The Murray River - Victoria

At 2,500km (1,550 miles) long, the Murray is the longest river in Australia. It forms a natural border between the states of Victoria and New South Wales. You can captain your own houseboat, which can be hired in many river centres, and all that is necessary is a driver’s licence and a quick on-board lesson. Or let someone else do the steering and hop on board one of the historic paddlesteamers which ply these waters.

Those who experience the forces of nature in the Murray Region will understand why the first settlers called this belt of land `Dead Men’s Graves`. An immense sky hangs over this semi-arid area, which is dotted with sand dunes and vividly coloured heathlands. Some of the sand ridges reach up to 30 metres high and 50km long. It is the desert’s isolation which attracts travellers to these parts.

The adventurous can try camping beneath the stars, overnight walks through a trackless wilderness or four-wheel drive safaris. Or for a more urban experience, visit Mildura, a pretty town on the banks of the Murray River that is surrounded by vast orchards, citrus groves and vineyards. Mildura is also famed as a “foodie” centre, with many good restaurants, cafes, farmers markets and farm gates selling the bounty of the harvest. The favourable climate and conditions allow year around golfing in the region, with many of the Murray’s courses being as famous for the food and entertainment of their large clubhouses as they are for their challenging golf on offer.

British Open champion and well-known course architect Peter Thompson designed several courses located on the banks of the beautiful river and the resorts offer on-course accommodation so that you can roll out of your bed and right on to the first tee.

Highlights

	Mungo National Park
	Take a day trip to `Mungo National Park` and listen to the ancient stories of the `Mungo Man`. Remains of the earliest known humans to inhabit the Australian continent have been found in Mungo National Park, dating back to nearly 40,000 years ago.

	Paddlesteamer Cruises
	Hop aboard a paddlesteamer and enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the Murray River in towns such as Mildura, Echuca and Albury-Wodonga. Visit the Murray to experience the region’s history as an arm of the Murray Darling River system that was once a commercial highway for paddle steamers.

	Hire a Houseboat
	Hire your own houseboat for an unforgettable trip on the Murray River. Captain your own houseboat from departure points along the mighty Murray River.

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