The Murray River – Things To Do

The mighty Murray River is one of the world’s longest rivers and provides much fun and entertainment for all those who encounter it on their travels through Victoria. It is a huge river system that forms the border between Victoria and New South Wales, draining the surrounding lands all the way up to southern Queensland. The great outdoors is incredible up this way as the Mediterranean climate and water access make it a relaxing but active destination. Bushland, beaches, waterways, red gum forests, it’s all here so as long as you bring some hiking boots, your swimmers and the need to chill-out then you’ll be happy.

Long stretches of desolate and dusty farmlands will sprawl out in front of your car on the drive up to Mildura, but it’s like discovering an oasis in the barren outback lands. Vineyards, lush greenery and activities fill this bustling town and it has become a backpacker hotspot due, to the all the agricultural work available for those pursing their Second Year Working Visas.

Plenty of hostels are available in Mildura, and the majority offer to help you find the agricultural visa work they also offer weekly rates as many backpackers are after long-stay accommodation in order to work. Mildura International Backpackers and Oasis Backpackers are working hostels and offer $30 dorms per person/night, or slightly cheaper weekly rates of $150. Mildura City Backpackers is slightly cheaper at $22 a night. If you’re looking for something more upmarket, then visit www.visitmildura.com.au as they have plenty of hotels, motels, apartments and cottages to choose from.

Indulge in water sports whilst here with water skiing, sailing and wake boarding all available. Kayaking is a great way to get to grips with the river and you can either take it calmly by paddling in a flooded forest… or go nuts on the rush of white water. Moontongue Tours run evening kayak trips, and the sky will blow your mind with the epic sunsets that occur – not to mention being the opportune time to spy on the animal life too.

Mildura is also a great jump off point to get to Mungo National Park where the alien landscape is breath-taking. The backpacker population in Mildura keeps the place buzzing during harvest times. Many pubs will allow you to kick back and relax in the warmth after sightseeing or fruit-picking, such as the renowned Mildura Brewery or cheap and cheerful O’Malley’s. The Sandbar is a big iconic building that boasts the largest licensed beer garden and is the home of live music in this town. But on a Saturday night, the after-pub crowd will flock to Dom’s Nightclub and Retro Bar for some dancing.

Camping is an obvious choice to really get amongst the wilderness around the Murray and there are plenty of bush campsites to choose from. You could really rough it or get one with full facilities to make those toilet trips a little less traumatic. Around Mildura there are the odd stretches of sandy beaches to camp on with picturesque Murray views, such as Merbein Common and Bruces Bend.

Other pockets of interest along the Murray are the historic river towns of Echuca and Moama who boast the title of Australia’s paddle steamer capital where you can cruise the river in colonial style. Be sure to get involved in the high quality wine region of Swan Hill. The speciality is Chardonnay, but try a variety just to be sure.

The main hubs around the Murray are accessible from Melbourne. Swan Hill is a four hour drive and Echuca is two and a half hours along the Hume Freeway. V/Line trains are also available. Mildura is an epic six hour drive, so catch a Virgin Australia or Qantas flight instead if time is of the essence. An alternative way of getting from town to town via the Murray is to commandeer your very own houseboat. Try out Willandra Houseboats (www.willandrahouseboats.com.au). You don’t need a boat license to captain one and each one comes with fully equipped kitchens and a BBQ on board.

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