Murray River Travel Guide

Australia's longest river, the Murray River is a Victorian icon and forms a great deal of the state border between New South Wales and Victoria. Winding through a diverse range of landscapes, the Murray River is a major tourist attraction home to a number of towns, cities and communities both on the banks of the river and further inland. In the northwest, the Murray River flows through dry, arid land before reaching the oasis of Swan Hill and Mildura's irrigated vineyards and orchards. South of Mildura and heading away from the river, the landscape returns to semi-dry lakes, desert bushes and remote national parks.

Murray River Accommodation

Murray River accommodation is available along both sides of the river including in the popular holiday destinations of Echuca, Mildura and Albury Wodonga. Ranging from 3 to 5 stars, there is a variety of Murray River accommodation to suit all travellers and budgets. Guests can choose from motels, serviced apartments, hotels, luxury resorts, self-catering units, charming bed and breakfasts, cottages and even the unique experience of staying onboard a paddle steamer in Echuca. Conveniently located close to a range of local shopping, dining and attractions, Murray River accommodation is ideal for stays from one night to one week.

Murray River Holiday Packages

Murray River holiday packages are the best way to explore the charming country towns that line its banks. Offering the best value for money, these holiday packages are the easiest and most affordable way to make the most of your time on this spectacular Australian waterway. Saving you time and money, these Murray River holiday packages combine everything from accommodation and flights or car hire to transfers, travel insurance, tours, meals and more. Boasting significant savings, these Murray River holiday packages also offer a great range of additional benefits such as free room upgrades, complimentary nights, daily breakfast, massages and much more.

Attractions

The heart of the Murray region is home to riverfront towns such as Mildura, Albury Wodonga and the historic river port of Echuca. The busiest inland port in Australia during the mid-1800s, Echuca was a hub of river trade and steamboat transport. Home to the largest riverboat fleet in Australia, the Port of Echuca is a heritage icon and features historic buildings, museums, demonstrations, equipment displays and even cruises aboard authentic paddle steamers. However many of today's Murray River towns are popular holiday destinations thanks to the stable climate, great weather and wide range of water based activities like swimming, fishing, boating and river cruises. Shepparton is located in the south of the Murray region in Goulburn Valley. Renowned as Australia's 'Foood Bowl', Goulburn Valley is home to agricultural farms, dairies and major fruit growers. To the east, Albury Wodonga is located on the southern banks of the Murray River and is the gateway to sister city Albury.

Getting to the Murray River

Located approximately 3 hours north northeast of Melbourne, getting to the Murrary River is easy thanks to it ideal position on the busiest inland corridor in the country. Depending on where on the Murray River you are headed, there are a number of major highways and freeways that will get you where you want to go. To get to Albury Wodonga or Echuca on the Murray River, take the Hume Freeway or the Northern Highway from Melbourne. There are also a number of daily train and coach services that operate to the Murray River. Countrylink operates a train service from Sydney to Albury Wodonga, with a connecting bus to Echuca while V/Line offers direct train services from Melbourne to Echuca.