The mighty Murray River meanders through picturesque countryside and vibrant cities and towns, offering diverse experiences from water sports to gourmet meals and eclectic art galleries.
The sprawling Murray region includes the rural cities of Albury, Balranald, Berrigan and Wentworth plus the Edward River, Federation, Greater Hume and Murray River areas. From long weekends to extended stays, the region beckons visitors to enjoy nature adventures, twisty rail trails and riverside treks.
In Short
If you only have time for one experience in the Murray, make it this: head to the Murray River, jump in a kayak, wander riverside or take a front-row seat and watch the river flow and birdlife sing; it’s part of the Murray magic – I’m lucky, as a local, I enjoy it every day. But if you have several days up your sleeve, work your way through my pick of the best experiences below.
If you only do one thing in the Murray region, make it kayaking. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Indigenous tales and laser lights
Bullanginya Dreaming showcases engaging stories of the Bangerang Peoples with incredible laser lights. Follow a 1.8-kilometre track on an enriching journey with 12 vibrant activations that recall history. It’s located on the banks of picturesque Bullanginya Lagoon in the NSW border town of Barooga.
Raise a glass to craft beer
Raise a toast to the passionate brewers of award-winning ales and craft beers in the region. The Murray River Brewery Trail showcases craft breweries scattered along the river valleys. Also taste a drop at Moama’s Two Lads Brewing and Tocumwal Brewery located in a shed with history; it was once a blacksmith’s shop, petrol station and mechanic’s workshop.
Bird’s-eye view of the Murray Darling
Murray Darling Scenic Flights takes to the skies with exciting itineraries including the “Kakadu of the South" starring ecological and cultural heritage sites. Flights can be tailored to include Lake Tyrrell’s picturesque salt lake system, the ancient site of Lake Mungo, Yanga National Park, Gayini Wetlands, Barmah/Millewa Forest and the Murray River.
Murray Darling Scenic Flights offers itineraries over the region. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Cactus Country
Forget Mexico – Cactus Country near Strathmerton features more than 10,000 cacti and succulents from around the globe. Spread over five hectares, it’s a spectacular sight with eight themed trails including the Andes Walk, the Valley of the Giants, and the Arizona Walk. The cactus cake made from Peruvian apple in the cafe is delicious.
Cactus Country is Australia's most unique garden trail. (Credit: Ben Savage via Visit Victoria)
Find over 10,000 cacti and succulents from around the world. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
Find themed trails to explore. (Credit: Ben Savage via Visit Victoria)
Once you're done enjoying the trails, visit the cafe. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
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Throw in a line on a fishing tour
Fish are jumping in waterways and rivers in the Murray region; you just have to know where. Lake Mulwala Sports Fishing Tours helps anglers land that big one with guided half-day, full-day, full day and overnight fishing trips. Throw your line in a secret fishing spot and you may hook a Murray Cod.
Spend time on the water with Lake Mulwala Sportfishing. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
Swimming and boating at Lake Hume
The Hume Dam, which was completed in 1963, holds six times the volume of water of Sydney Harbour. Located a 15-minute drive from Albury, it’s a popular playground for camping, water skiing, swimming, boating and fishing. You can ride or walk across the dam wall. It’s a spectacular sight when water tumbles from some of the 29 massive floodgates.
Tee off on the golf club trail
Keen golfers can follow the golf club trail along the Murray that’s home to picturesque courses stretching from Albury to Mildura. Manicured courses feature lush fairways, sleek greens and often stands of huge red gum trees. Premium golf resorts include Mulwala Golf Resort, Sporties Barooga, Black Bull, Tocumwal Golf Club, Corowa Golf Club, Rich River Golf Club and Murray Downs Golf Club.
Putt putt or golf at Rich River Golf Club. (Credit: Destination NSW)
See Bruce Munro’s world-first immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)
Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory
Love chocolate, whisky, history and excellent dining – then plan a visit to the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory. Located in a restored 1920s flour mill, distillery tours showcase the process of making award-winning whisky. Check out the framed $1 cheque the owner’s paid to Corowa Council for the mill. Follow your nose to the chocolate shop full of delicious chocolates. Corowa is known as the Birthplace of Federation.
A whisky tasting at Corowa Distilling Co. (Credit: Destination NSW)
A visit to Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory is packed full of flavour and history. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Make your own chocolate treat. (Credit: Destination NSW)
Wahgunyah/Rutherglen Wineries
There are more than 20 wineries and cellar doors in this area, with many run by family winemakers. Visit All Saints Estate with its magnificent elm tree-lined drive and castle, for award-winning drops and dine at the one-hatted restaurant KIN and the relaxed Bonnie. Campbells Wines, Cofield Wines, Stanton and Killeen, Scion, Lake Moodemere Estate, Bullers and Pfeiffers Wines are also impressive.
Enjoy a wine tasting in a castle at All Saints Estate. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
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Experience the Murray’s paddlesteamers
Step back in time and feel the thrill of paddlesteamer travel on a restored paddlesteamer in the Port of Echuca. History comes to life aboard the paddle steamer, PS Emmylou. It offers a variety of cruises, including a one-hour Devonshire Tea cruise and overnight stays. The PS Australian Star is a new, luxury 5-star paddle steamer operating on the Murray River.
Dining onboard the new PS Australia Star. (Credit: Tamara Cadd Photography)
Sailing down the river.
Take in river views from bed. (Credit: Tamara Cadd Photography)
Bunker down in the region’s best stays
Accommodation choices are many throughout the Murray region, including The Sebel in Yarrawonga that overlooks Lake Mulwala. Restored historic buildings feature at Circa in Albury and Corowa. Family Holiday Parks at Lake Hume, Lake Mulwala, Murray River and Edward River offer powered sites and cabins. The new Trentham Waters near Mildura has one-to-three-bedroom villas, powered sites and a great pool.
River views from the infinity pool at The Sebel Yarrawonga. (Credit: Chloe Smith via Moira Shire/ Visit Victoria)
Unmissable dining
From hatted gourmet restaurants to vibrant cafes, you won’t go hungry in the region. Head to the one-hat Norma’s in Albury for relaxed dining, Yardbird for delicious seasonal dishes and riverside vibes at River Deck Cafe. Enjoy a hearty pub meal at a classic country pub including the Balldale Hotel, Gerogery Hotel, Jingellic Hotel, Homebush Hotel and Pooncarrie Hotel.
Yardbird serves up seasonal fare. (Credit: Safari G lobal via Visit Victoria)
The cocktails are not to be missed at Yardbird. (Credit: Safari G lobal via Visit Victoria)
Riverside dining done right at The River Deck Cafe. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
The River Deck Cafe is the perfect lunch setting. (Credit: Tourism Australia)
Art beyond big cities
There are lots of impressive regional galleries that will inspire your artistic bent, including Albury’s MAMA and Art Parts Australia, Corowa Art Space and the Gallery Balranald.
Get on your bike
Cycling is a great way to enjoy the countryside and there are lots of cycling tracks. The Murray to Mountains Rail Trail spans 137 kilometres of sealed, off-road asphalt paths linking regional hubs.
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This winter, these secret Sydney harbour suites are the staycation we’ve been looking for.
Whether it’s the crisscrossing ferries or the white sails of the Opera House rising out of blue depths, Australia’s biggest city lives for its harbour. But while locals might glance at that watery expanse on their daily commute across the Bridge, it can still be hard to truly connect with Sydney’s maritime soul. The secret: seeing the harbour eye-to-eye, right at water level. And what better place to submerge yourself in that energy than sleeping there? That’s where Pier One Sydney Harbour comes in (and with new all-inclusive bed and breakfast benefits, there’s even more to love).
All-inclusive VIP benefits
Book in for the all-inclusive VIP treatment.
The hard truth is that it will be very difficult to tear yourself away from your ultra-luxurious harbour home-away-from-home to explore the city. If you want to make leaving even harder, opt for Pier One’s all-inclusive VIP treatment.
The Bed and Breakfast with Suite Benefits package turns up the volume on what is already the ultimate staycation, with complimentary valet parking, daily breakfast for two and turndown service. The biggest perk? Enjoy a bottle of French champagne every day during your whole stay
Pier One Sydney Harbour
Step into a piece of history with all the modern comforts. (Credit: Dave Wheeler)
The five-star Pier One Sydney Harbour is quite literally old Sydney through and through. Built on what was once a working cargo wharf and the passenger terminal for those heading to the North Shore before the bridge was constructed, the heritage building sits right between the tangle of cobblestones, pubs and alleyways of The Rocks and the historic docking zone of Walsh Bay – at the centre of the city’s old sea trade.
If knowing the hotel’s history isn’t enough to get your sea-longing going, the interior design certainly will. As soon as you step up to the concierge desk in the lobby of the restored building – which underwent a $15 million redevelopment in 2019 – you’re immersed in Sydney’s seafaring tale. Weathered wood panelling and white marble floors surround you, while loop lighting installations hover above the bar island just beyond, ringed with stools ready for intimate, martini-tinted conversations. Steel rivets and timber beams speak to its past, and glass-walled views anchor you firmly in the present-day life on the harbour.
Pier One Suites
Enjoy incredible views from your suite.
Across the 189 rooms and suites built on and over the water, the maritime theme continues. Sculptural aged brass fittings, exposed girders, colour schemes that evoke shifting currents, and mirrors that reflect ripples that – depending on your booking – sit just metres from your pillow.
United on theme yet unique in set-up, each room or suite is different. On the ground floor, dog-friendly rooms with direct access to the pier are all prepped for pampered pups, while others have views and even balconies overlooking Walsh Bay, the Bridge and the Harbour.
But the 19 suites step things up even more. Gaze out through floor-to-ceiling windows, or get even closer. Your private balcony is made for sipping a Nespresso coffee on as the sun comes up – or soaking in the bathtub of the Admiral Suite on the deck, a drink from the locally stocked mini bar in hand. This mini bar was recently completely transformed, so you have more Aussie favourites to choose from, including alcohol and snacks.
Dining at Pier One
Settle in for an afternoon of good drinks and views.
Once you’re checked in, start your afternoon with a spritz at PIER BAR – or arrive by boat via the private pontoon if the occasion calls for it – and settle into one of the cabanas. Weekdays bring Happy Hour (or ‘sunset hour’ at Pier One); weekends bring the DJs. After an even sweeter experience? The Everyday Creamery and Matcha Kiosk is slinging mango and vanilla soft serve – classic and those spiked with Midori and gin alike.
PIER Dining is an ode to contemporary Australian flavours across the terrace, pier and dining room. On its seafood-leaning menu are Sydney rock oysters from Merimbula, potato scallops with salmon roe and crème fraîche, chicken with melting sundried tomato butter, vodka rigatoni with Shark Bay prawns. And the ‘Pierlova’ – that’s pavlova with chocolate, dulce de leche and banana is worth saving room for. Make sure to ask for the wine list – it’s 100 per cent Australian drops.
Around town
Explore the neighbourhood during your stay. (Credit: Destination NSW)
If you’re strong enough to polish off just one last pastry from the breakfast buffet and walk out the door, we applaud you. Luna Park across the harbour beckons with its wide grin, while a glance upward might spur you to climb the Bridge’s famous iron arches. The Opera House – just across Circular Quay from the Museum of Contemporary Art – sings out for a concert.
You’ll want to book ahead for those hot-ticket performances at Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Dance Company, just a few minutes’ walk south of the hotel. Ten minutes further brings you to the waterfront bars, restaurants and clubs of Barangaroo, or the karaoke, gardens and dim sum of Chinatown further afield.
Keep the mellow of your weekend getaway going with a stop at Barangaroo Reserve, watching the yachts go by – all before returning for that Sydney sundowner at Pier One.
