Explore Australia's longest river

Many Queenslanders are drawn to the beach during holidays, but for something different treat your family to a holiday along Australia’s longest and most iconic river.

The Murray River starts in the High Country of the Snowy Mountains, and travels between Victoria and New South Wales, before eventually emptying into the ocean at Encounter Bay in South Australia.

It’s the third longest navigable river in the world after the Amazon and the Nile, continuously navigable for 1986km, with a total length of 2520km.

The river is a life source to Australia, filling the Murray Darling Basin, and acts as a natural playground for families with abundant activities for tourists.

Whether you are planning a road trip, a cruise, long weekend or a few weeks on the river – make sure you check out the local attractions. Here are some activities available on the Murray River to help you get started.

Water sports

The Murray River is a playground for water sport enthusiasts. The river is located where the climate is usually fine and offers ideal conditions for visitors wanting to go swimming, kayaking, boating, waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding and barefooting. The region also hosts pro-waterskiing events that draws thousands of spectators.

Fishing

Fishing is one of the most popular activities on the Murray as many keen fishermen visit the region to try and catch the legendary native Murray cod – Australia’s largest freshwater fish. Anglers can enjoy a great day out on the water surrounded by stunning views of the riverbanks.

Golf

There are plenty of popular golf courses along the Murray River for you to try. Each course offers something different for players including water traps, bunkers and obstacles to make the game challenging for experts.

Book a golf package with one of the local resorts so that members of the family who don’t enjoy golf can enjoy some of the other facilities available. Here are some golf courses to try:

• Thurgoona Country Club Resort
• Riverside Golf Club
• Cohuna Golf Club
• Deniliquin Golf Club
• Black Bull Golf Club

Food and wine

The Murray River is on every foodie’s bucket list. It is the perfect destination to indulge at one of the local vineyards, food-and-wine trails, farmers’ markets, country pubs or cellar doors.

For the ultimate foodie experience book tickets to one of the Murray’s numerous food and wine festivals. There’s the Swan Hill Region Food and Wine Festival and the Numurkah Food Bowl Festival.

Caravanning and camping

A road trip to the Murray River is a great holiday for the whole family. Pitch a tent under the stars or park the family caravan in a holiday site to enjoy a full outdoor experience. You can watch the might Murray flow, have a campfire and switch off from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here are some great caravanning and camping sites.

Hire a luxury houseboat

Families can hire a four-berth or 12-berth house boat at Echuca, Mildura or Swan Hill for the ultimate river holiday experience. The boats are easy to drive and can cruise along the river at your own pace.

Plan and enjoy your holidays with ease thanks to RACQ Travel. Talk to the team today to plan your next adventure on 1300 888 449.