The mighty Murray River

Starting its life in the Alps and meandering through New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia to its mouth at Goolwa, the mighty Murray River is 2,500 kilometres long.  The River is fed along the way by several other rivers including the Darling and Murrumbidgee.

Said to be around 130 million years old the Murray and its abundant resources have been used by various indigenous people including the Ngarrindjeri and Nganguraku people.

Courtesy Tourism SA

Today the River is the backdrop and main focus for many holiday makers. Key amongst its attractions are water sports of many kinds. Our family enjoyed water skiing and camping at Picnic Point for many years and we've skied at many other great locations along the River.  Some of the main areas for skiing are Echuca-Moama, Lake Mulwala, Lake Boga near Swan Hill, Tocumwal, Lake Hume and Lake Bonney in South Australia.

A boat license will be required when travelling over 10 knots in NSW Maritime NSW and in South Australia when driving a boat with an engine SA Government

Enjoying a warm day on the River's edge

Another great way to holiday on the Murray River is to hire a houseboat with a group of friends and travel this majestic River. Many people will trail a ski boat behind the houseboat which allows them to enjoy a range of activities.

Travelling the River in this manner you get a chance to enjoy its towering cliffs ancient forests of red river gums and a range of wildlife and birdlife. At night you can pull into seculded sand bars to camp and enjoy the changing mood of the River as night falls.

Courtesy of Tourism SA

Navigating the Murray River requires you to travel through a number of locks and weirs that date back to the 1920s and 1930s This adds to the sense of adventure and interest a houseboat holdiay provides. Murrary River locks, dams, weirs and barrages

You can hire a houseboat at many towns along the river including Echuca-Moama, Mildura, Renmark, Murray Bridge, Waikerie, Morgan and Blanchetown.

Courtesy of Tourism SA



Fresh water fishing is also another popular past time along the length of the River. Murrary Cod is one of the most sought after fish, along with freshwater crays we call yabbies. Brown and rainbow trout are found in the upper regions of the Murray and below Yarrawonga trout cod are found.  You will need a fishing license see NSW fishing license or South Australia Fisheries  depending on which area you are fishing. Fishing from Victoria is covered by a NSW license as the River is within NSW state boundaries.

 Wistaria Cafe Historic Port Echuca

There are a number of historic towns along the River which retain a sense of times gone by. The historic Port of Echuca is one such place to visit. You can wander around the Port, take a ride on a restored paddle steamer or eat at one of the many restaurants or cafes in the area.

Crossing the Murray at Waikerie

Continuing the sense of going back in time a range of ferry crossings still run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They’re free to use and something we enjoy doing when we're heading to or from outback South Australia.

There are a range of accomodation options along the Murrary River including camping, motels, apartments and houses for rent.

To find out more about the Murrary Region:

Murray River Region Tourism South Australia

Murray River Region Tourism Victoria

Albury Region NSW Tourism