Easter gems along the Mighty Murray

There’s no other river like the Mighty Murray, which spans across Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. With the legendary Murray stretching 2,500km, you’ll find hotspots for water sports, nature, wineries, galleries and events.

You can also find quiet spots that are ideal for a quiet camping trip. Grab a set of wheels (a cheap campervan to hire or check out the great car deals from DriveNow) and go exploring.

Here are five wonderful experiences to have along the Murray River this Easter.

Have a go at fishing

Of course, you can’t holiday to the Murray without attempting this classic Murray experience. The native Murray cod is Australia’s largest freshwater fish and a prized catch. But anglers will often look for the golden perch (yellow belly), trout and freshwater cray, to name a few. Some of the hotspots for fishing include Yarrawonga, Albury, the Narrows near Barmah, and Kings Billabong. Spend your days relaxing by the riverside or fishing from a boat. Make sure you carry a valid license.

Get active with hiking trails

Mount Mitta Mitta, near the beautiful Corryong, is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, 4WD tours and many other outdoor adventures. The Bluff Falls Nature Walk is a moderate 4km, 2-hour return walk which treats you to impressive views. You can see a panorama of mountains, all waiting to be explored, from Corryong. While visiting the Upper Murray River around Easter, we’d highly recommend staying for the Man From Snowy River Bush Festival. Watch horseback riders take part in the Man From Snowy River Challenge, explore the markets and enjoy the folk music.

Relax with canoeing

You can hire a canoe from almost any of the major cities along the Murray River. You can either join a guided tour or do it all yourself. A guide will tell you about the area’s history and point out some hidden banks along the way. Or you can simply take a friend with you, pack a picnic and plenty of water, and spend the day canoeing down this beautiful river at your own pace. Stop off and sandbanks along the way and relax.

Discover the beautiful Red Cliffs

Travel near Mildura to discover one of the most unique sections of the Murray River. The towering Red Cliffs look even more gorgeous under an autumn sunset, with the Murray’s water reflecting the rich red colour. Back in the 1890’s, this was the site of a failed irrigation project, because the cliffs were impenetrable using the equipment of the day. Check out the scenic reserve nearby to see some of the area’s flora and fauna and learn more about the history. There’s also the Red Cliffs Historical Steamway nearby, which is well worth a visit.

Ride a Paddlesteamer at Echuca

This is another iconic experience that anyone travelling to the Murray must have. Head to Echuca’s port and take a short or long cruise aboard the lovely PS Emmylou. Enjoy freshly baked scones with jam and cream while you’re at it. Echuca has a long history as a port city. Paddlesteamers once ferried people and goods from all along the Murray to Echuca, which was the closest city along the Murray to Melbourne. You’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time as you explore Echuca.