Road Trip Murray River

The Murray River is Australia’s longest single river, running across three states and bringing lush green landscapes to its surrounds.

Discover friendly country towns, rugged nature and beautiful food and wine as you wind your way through Victoria and South Australia along the Murray River. You can also explore this dynamic region on foot on the four-day Murray River Walk.

What to expect

Sip wine at quaint cellar doors in regional Victoria
Visit a garden covered in 4,000 species of cacti
Explore the otherworldly landscapes of Mungo National Park

Fast facts

Time: 8 days
Distance: 1,213 kilometres (753 miles)
Transport: car
Nearest major city: Melbourne and Adelaide
Price: $

1. Melbourne to Yarrawonga

Grab a coffee for the road and drive just over three hours to The Sebel Yarrawonga, a part of Silverwoods Golf and Lifestyle Retreat. This boutique hotel, perched on the edge of Lake Mulwala, offers the chance to settle into the leisurely pace of regional Victoria. Play a relaxed round of golf, or unwind in the infinity pool.

A short drive will bring you to some of the Murray’s most charming wineries, like Campbells Wines, which has been in operation for more than 140 years. Don’t miss a visit to the renowned Byramine Homestead & Brewery, where you can not only sample a selection of beer and cider but also have a lunch of seasonal produce and learn about the property’s fascinating pioneering history.

After a day of relaxation, spend the night at The Sebel.

2. Yarrawonga to Echuca

Soak up the stunning scenery of Yarrawonga before hopping in the car for the one-hour drive to Echuca.

Along the way, be sure to stop at Cactus Country, a massive garden that’s been filled with more than 4,000 species of cacti and succulents. The result is a perfectly photogenic oasis of prickly plants. Snap a few photos before sitting down for a tasty plate of Mexican food with a side of cactus cake, cactus ice-cream or cactus cider – all made from the property’s cacti.

If you’re ready for some outdoor adventure, continue to Barmah National Park. There are several walking tracks here that will take you into the Barmah forest, through Red River Gum trees and past a number of Aboriginal oven (cooking) mounds. Alternatively, explore the forest on horseback with Murray River Horse Trails.

Finish the day in Echuca, a country town nestled on the banks of the Mighty Murray, where you can spend the night at the Port of Echuca Mercure Hotel.

If you can extend your trip for a few days, do it in style aboard the PS Emmylou, the only wood-fired paddlesteamer offering regular river cruising with all the comforts you could want.

Park your car for a few days and experience the leisure of the Murray River with a three or four-night cruise, which includes riverbank dinners and a small boat eco-cruise. Secure car parking is available for all cruises.

Follow The Rest of Your River Journey

Visit Tourism Australia.com to see where the rest of your self-drive tour takes you along Australia’s longest river, the mighty Murray!

Road Trip Murray River