Murray Guides Attractions Events in Victoria

Located on the Murray River, Echuca-Moama is a heritage river town, home to a fleet of paddle steamers and a great base for waterskiing, swimming, cruising or taking a houseboat holiday.

From the Aboriginal word meaning "meeting of the water", Echuca is one of Victoria's oldest river towns. At one time Echuca was the state's most substantial inland river port. Paddle steamers traded along the Murray and Darling Rivers almost as far as the Queensland border and brought their cargoes of wool to Echuca for transport to the Port of Melbourne.

It is Echuca’s rich port history that has drawn visitors to the town since restoration of the old port area began in 1973. The survival of many original buildings allowed the streetscape to be renovated and the wharf now offers visitors an exciting opportunity to experience a working steam port. You can take a relaxing hour-long cruise aboard one of the authentic paddle steamers or a leisurely one hour stroll on a self guided tour of the Echuca Wharf.

The world's biggest fleet of operating paddle steamers is based at Echuca and each has its own history and character. Paddle steamers again travel the local waters, but for purely recreational and nostalgic purposes. Learn about pioneering days from the captain's commentary and enjoy refreshments as you cruise in comfort. Alternatively, hire a houseboat and cruise down the Murray at your own pace.

Echuca is a great family holiday destination with its location right on the Murray River, its warm Mediterranean climate and the myriad of water based activities on offer.

Echuca is just under three hours from Melbourne on the Hume Freeway/Northern Highway.

On the edge of the Australian outback and an oasis by the Murray River, Mildura offers pretty citrus groves and vineyards, endless sunshine, great food and wine, and abundant water-based activities.

Cruise along the Murray River on a historic paddle steamer, swim, waterski, soak up the sun or spend a few days exploring the river on a houseboat.

Renowned for fine food and wine, Mildura is the home of celebrity restaurateur Stefano de Pieri. Thanks to his Gondola on the Murray TV series and cookbooks, the town has developed a reputation for good food and the quality and diversity of its produce.

The Murray River itself is a major draw and a great destination for a water-based holiday. Captain your own houseboat, enjoy a cruise on a historic old paddle steamer, paddle a canoe, swim, waterski or soak up the sun on a river beach.

Beyond the lush, green countryside of the riverbanks stretches the Australian outback. Explore the sand hills of Mungo National Park, a sublime, ancient environment containing some of Australia's most significant Aboriginal sites. Visit the Mallee with its abundant wildlife, rugged outback scenery and striking sunsets. If you are an adventurous explorer, set out on an expedition to Mungo or Mallee national parks like Hattah-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset.

Popular events include the Mildura Wentworth Arts Festival in March, Mildura Country Music Festival in September and Mildura Wentworth Music Festival in November.

With a population of 25,000, Mildura is approximately six hours from Melbourne along the Sunraysia, Calder and Murray Valley highways. A number of regional airlines service Mildura from Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Flying time is approximately one hour. Coach travel and train links are also available from major cities.

Shepparton lies in the Goulburn Valley, a major agricultural and food processing region termed the "food bowl of Australia". On the banks of the Goulburn River, Shepparton offers great weather, gourmet food and wine, superb shopping and many recreational and entertainment facilities.

Shepparton is a fantastic place to explore as a family. Run wild at the SPC Ardmona KidsTown Adventure Playground that features a miniature railway, giant slides, tree houses, a fruit bin maze, flying fox, swings and monkey bars. Enjoy a picnic by Victoria Park Lake, a community hub in the town’s heart that attracts groups year-round. Visit the Aquamoves complex on the western edge of the lake, offering a state-of-the-art aquatic centre with pools, a waterslide, spas and sauna.

Visit the ceramics collection at the Shepparton Art Gallery or try milking a cow at the Emerald Bank Heritage Farm. Keep an eye out for the life-size fibreglass cows, tucked in strange places around town as part of the MooovingArt initiative. Learn about Aboriginal culture and history at the Bangerang Keeping Place. Local factory sales outlets are good places to grab bargains.

Local events include International Dairy Week in January, The SheppARTon Festival in March and the World Cup Show Jumping in November.

Shepparton is 179 kilometres or about two hours north of Melbourne on the Goulburn Valley Highway. Daily rail or coach services are available from Melbourne.

Nestled on the banks of the Murray River at the heart of a fertile agricultural region, Swan Hill is a great destination for outdoor activities, good food and wine.

Swan Hill was named by European explorer Major Thomas Mitchell, who visited in 1836. Since then, fortunes have been made here; first by the early squatters and later by the farmers whose crops thrived thanks to irrigation from the river. Today you can explore original residences or Australia’s first open-air museum. The Pioneer Settlement Museum near the centre of town is famous as a recreated port town of the paddle steamer era.

Swan Hill is also the perfect place to experience some of the most unspoilt and rugged sections of the Murray River as it winds its way through a 10 kilometre section of state park land. Explore the river on the 105-year-old Paddle Steamer Pyap, or board the MV Kookaburra to cruise to the gracious Murray Downs Homestead. Alternatively you can take an overnight trip on a houseboat and explore the river at your own pace. Nearby Lake Boga is a delightful spot to enjoy a range of water sports from parasailing and waterskiing to sailing and swimming.

The Swan Hill region is also becoming known for its wines and fine quality produce so it’s definitely worth visiting some of the local cellar doors and farm gates to sample some of the distinctive flavours of the region.

Popular local events include The Big Note Festival in March, Italian Festa in July, and the Australian Inland Wine Show in October.

Swan Hill is 344 kilometres north-west of Melbourne or about 3.5 hours from Melbourne on the Murray Valley Highway.

A thriving modern city with a leisurely country style, Albury-Wodonga offers a charming mix of stately heritage buildings, established parks and gardens and tree-lined streets.

The Murray River flows between the twin cities, winding through a magnificent unspoiled landscape of rolling valleys, hills and lush farmlands. Once a busy trade route for paddle steamers, the river is now very much a part of Albury-Wodonga's relaxed and attractive lifestyle.

Albury-Wodonga is a place to discover museums and art galleries, fine food and wine, great sporting facilities and excellent freshwater fishing.

The city’s rich history and pioneer heritage is reflected in the grand architecture of its buildings, most notably the restored Albury Railway Station. Originally completed in 1882, it remains one of the most imposing and significant country stations in Australia.

Travel the Murray River by paddle steamer or canoe. Explore local museums and discover the region’s pioneering past and indigenous cultures. Visit the Albury Regional Art Gallery, home to an impressive permanent collection of works by Australian landscape painter Sir Russell Drysdale.

Popular local events include the Festival of Sport from January to March, Long Lunch on the Murray in March and the Albury Wodonga Region Food and Wine Festival in October.

Albury-Wodonga is located on Australia’s busiest inland corridor between Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, at the junction of the Hume Freeway (National Highway One), Olympic, Murray Valley, Riverina and Kiewa Valley highways. It lies 300 kilometres north of Melbourne and has a population of 100,000.

All major car rental companies are represented as well as coach lines and rail links. Albury Airport operates multiple daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and regional centres.