The mighty Murray River gurgles past the wharves of old riverboat towns and flows through forests of red river gum trees on its long journey to the Southern Ocean. Cruise it on a paddle-steamer, drop in a fishing line, camp by a billabong or enjoy lazy diversions like houseboats for hire.

Twin cities on Murray
Halfway between Sydney and Melbourne, the small New South Wales city of Albury faces its twin – Wodonga in Victoria on the other side of the Murray River. In summer, you can swim in the Murray at Noreuil Park. Relax anytime in the shady Botanical Gardens or down a cold beer at the Ettamogah Pub.

Echuca evokes an era
The township of Echuca on the Murray River became Australia’s largest inland port when the railway line from Melbourne reached it in 1864. Today, its 19th-century wharf complex and fine collection of old buildings have become tourist attractions. Take a paddle-steamer cruise or hire a houseboat.

Citrus and steamboats
Paddle-steamers chug along the Murray at Mildura, where an extensive irrigation scheme allows vineyards, citrus orchards and vegetables to flourish. Don’t miss a short Murray cruise on the PS Melbourne – a sturdy steam-driven paddlewheeler built in 1912. Mildura Arts Centre is well worth a visit.

Legacy of the pioneers
In the fruit-growing town of Swan Hill, Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement recreates a riverside port town, complete with paddle-steamers. Take a short Murray cruise or visit a winery.