This new Aussie trail is tipped to be one of 2025’s top attractions

Calling all adventurers – the Murray River is about to get even better.

The Murray River is one of Australia’s most iconic destinations thanks to its historic paddlesteamers, esteemed wineries, hyperlocal foodie scene and laid-back river lifestyle. But this Victorian gem is about to get even more enticing, with a new trail opening in 2025.

The Murray River Adventure Trail is an epic outdoor experience developed by Parks Victoria, perfect for nature lovers and explorers alike. Picturesque hiking tracks and cycling paths meet kayaking and camping along this scenic stretch from Lake Hume to Mildura, with so much more to be discovered along the way.

The Murray River is a natural playground for adventurers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

What is the Murray River Adventure Trail?

While the project is still in the early stages of development, a detailed plan for the Murray River Adventure Trail is already gaining global attention with National Geographic including the region on its list of 25 best places in the world to travel to in 2025, and Timeout London predicting the trail itself will be one of the world’s top 25 things to do this year.

Kayaking along the Murray River in Victoria

The Murray River Adventure Trail will include a range of outdoor activities. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The monumental project will open in stages, much like Australia’s iconic rail trails that offer a similar experience for nature lovers. However, what sets the Murray River Adventure Trail apart is its wide range of activities.

Upon completion, an expansive variety of connected walking, cycling and paddling trails are slated to cross over 500 kilometres of country Victoria, from Lake Hume, near Wodonga, all the way to Mildura. Suitable for both single- and multi-day use, the trail will also include campgrounds, picnic areas, toilet facilities, watercraft launches and parking. New signage will assist and educate visitors on the region’s natural and cultural significance, too.

The trail will incorporate places like Lake Hume near Wodonga. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the development and eventual launch of the trail, Parks Victoria aims to maximise public access while ensuring ongoing environmental protection and respect for the land’s Traditional Owners.

What will Stage One offer and when will it open?

Stage One of the Murray River Adventure Trail is currently under construction, thanks to a whopping $10.3 million in funding received from Victoria’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

Hikers walking along the Murray River in Victoria

Stage One will feature 16 new or improved trailheads. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Passing through Echuca, Murray River Reserve, Gunbower National Park and Lower Goulburn National Park, the first stage will offer visitors a taste of what’s to come. There will be 16 formal trailheads along the river in Stage One, some with pit stops at cute riverside towns.

Eight existing campgrounds and campsites in this area will also be upgraded, as well as new launch points for canoes and kayaks. Given the project’s immense scale, stages of the Murray River Adventure Trail will continue to open incrementally into 2026 and beyond.

A campsite along the Murray River in Victoria

Campsites and campgrounds will be upgraded for overnight use. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Parks Victoria has also been working in close consultation with Traditional Owners, local government bodies and Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. While a date is yet to be confirmed, Stage One is reportedly opening later this year.

How do I find the Murray River Adventure Trail?

The closest major airport to the Murray River Adventure Trail is in Bendigo, where you can hire a car and make the one-hour drive north to Echuca. If you’re coming from Melbourne, it’ll take you roughly three hours by car.

The PS Emmylou paddlesteamer on the Murray River in Victoria

Stay onboard the PS Emmylou while in Echuca. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Once you’ve arrived, there’s plenty to see and do before or after your epic outdoor adventure. This bucolic part of country Victoria is brimming with history and charm, from a luxurious farm stay in Barham to a multi-day cruise aboard PS Emmylou with Murray River Paddlesteamers.

You can stay up to date with the rollout of Stage One, as well as other Murray River Adventure Trail updates via the Parks Victoria website.

Parks Victoria will continue to roll out the trail’s stages into 2026. (Image: Visit Swan Hill)

The Mornington Peninsula’s newest bathhouse just became a complete wellness destination with the addition of The Sanctuary.

It’s a quiet luxury mood board come to life. That’s my first thought when I enter the brand-new villa. It’s one of five perched at the highest point of the 15-hectare property that’s also home to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa. I remember meeting Kadi Morrisson, Alba’s Director of Sales & Marketing, at an industry event in 2024 as she excitedly revealed the renders of what was to become the luxury accommodation I’m now standing in. I can see that her excitement was completely warranted. This retreat is something special.

Location

The Sanctuary is located in the seaside town of Fingal on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. (Image: Supplied)

Tucked away on an idyllic seaside pocket of land in the Mornington Peninsula, The Sanctuary accommodation is the newest addition to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa, a 15-hectare bathhouse and wellness sanctuary fed by the region’s underground mineral springs. The seaside town of Sorrento, as well as world-class restaurants, wineries and pristine beaches, is all minutes away. It’s also an easy 90-minute drive south from Melbourne Airport, making it within reach of an interstate wellness weekend getaway.

Rooms and villas

The Sanctuary’s five luxurious stand-alone villas and two additional studio rooms opened in June 2025. I’m staying in one of three villas that feature an en suite with an oversized stone bathtub set in front of a floor-to-ceiling glass wall (villas 1-3 only). It means I’m treated to expansive views of the bay and native bushland while soaking in Alba’s signature bath salts – a blend of native Australian botanicals, moisturising oils and mineral-rich salts. Aesop amenities are also supplied in the shower and bathroom.

Glass doors open onto a private deck from the en suite and bedroom; the perfect place to sit with a cheese board and wine at the end of the day to watch the sunset or to stargaze come nightfall. And if you’re feeling in the mood for a stretch come morning, make use of the provided yoga mats and salute the sun at daybreak.

My second-favourite addition (after the bath) is the indoor log fireplace that is set of an evening by the concierge (they can be called to add another log before 10pm as needed). Listening to the crackle of the fire from the comfort of the king bed makes drifting off to sleep a breeze.

Find wine from 10 Minutes by Tractor in the villa’s bar. (Image: Supplied)

The extensive all-inclusive (minus champagne, cocktails and spirits) mini bar champions local businesses with wine from Ten Minutes by Tractor, St Andrews Beach Brewery beer, Peninsula Cold Press Juice Co. and Alba’s Signature tea. Snacks include Chappy’s kettle cooked chips, Choca Mama peanut brittle, pretzels and nude nuts. As well as still and sparkling water and T2 tea. An Illy coffee machine and pods are also included.

Style and character

Local design studio KWD in Mt Martha crafted the interiors from a soothing palette of muted hues – think every shade of cream imaginable. I’m greeted by soft afternoon light leaking through the chiffon curtains; it makes me feel like I’m sinking into a cafe latte-inspired dream. With accents of wood and black metal, as well as exquisite design details like the subtle silver sheath covering the bedside lights, this is understated luxury at its best. I never want to leave.

Facilities

Undoubtedly, one of the major drawcards of a stay at The Sanctuary is inclusive access to Alba Thermal Springs and Spa for each day of your stay, plus you get to enjoy one upgrade to a private pool (The Terrace, The Clouds or The Salts). Concierge transfers via buggy between your villa and the springs are also available – but it’s an easy walk if you don’t mind the hill up to the villas.

Alba Thermal Springs and Spa

The Terrace at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa

The Terrace is one of the private pools at Alba that guests get access to once during their stay. (Image: Supplied)

Opening in 2024, Alba’s pools and landscape architecture were designed by MALA Studio. The team transformed the expansive property into six regions through the thoughtful curation of over 60,000 native and endemic plants.

There are 34 pools, a mix of geothermal, cold plunge and herbal-infused botanical, that range in temperature and design – some to create a feeling of seclusion, while others invite social connection – all fed by natural geothermal mineral waters that flow from 550 metres below ground. I gravitate towards The Hemisphere, with its dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge and dreamy open-air pool called The Hide. I leave my robe at the entrance, slip into the sunken geothermal pool and immediately feel the tension from my travels melting away.

Inside, Alba has 22 spa treatment rooms, including a steam room, Vichy shower, and single or double massage rooms with a spa menu designed to renew, repair and recalibrate guests. The wristband that acts as a key to your villa also gives you access to the change room and bathhouse – just speak to reception on arrival. In addition to lockers and showers, the change rooms also feature a clever swimsuit drying spinner – I find this makes for a more comfortable dining experience (more on that below) in your robe minus wet swimmers.

Thyme Restaurant

Breakfast at Thyme by the springs is included. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Breakfast is included at the in-house restaurant Thyme throughout your stay. I opt for yoghurt panna cotta with toasted house granola topped with local honeycomb, fermented blueberries and berries. But I admit to having FOMO when I see my husband’s choice of poached eggs, Adelaide Hills bacon, layered thyme potato with roasted mushroom and fresh sourdough arrive at the table. Barista-made Little Rebel coffee, smoothies and cold-pressed juices, as well as tea, are also included.

The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the springs. It’s strongly encouraged to dine in the provided robe, which means you can easily go from soaking in the pool to dining and back again without needing to change.

Both The Sanctuary breakfast menu and The House menu for lunch and dinner were created by award-winning chef Karen Martini, with head chef Mario Di Natale at the helm. Expect fresh, healthy and flavour-driven dishes made with sustainability in mind. For dinner, my husband and I ordered the tuna crudo, scallop and prawn wontons for entrées and roasted cod and sake-braised beef short rib for mains to share with seasonal greens.

Does The Sanctuary have access for guests with disabilities?

The pools at Alba Thermal Springs and Spa are designed to welcome all guests, and a full accessible studio is part of The Sanctuary.

Is The Sanctuary family-friendly?

Guests of all ages are welcome at The Sanctuary, and rollaway beds or cots can be provided upon request. The springs require adult supervision for children aged under 16, and the private pools and spa are reserved for visitors aged 16 and over only. However, I didn’t see any children during my visit.

Details

Best for: A romantic retreat or indulgent girls’ weekend away

Address: 282 Browns Rd, Fingal, Victoria

Room rate: Prices start at $1300 per night for two guests in a Villa with bath, $1150 for Villa without bath.

Tips for visiting Alba Thermal Springs and Spa:

1. Pack waterproof footwear so you don’t have to walk on the cold paths barefoot (plus, footwear is required inside the restaurant).

2. Phones and smartwatches are not permitted – leave them in your locker or room.

3. The minerals in the water can cause jewellery to tarnish; lock them away in the in-room safe.

4. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill up at the drinking fountains – you will dehydrate quickly in the pools and saunas.