10 of the best things to do along the Murray River

From houseboats and pink lakes to sandboarding rust-colour sand dunes and tasting local whisky, this part of Australia has it all.

Besides snacks, podcasts and energy drinks, all good road trips have three key elements; amazing scenery, unique attractions, and comfortable, modern places to stay. The Murray River region boasts all three and more.

PS Pevensey, Echuca Paddlesteamers, things to do along the Murray River

Tick a famous paddlesteamer ride off your bucketlist.

The longest river in Australia, the Murray, coils and meanders for 2500km from the Upper Murray in Victoria, to form the border with New South Wales and finish in South Australia’s Great Australian Bight.

As you would expect, there is a tonne of things to do along the Murray River (including putting at one of the 37 golf courses or sinking a line literally anywhere from the shore), but for something a little different, book in a few of these attractions to take your road trip to the next level.

1. Get a bird’s eye view of Lake Tyrrell pink salt lake

A spiritual site of the Wergaia traditional owners, Lake Tyrrell is a gloriously, expansive pink, violet and white salt-crusted basin. Seeing it from up on high with Murray Darling Scenic Flights is a must for any photography buff as it allows you to also experience the mirror effect when the surface perfectly reflects the sky. Not surprisingly, sunset tours are popular.

Take in the otherworldly scenes at Lake Tyrrell pink salt lake.

2. Take command of a luxury houseboat

If you fancy being called Captain, consider hiring out a houseboat from specialists in Echuca Moama or Mildura. You don’t need a boat license to drive (but if you prefer, they can offer pilot assistance) so you can feel free to explore the river at your leisure. They even have pet-friendly houseboats, or for something smaller, try a kayak, canoe or SUP board.

Don the captain’s hat onboard your own hired houseboat.

3. Visit the Walls of China in Mungo National Park

Not only are Mungo National Park’s Walls of China formations famous for their stark beauty, but they also tell of a time when large megafauna roamed these lands. The ancient lakebeds also reveal evidence of Indigenous culture dating back 36,000 years. Today, you can get up-close-and-personal from the wheel-chair accessible viewing platform and lookout.

Watch the sunset change the colours of the earth at Mungo’s Wall of China. (Image: Tyson Mayr)

4. Go sandboarding at Perry Sandhills

Located just six kilometres from the small border town of Wentworth, the Perry Sandhills are both starkly beautiful and rich in heritage. Formed over thousands of years and used as the backdrop for movies and TV, they are also extremely fun to ride down on a sandboard. Don’t own one? Hire one 40 minutes up the road at Intersport in Mildura.

Get your heart racing by sandboarding down Perry Sandhills. (Image: Tyson Mayr)

5. Hop on a mountain bike trail in Murray Valley Regional Park

This diverse regional park is home to Deniliquin and its three Mountain Bike Trails. The terrain is mostly flat, winding through the tranquil red gum forest, and you’ll find a trail with a length to suit you: a 7.6km, 12km or 15km loop. If you don’t have a bike strapped to your car, stop by the Deniliquin Visitor Centre and hire one for free.

Get on your bike in Murray Valley Regional Park. (Image: Ain Raadik)

6. Learn the art of weaving from the Wemba Wemba people

Hosted by the Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre staff and Elders, this weaving workshop is hands-on so come prepared to be creative. Not only will you be instructed in the Wamba Wamba traditional weaving technique, but you’ll also begin to understand the importance of weaving in the local economy. Come away with a beautiful mityat (basket in Wamba Wamba).

7. Jump on a Paddlesteamer in Echuca

Arguably the most famous feature of the Murray River is the paddlesteamers that puff up and down its waters at Echuca. Travel in elegant, olden-day style as you take a long or short river cruise. Join the new sunset offering from Echuca Paddlesteamers to experience the river as the sky lights up pink and orange.

Jump on a river cruise with historic paddlesteamers, like the PS Pevensey.

8. Sizzle up a steak on your very own BBQ boat

A man–made reservoir, Lake Mulwala is famous for its clean, glassy water and eerie river red gums poking out of the surface like a Tim Burton film. Sure, you could water ski, kayak or windsurf this lake, but you could also hire a BBQ boat and cook up a feast out on the water with Lake Mulwala Barby Boats. No boat license is needed.

Fire up the BBQ on board a Lake Mulwala Barby Boat.

9. Sample some of Australia’s greatest whisky

Home of the Wiradjuri People, Corowa has a long and varied historical heritage, but these days it’s fast becoming recognised for its whisky. The Corowa Distilling Co is Australia’s first whisky distillery using locally grown ingredients. Housed in a heritage-listed 1920s flour mill, the distillery serves up world-class food and offers whisky tasting and behind-the-scenes tours.

Sip on Australia’s first whiskey with homegrown ingredients at Corowa Distilling Co.

10. Buy local at the Albury Wodonga Farmers Market

When you buy fresh vegetables, preserves, sourdough bread or even a pie at the Albury Wodonga Farmers Market, you’ll be buying directly from the local farmers, chefs and artisans from the Albury-Wodonga region. This popular market is held every Sunday. Our pick? The Peaks Artisan Cheesemakers, Ian’s Dumplings and the Hachibee Honey.

Hachibee Honey, Albury Wodonga Farmers Market

Pick up some Hachibee Honey at the farmer’s market.

Find out more and start planning your Murray River road trip at visitthemurray.com.au.

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.

10 things you must experience on your Murray River road trip