The Murray Guides Attractions Events in New South Wales

Albury offers many experiences to soothe the spirit and delight the eye. Situated on the banks of one of the world's great rivers, The Murray, the Albury Wodonga region is wonderful to explore. Straddling the Murray River 300 kilometres from Melbourne, 350 kilometres from Canberra, 575 kilometres from Sydney.

Albury has broad tree-lined streets, interconnecting walking and cycling tracks and many areas of parkland. The Botanical Gardens are world class, there are three penguin parades everyday and nearby Lake Hume has a capacity six times that of Sydney Harbour.

Located in the Murray Valley, Albury Wodonga is the hub of one of the richest and most diverse areas of primary production in Australia. Foods are varied and abundant. You will be delighted by the range of eating experiences available, using a range of fresh local produce, and complemented by the internationally renowned wines of the region.

The town of Barham straddles the Murray River to form the commercial centre for an area rich in tourism and agriculture. It has also been an important river centre for the once busy paddle steamer trade that abounded along the length of the Murray.

A number of paddle steamers and barges were built from locally milled Red Gum. The area is also renowned for the significance of the Barmah Forest wetlands, attracting international recognition as one of the ten most important wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin.

The town of Barham straddles the Murray River to form the commercial centre for an area rich in tourism and agriculture. It has also been an important river centre for the once busy paddle steamer trade that abounded along the length of the Murray.

A number of paddle steamers and barges were built from locally milled Red Gum. The area is also renowned for the significance of the Barmah Forest wetlands, attracting international recognition as one of the ten most important wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Barooga, is a popular holiday destination, offering large sandy beaches along the Murray River as well as prolific birdlife and redgum forests. Popular activities include: bushwalking, camping, fishing, swimming and water-skiing. Barooga is the largest soft fruit growing area in Australia.

Barooga is home to the famous Binghi Boomerangs, Brentwood Fruit Juices, and Southcorp Vineyard (Seppelts Vineyards).

Berrihan is a quiet traditional rural country town.

Located 690 kilometres south-west of Sydney via the Hume and Riverina highways and 119 metres above sea level.

Although Berrigan was not the largest population centre, it was declared the principal town of the newly declared shire in 1906, which took the town's name. Berrigan Shire also incorporates Tocumwal, Barooga and Finley.

The town has a strong interest in horse training and horseracing, particularly with the carnival atmosphere that prevails when the Berrigan Gold Cup is run. The town has a golf course and the annual district show is held early in October.

About halfway along the road from Berrigan to Barooga is 'The Drop', where the Mulwala Canal crosses the road. This is part of a large water-flow control system which allows water to divert from Mulwala Canal into Berrigan Channel and is worth a look.

Corowa is located on the Murray River on the border between New South Wales and Victoria. The area is well known for golf, mining, timber milling, and the cultivation of wool, cereals and stock.

Corowa's history includes being called "the birthplace of federation" as it was here at the local Courthouse that the 1893 Federation Conference took place and the decision was made to draw up a constitution for the new nation.

Corowa is situated in the middle of the region's premier food and wine growing region. Where better to enjoy fine wine and delicious food, then in the heart of where it is produced.

The town is a sporting mecca with plenty of water pursuits available on the Murray including swimming, boating, canoeing and fishing, a championship golf course as well as the National parachute training school and the Australian Soaring Centre that operates out of the local airport.

Soon after you arrive in Corowa Shire, you'll notice something that happens all too seldom. And yet, before long, it happens to everyone who arrives here.

It may dawn on you while you're sitting by the river with your toes twinkling in the Mighty Murray. It may strike you while you're chipping onto the green of a world-class golf course. It may enter your mind while you're skiing through a speedboat's wake, or dining in the dappled light of the setting sun. It may occur to you while you're drifting in a glider high above the countryside. It’s sometimes accompanied by a contented grin, sometimes by a broad smile, sometimes by an involuntary little chuckle. Wherever and however it presents itself, the thing you'll notice is this: Your cares have drifted away.

Only a place like Corowa Shire could make you and your family such a simple but significant promise.

Culcairn is one of those truly great country towns, featuring picturesque parks and tree-lined streets. Culcairn has a rich history - many buildings in the main shopping area are classified by the National Trust. Culcairn was established because of the 1880 extension of the railway from Wagga Wagga to Albury. The restored Stationmasters residence and the Culcairn Hotel reflect the railway expansion at that time.

The Culcairn Hotel was built in 1891, and for many years was the largest hotel between Melbourne and Sydney. These days, the Culcairn Hotel is a magnificent old-style building, offering modern facilities as well as home-style accommodation. The gardens at the back of the building are very pleasant.

Culcairn is the home town of equestrian Andrew Hoy who has represented Australia at five Olympic Games winning medals in the Equestrian Three Day Events at Barcelona, Atlanta and Sydney.

The Peppin Heritage Centre is one of the many highlights of Deniliquin, a town situated in the heart of the largest irrigation area in Australia. The Centre focuses on the history of the wool industry in this historic town, with a photo display, thatched-roof ram shed, exhibitions, shops, crafts and an enthralling Headless Horseman sound and light show among the highlights.

Elsewhere in Deniliquin, enjoy the Waring Gardens and Pioneer Park, or simply wander through this cosy town, famous for its rich rural produce and the several famous Merino studs to its north.

Echuca is Australia's foremost paddlesteamer town. Home to Australia's largest collection of paddlesteamers moored at the magnificent red gum wharf. Once the largest inland port in the Southern Hemisphere, it has been restored and
is fully operative again.

Echuca has a romance and history that all will enjoy and there is no shortage of places to visit including the Coach House Carriage Collection, Dharnya Centre, Fields Cactus Farm, Gumnutland, Joalah and Kyabram Fauna Parks and Lochlomond Tea Gardens, to name just a few. This is a perfect holiday destination catering to all tastes.

Finley is located on the Newell Highway and is a prime irrigation area approximately 20 kilometres from the Murray River.

Finley is home to a wide variety of accommodation standards, many shops, an 18 hole Golf Course, Bowling Greens, Netball and Cricket Clubs and has a main industrial area as the centre to the Berrigan Shire.

Finley Lake is not only a beautiful place to visit, but caters to a wide variety of water sports too with the Wheels of Prosperity forming part of the Parklands surrounding the lake.

Henty is known as 'The Home of the Header'. In 1914 the Headlie Taylor Header created a revolution in agriculture and is widely regarded as the greatest single contribution to the development of the grain industry.

For over 40 years, the agri-business sector has been heading to the Henty Field Days. Today, the Henty Field Days site includes more than 18 permanent buildings. More than 50,000 people visit for the Henty Field Days during the third week in September.

The Henty Rotary Club has developed a former Government Dam into a Nature Reserve, which provides a home to a variety of aquatic species and birdlife as well as a picnic area.

Visit the shopping centre and collect your copy of the Henty Historic Village Walk to guide you through the places of interest. Allow yourself at least an hour to absorb the history of this unique town.

Howlong, or "Oolong" in Indigenous naming, lies on the border between New South Wales and Victoria.

Tourists come to Howlong for the fishing and water sports the Murray River provides and after a good catch or water ski visitors can easily drive to the local wineries of Rutherglen and North East Victoria.
Visitors to Howlong have several choices of accommodation ranging from caravan parks, hotels, rooming houses ("Bed and Breakfast") and the Golf Club Motel.

Howlong has abundant sporting facilities like the football oval, tennis courts, netball courts, the pony club, the cricket club, children's playground, skate bowl, swimming pool, barbecue and picnic areas.

On your return from visiting Howlong you will gain great amusement from the question:

"Where did you go?"
"Howlong"
"No, I asked where???"

Hume Shire Council takes its name from the early explorer, Hamilton Hume, who, together with William Hovell made the first recorded crossing of the Murray River in 1824. Towns and villages emerged within the Shire, the largest of which are Howlong and Jindera. Other smaller towns include Brocklesby, Burrumbuttock, Gerogery and Lake Hume Village.

Offering a variety of lifestyle choices with large residential blocks of land, affordable housing, quality services and business opportunities, Greater Hume Shire provides residents, families and businesses with a wealth of choices.

There are a variety of things to do including trout fishing, swimming in the Murray River, feeding the animals at the wildlife park, shopping, visiting art galleries and dining in any one of the fine cafes and restaurants within the shire.

Whether you are looking to break a long journey, to relax and soak up some unique Australian history and experience country lifestyle or to have a great time at a local event - Jerilderie has plenty to offer. There's lots to see and do at little or no cost, Jerilderie is steeped in history and surrounded by natural wonders.

Strategically located on the Newell, the main route between Brisbane and Melbourne and on the shortest route from Adelaide to Sydney - the township is nestled beside Billabong Creek, the longest creek in Australia.

Jerilderie, meaning 'reedy place' is the only place to be visited by the Ned Kelly Gang in 1879. Come and see National heritage sites on the Ned Kelly Trail and visit the Jerilderie Museum in the Visitor Information Centre at The Willows in Powell Street. Enjoy the eclectic mix of shops, award winning historic homes and galleries.

This picturesque piece of regional Victoria and New South Wales is an "Inland Aquatic Paradise" for visitors to take some time to enjoy some stunning scenery. Lose yourself in the serene surrounds of the forest, Lake Mulwala and of course the mighty Murray River.

If you love life by the water you’ll love Yarrawonga/Mulwala. There’s plenty here for water sport enthusiasts, anglers or take a leisurely lake cruise. There are some great camping spots along the river with numerous stretches of sandy beaches.

Explore the river beaches and walking tracks, take a trip to sample local wines or check out some museums. There is also a 45 hole golf course. Then why not relax for a few days just to soak up the sunshine, maybe do a little shopping, and enjoy some great food at local cafes, restaurants, clubs and hotels.

Yarrawonga/Mulwala is truly a unique "oasis".

Located on the Murray River, Moama is a well-known tourist destination. Enjoy swimming, fishing and water-skiing close to Moama, or put your feet up and take a relaxing break in this small, welcoming, village-style town.

Southwest of Sydney via the Hume and Murray Valley Highways, Moama is situated on the northern side of the 1600 kilometre Murray River where the waterway forms the state border. Opposite, in Victoria, is its sister town Echuca.

This picturesque piece of regional Victoria and New South Wales is an 'inland aquatic paradise' for visitors to take some time to enjoy some stunning scenery, lose yourself in the surrounds of the forest, Lake Mulwala and, of course, the mighty Murray River.

There's plenty there for water sport enthusiasts, anglers searching for the famous Murray Cod, or taking a leisurely lake cruise. There are camping spots along the river with stretches of sandy beaches. Enjoy the golf course, river beaches, walking tracks, local wines, museums, animal farm and amusement park.

Located west of Albury, Mulwala is an adventure playground with many of its activities based around Lake Mulwala. The lake was built in the 1930's to capture the water from the Murray River.

Lakeside picnics are refreshing and offer a variety of relaxation options including bird watching, fishing, sail boarding, water-skiing, swimming, canoeing, sailing, boating and guided paddleboat cruises.

Located on the New South Wales and Victorian border, Tocumwal is a bridge between two states.

The Murray River is the life blood for Tocumwal not only for tourism but for the agricultural areas which surround the town.

During WWII, Tocumwal had the largest airport base in the Southern Hemisphere, which is now an industrial area for engineering, fabrication and manufacturing firms plus a large grain handling operation that transports grain twice daily to Melbourne during the harvest season.

Tocumwal is home to a championship standard 36 hole golf course, bowling greens, pony club, netball and football clubs. It also has a football and cricket oval.

The riverside beaches are a popular spot for tourists wanting to relax with bushwalking, horse riding, fishing for famous Murray Cod and Yellowbelly fish, bird watching, boating and swimming or simply just lazing around.

Tocumwal is a pleasant service centre and holiday town on the Murray River and is the last New South Wales town you will encounter if you are headed south along the Newell Highway.

Situated on the Northern Bank of the Murray River, Tocumwal is 694 kilometres south-west of Sydney via the Hume, Sturt and Newell Highways and 112 metres above sea-level.

During WWII, Tocumwal also had the largest airport base in the Southern Hemisphere

The name of the town derives from 'Tucumival', an Aboriginal term said to mean 'deep hole' which is also known as 'The Blowhole', a bogey 25-metres deep at its lowest point which is sacred to the Ulupna and Bangarang Aborigines.

According to legend a giant Murray cod lived in the waterhole, and was prone to eat young children who fell in. Hence the giant fibreglass Murray cod on the River Foreshore at Tocumwal.

Wodonga offers stunning natural landscapes, gourmet food and wine, rich historical sites, world famous sporting facilities and a dynamic arts and cultural scene. Located between Sydney and Melbourne, Wodonga is easily accessible by road, rail and air. Fishing, watersports, river cruises and outdoor activities can be enjoyed while vineyards, museums and art galleries are all within a short drive.

Situated 15 minutes drive from Albury or Wodonga is Lake Hume, a popular fishing spot and great place for recreational activities such as swimming, waterskiing, boating and parasailing. Grab a picnic basket full of regional goodies and enjoy some of the beautiful views from one of the many lookouts and picnic spots.