PS Murray Princess offers multi-day trips complete with meals and onshore excursions.
Shorter tours are just as memorable, whether it’s an Aboriginal cultural boat tour through wetlands, a kayaking safari in the Coorong, or a winery cruise where the boat pulls in for a vineyard lunch.
🌱 Albury (Upper Murray) – Nature and Culture at the River’s Start
Albury–Wodonga marks the beginning of a Murray River journey.
These twin towns sit on the NSW–Victoria border where the river flows fresh from the alpine ranges, winding past lakes, wetlands, and leafy parklands.
The River Precinct is the heart of it all, with Noreuil Park a favourite spot for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and riverside cycling.
In summer, the calm stretch becomes a playground for families floating downstream on tubes and stand-up boards.
The Wagirra Trail follows the riverbank, linking wetlands and showcasing Aboriginal sculptures that share Wiradjuri stories of this “crossing place.”
For more cultural insight, the Yindyamurra Sculpture Walk at Wonga Wetlands adds another layer of storytelling, while Albury’s LibraryMuseum traces history from Wiradjuri life to European settlement.
Heritage fans can join a walking tour to admire 19th-century buildings, including the old railway station.
Just outside town, Lake Hume provides wide open water for fishing, boating, and picnicking against mountain backdrops.
History comes alive at the Bonegilla Migrant Experience, a museum located at the former post-war camp that welcomed over 320,000 new Australians between 1947 and 1971.
Add in botanic gardens, bike trails, and a thriving café scene, and Albury blends outdoor adventure with culture and charm – the perfect introduction to the Murray.
🚂 Echuca–Moama – PaddleSteamers and Pioneering History
Echuca–Moama is where the Murray River’s paddle-steamer era comes alive.
Once Australia’s largest inland port, Echuca thrived in the 19th century as fleets of riverboats loaded with wool and timber linked up with the railway to Melbourne.
Today, the Port of Echuca is beautifully preserved, with its red-gum wharf, sawmill, and weathered warehouses offering a glimpse of that pioneering age.
Guided tours at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre share stories of river captains and life on the river frontier.
A cruise on an authentic paddle steamer is a must.
Known as Australia’s paddlesteamer capital, Echuca is home to historic vessels like the PS Pevensey and the wood-fired PS Emmylou, where the rhythm of the paddlewheel transports you back to the days when dozens of boats plied the Murray each day.
Families will also find plenty to explore in town.
The TwistED Science Museum keeps kids entertained with hands-on experiments, while the National Holden Motor Museum celebrates a true Aussie car icon.
For a dose of quirky nostalgia, the Great Aussie Beer Shed displays a vast collection of Australiana in a light-hearted setting.
Nature is just downstream at Barmah National Park, home to the world’s largest river red gum forest.
Walk among 500-year-old trees, spot koalas and waterbirds, or join Yorta Yorta Nation guides on a cultural canoe tour.
Echuca also boasts a thriving food and wine scene, featuring classic riverside pubs and wharf-to-winery cruises that combine a steamer ride with lunch and tastings at vineyards like Morrison’s.
🏘️ Swan Hill – Pioneer Villages and Riverfront Relaxation
Swan Hill, located in northwest Victoria, combines the charm of the Murray River with a strong pioneering spirit. Its highlight is the Pioneer Settlement, an open-air museum that recreates a 19th-century riverport town.
Vintage cottages, homesteads, and shops line the streets, while horse-drawn carriages and old cars add to the atmosphere.
Blacksmiths, printers, and other trades demonstrate their crafts, and families can even dress in period costume for a keepsake photo.
From the dock, the 1896 paddlesteamer PS Pyap still cruises the Murray by day, while at night the award-winning Heartbeat of the Murray laser and water show tells the river’s story through light, music, and fountains.
The riverfront is just as inviting. Riverside Park is a favourite picnic spot where the Little Murray merges with the main river, home to the town’s quirky Giant Murray Cod sculpture.
The Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery adds a cultural touch with its renowned collection of naïve art displayed in a woolshed-inspired building.
Beyond town, Nyah-Vinifera State Forest offers bushwalks through red gum and box forests, where kangaroos and a diverse array of birdlife thrive.
Water lovers will find plenty to do, from fishing and boating to kayaking, wakeboarding, and water skiing on the Murray’s vast waters.
Nearby Lake Boga adds a historical twist, with its Flying Boat Museum housing a restored Catalina seaplane and sharing stories of the secret World War II repair base once hidden here.
🍷 Mildura – Food, Wine and Outback Vistas by the River
At Victoria’s northwest edge, Mildura is an oasis where the Murray River slows and broadens, lined with vineyards and citrus orchards that contrast against the red desert sands beyond.
With a Mediterranean-style climate of sunny days and mild winters, it’s ideal for outdoor living, enjoying good food, and taking relaxed river escapes. Food and wine are central to Mildura’s appeal.
Langtree Avenue, also known as Feast Street, comes alive in the evenings with cafés and restaurants serving a diverse range of cuisines, from modern Australian to Thai and Italian.
The Mildura Brewery is a favourite for a cold beer, while local wines shine at historic Chateau Mildura or riverside Trentham Estate Winery.
Celebrity chef Stefano de Pieri helped put Mildura on the culinary map, and his restaurant continues to celebrate farm-to-table dining with dishes featuring local lamb, Murray cod, and citrus-inspired flavours.
The Murray itself is never far away. Paddle-steamer cruises aboard the PS Melbourne or PV Rothbury share river lore, while Apex Park is a favourite spot for swimming and paddleboarding.
Houseboats make for a slower-paced adventure, while thrill-seekers come every Easter for the Mildura 100, the world’s fastest water ski race.
Families can enjoy a day at Orange World citrus farm or try the giant maze at Woodsies Gem Shop.
Mildura also opens the door to some of Australia’s most striking landscapes. Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, located just 50 km downstream, features blue lakes, mallee scrub, and an abundance of wildlife.
A little further afield, Mungo National Park reveals the famous Walls of China formations and ancient Aboriginal heritage, best explored with a guided tour.
Closer still, the Perry Sandhills near Wentworth glow red at sunset and are perfect for sand-boarding or photography.
⛴️ Renmark and the Riverland – Houseboats, Harvests and Wetland Wonders
Crossing into South Australia, the Murray meanders through the Riverland – a region of orchards, vineyards, wetlands, and wide, slow-flowing river bends.
Renmark is the hub here, a classic Murray River town where houseboats, fresh produce, and good wine shape the pace of life.
The river is broad and calm, framed by red gum forests and striking limestone cliffs, making it an ideal starting point for houseboat holidays.
Even without one, there are plenty of ways to get on the water: hire a kayak, hop on a dinghy, or take a sunset cruise.
Just upstream, the 1920s Paringa Suspension Bridge still lifts for passing boats and offers a great vantage point for watching pelicans glide over the river.
Renmark’s riverfront is also a draw, featuring a rose garden, a grassy park, and the restored 1911 paddle steamer PS Industry, which still operates monthly working steam cruises.
The Riverland is famous for its harvests, and you can taste them everywhere.
Roadside stalls brim with oranges, almonds, and dried apricots, while cellar doors invite travellers in for a sip.
Renmark is home to the stylish 23rd Street Distillery, where whisky, brandy, and craft gin are poured in a converted winery.
Wine lovers can drop into boutique producers like 919 Wines for organic reds, or enjoy the facilities of Angove Winery, one of the region’s best-known names.
A standout is Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre near Kingston-on-Murray, where lunch and wine tastings are accompanied by views over rehabilitated wetlands and boardwalk trails teeming with birdlife.
For something more rustic, the Woolshed Brewery at Wilkadene brews great beers in an old shearing shed on the riverbank, complete with a relaxed lawn where boats can moor right at the door.
Families will also find plenty to keep them busy. Monash Adventure Park is a Riverland institution, a vast playground of slides, towers, and mazes that has been delighting kids for decades.
In Loxton, the Loxton Historical Village recreates life in the 1800s with more than 45 heritage buildings to explore.
For nature lovers, the Riverland’s national parks – including Murray River National Park’s Katarapko and Chowilla floodplains – offer peaceful bushwalks, camping, and an abundance of wildlife.
Birdwatchers might spot spoonbills, whistling kites, or even the rare southern bell frog in the lagoons.
For a more profound cultural insight, Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, near Waikerie, is one of the Murray’s most significant Aboriginal heritage sites.
Guided by Nganguraku custodians, visitors can view ancient rock carvings and learn stories that connect the river to its first peoples.
Standing on the cliffs above Ngaut Ngaut, with the Murray flowing quietly below, offers a perspective that’s both moving and unforgettable.
🏞️ Goolwa and the Coorong – Where the River Meets the Sea
At the Murray River’s end, the waterways flow into lakes and wetlands before merging with the Southern Ocean at Goolwa in South Australia.
Once a busy 1850s river port, Goolwa now blends history, nature, and coastal charm.
The wharf precinct is the heart of town, with the old goods shed, paddle steamer dock, and the PS Oscar W – a 1908 steam-powered vessel that still runs short cruises.
The SteamRanger Cockle Train also departs from here, a heritage steam train that hugs the coast to Victor Harbour, offering sweeping ocean views and the chance to spot whales in winter.
Beyond town lies the Coorong, a stretch of saltwater lagoons separated from the sea by sweeping dunes.
Coorong National Park is internationally recognised for its birdlife and cultural heritage, and one of the best ways to see it is by boat.
Spirit of the Coorong cruises pass through the lock at Goolwa before heading down the lagoon, where flocks of pelicans wheel overhead.
Guides share Ngarrindjeri stories as you step ashore on the Younghusband Peninsula and walk across vast dunes to the wild Southern Ocean.
The Coorong has profound significance for the Ngarrindjeri people and features in the Australian classic Storm Boy.
Back on land, the Murray Mouth Lookout on Hindmarsh Island provides a striking view of the river’s channel as it meets the waves, with seals often spotted basking on the barrage gates.
The Goolwa Barrages, built to hold back the sea, are another good stop for wildlife watching.
Closer to town, Goolwa Beach offers surfing, long strolls, or even 4WD access for cockle digging at low tide. Nearby Port Elliot adds boutique shops and beaches to the mix. Local flavours shine here too.
The famous Coorong mullet is best enjoyed beer-battered at Kuti Shack on Goolwa Beach, while cool-climate wineries in Currency Creek and Langhorne Creek pour excellent Riesling and Shiraz just a short drive away.
Festivals add even more colour, with the Goolwa Wooden Boat Festival held every second year, bringing together historic riverboats, timber vessels, and steam engines in a lively celebration of maritime heritage.
Best Murray River Activities and Experiences
The Murray River is all about variety, offering numerous opportunities to slow down or embark on an adventure.
Time on the water is a highlight, whether cruising, paddling, or simply relaxing by the banks.
On land, there are trails to follow, parks to enjoy, and peaceful spots perfect for unwinding.
Add in good food, local wine, and a dose of history, and the Murray becomes more than a river – it’s an experience that unfolds in many different ways.
1. 3 Nights Murray River Discovery
A three-night cruise on the PS Emmylou is an unforgettable way to soak up the Murray’s beauty and charm.
Each morning begins with the steady rhythm of the paddlewheels and the sight of river gums mirrored in the water – a pace that quickly slows you into the river’s rhythm.
The Emmylou combines the nostalgia of a traditional paddle steamer with the comfort of a boutique hotel, making it perfect for travellers wanting both history and relaxation. Onshore tours add depth to the journey.
At Perricoota Station, you’ll step back into the pioneering days of the Murray and hear stories of its early river trade.
A visit to St Anne’s Winery showcases the Riverina’s rich winemaking tradition with tastings among the vines.
The cruise also takes in the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Barmah Wetlands, home to the world’s largest river red gum forest and a haven for birdlife, where guides share the area’s ecological and cultural significance.
Evenings on the Emmylou are just as memorable.
Signature riverside dining sees guests gathered under the Southern constellations, enjoying regional produce by firelight.
A campfire crackles on the riverbank, marshmallows toast over the flames, and the night air carries the sounds of the Murray flowing quietly by. It’s a blend of indulgence and simplicity that captures the true spirit of river life.
2. Murray River Lunch Cruise
A Murray River lunch cruise from Mandurah is a relaxed way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of this region.
The boat winds its way through the Mandurah Estuary, across the Peel Inlet and into the Creery Wetlands – all places known for their rich birdlife and regular sightings of playful bottlenose dolphins.
With calm waters and open views, it’s a peaceful setting to sit back, enjoy the journey and watch the river unfold.
One of the highlights is stepping ashore at Coopers Mill, a historic wind-driven flour mill perched on a remote island.
The short guided walk gives insight into the mill’s past and the families who lived and worked in this isolated spot.
Surrounded by water and the sounds of birds, it feels like a step back in time.
Back on board, lunch is served buffet-style with fresh regional produce, and the boat’s bar offers drinks to enjoy as the cruise continues.
With the scenery drifting past – from pelicans skimming low over the water to the backdrop of wetlands and bushland – the cruise captures the leisurely pace of river life.
It’s an ideal way to spend a few hours if you’re short on time yet still want to experience the Murray’s mix of nature, history and relaxation.
3. 4 Nights Murray River Explorer
The four-night Murray River Explorer aboard PS Emmylou covers nearly 200 kilometres of river scenery, offering time to both unwind and discover the history that has shaped this region.
As the paddlesteamer glides along, it’s easy to picture the days when boats like this transformed Echuca into Australia’s busiest inland port.
The steady rhythm of the paddlewheels sets the pace, while the river’s red gum forests and towering cliffs provide a constantly changing backdrop. Onshore tours add variety to the journey.
At Torrumbarry Weir, guides explain the role of the locks in managing river flow, while Perricoota Station brings the Murray’s pioneering days vividly to life.
Wine lovers will enjoy a stop at Restdown Winery for tastings in a picturesque rural setting, and nature takes centre stage at the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Barmah Wetlands, home to the world’s largest river red gum forest and abundant birdlife.
Evenings are a highlight. Guests gather by the riverbank for Emmylou’s signature outdoor dining – regional meals served beneath the Southern constellations, complete with a campfire and roasted marshmallows.
4. Murray River Paddlesteamer Cruise in Echuca
Echuca is known as Australia’s paddlesteamer capital, and nothing captures the romance of the Murray quite like a cruise aboard its most famous vessel – the world’s only wood-fired cruising paddlesteamer.
Powered by a restored 1906 steam engine and fuelled with seasoned red gum logs, the boat feels like a step back to the days when river trade kept Echuca bustling as the nation’s largest inland port.
The cruise is just as much about atmosphere as it is about scenery.
The gentle rhythm of the paddlewheels sets the pace while passengers relax with refreshments from the kiosk or a drink from the licensed bar.
For families, the experience is even more memorable – kids can take a turn at the wheel and receive a Skipper’s Certificate, a keepsake of their time on the Murray.
It’s a journey that blends history, hands-on fun, and relaxed sightseeing – all in the heart of Echuca’s historic port precinct.
5. Murray River Paddlesteamers and Wine Tour
This full-day tour combines the Murray River’s heritage with wine, wildlife and art.
It begins aboard the PS Canberra, an authentic paddle steamer, where the rhythm of the paddlewheels evokes the Murray’s riverboat era. From there, the journey heads to Heathcote for tastings of award-winning wines grown in ancient Cambrian soils.
At Kyabram Fauna Park, ranger-led talks offer close encounters with koalas and other native wildlife, before continuing to the silo art trail – an outdoor gallery of giant murals on rural silos.
With guaranteed window seats, WiFi, and onboard charging, the travel is as comfortable as the experiences are diverse.
It’s a perfect blend of river cruising, local flavours and outback culture, all within easy reach of Melbourne.
How to Make the Most of Your Murray River Visit
A trip along the Murray is best enjoyed with some planning.
The river stretches across three states, so distances can be longer than expected – allow time to slow down and enjoy each stop rather than rushing through.
The best time to visit depends on what you want to see and experience.
Spring and autumn bring mild weather and vibrant landscapes, while summer is perfect for swimming, camping and houseboating. Winters are quieter, ideal for cosy riverfront stays and fewer crowds.
Pack for variety. Days on the river can mean swims, boat trips and walks through national parks, so bring swimmers, walking shoes, a hat and insect repellent.
If you’re hiring a houseboat, stock up on supplies before you set off, as shops can be spread out along the river.
Booking ahead is essential for popular cruises, houseboats and festivals, especially during school holidays.
And don’t forget the basics – carry plenty of water, respect local wildlife, and always follow safety advice when swimming or boating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are The Most Popular Activities Along The Murray River?
The most popular activities along the Murray River include houseboating, paddle steamer cruises, fishing, and water sports such as kayaking and swimming.
On land, visitors enjoy cycling, bushwalking, and camping along the riverbanks.
Food and wine experiences, historic town visits, and exploring wetlands and national parks also make the Murray a diverse destination for all types of travellers.
Which Towns Are The Best Places To Visit On The Murray River?
The best towns to visit on the Murray River include Echuca, Mildura, Renmark, Swan Hill, Albury, and Goolwa.
Each offers something unique—whether it’s historic paddle steamers, vibrant food and wine scenes, or access to wetlands and national parks.
These towns make ideal bases for exploring the river’s diverse landscapes and attractions.
Are There Houseboat Hire Options On The Murray River?
There are many houseboat hire options on the Murray River, with bases in towns like Echuca, Mildura, and Renmark.
Houseboats range from small and simple vessels to luxury boats with spas and multiple bedrooms.
Hiring a houseboat is one of the most popular ways to experience the Murray, offering freedom, comfort, and scenic river views.
What Wildlife Can Be Seen Along The Murray River?
Wildlife that can be seen along the Murray River includes iconic Murray cod, pelicans, cockatoos, kangaroos, and koalas resting in river red gums.
The wetlands are rich in birdlife, with spoonbills, herons, and whistling kites often spotted.
Turtles, lizards, and the occasional platypus also add to the diversity of the river environment.
What food and wine regions are near the Murray River?
Food and wine regions near the Murray River include the Riverland in South Australia, Sunraysia around Mildura, and Victoria’s Swan Hill and Echuca districts.
These areas are known for citrus orchards, almond groves, boutique wineries, and farm-fresh produce.
Visitors can enjoy cellar doors, local markets, and riverside dining that showcase the region’s flavours.
Final Thoughts
The Murray River combines history, food and wine, outdoor adventure, and culture into one journey that spans three states.
From houseboats and paddle steamers to national parks and historic towns, there’s no shortage of ways to explore.
With such a wide variety, planning helps make the experience smoother and more rewarding.
Choose the mix that suits your style, whether it’s a relaxed cruise, a road trip through wineries, or a camping escape in the red gum forests.
Start planning your Murray River adventure today and let each bend reveal something new.
