The Australian Bucket List

New South Wales

The Murray The mighty Murray is filled with Australian holiday memories. You'll wake to the sound of kookaburras and the smell of eucalyptus, there are people waterskiing and paddle steamers making their way upstream.

Head to The Murray region to enjoy the great climate, historic towns, superb food and wine, and endless opportunities for outdoor activities along one of the world's great rivers. The Murray River is one of the longest navigable rivers in the world, stretching 2,700 kilometres from the mountains of the Great Dividing Range in north-eastern Victoria to journey's end near Adelaide in South Australia. The township of Echuca offers a unique insight into the region's rich riverboat history. It is home to the largest paddle steamer fleet in Australia and has an authentic working port where you can see riverboats being restored. Many are still working and run short cruises down the Murray. Alternatively, hire a houseboat and explore the river at your own pace. Navigate the river, stopping along the way to experience the restaurants, wineries and golf courses that line its banks. Mildura is known for its fresh local produce, an array of wineries and superb culinary offerings served up at popular restaurants like Stefano's. It is also a good base for exploring the Australian outback and the World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park with its spectacular sculpted sandhills and ancient Aboriginal history. While Echuca and Mildura are among the most popular destinations in The Murray, there are many other towns worth visiting while you travel throughout the region.

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Things to do

Canoe the Riverland - Kayak Tours (Murtho, Riverland, SA)

Renmark Kayak Tours Explore the beauty of the Murray River from a kayak. Our staff guide you through peaceful creeks and lagoons at an easy pace. Enjoy the rich variety of birdlife, wildlife and the colours that reflect the changes of season and river conditions. All tours are led by a fully qualified guide. No experience is necessary and all equipment is provided. Our kayaks are roomy and stable. Sunset Kayak Tour: Run daily, these tours impress with the big skies, changing colours and wonderful birdlife. Gentle kayaking with a commentary on the environment and history that defines the area. One-Hour Wetland Kayak Tour: We'll guide you for the first section and you can choose to continue or complete the route home with your guide. Dinghy Cruise: A tour of the backwaters in a small motorboat with padded seats and shade canopy. Also, see our hire listing: Canoe the Riverland - Hire. If you prefer a Self-Guided Trail, you can launch from our property into the peace and serenity of lagoons and creeks. We provide a map and a waterproof bag. Due to current health advice on social distancing, please contact the business for the most up to date information regarding opening times and services.

Murray River Paddlesteamers, Echuca Victoria (Vic NSW Border)

Murray River Paddlesteamers operate from the Port of Echuca located just 2.5 hours drive from Melbourne's CBD. The company operate the iconic PS Emmylou, PS Canberra and Pride of the Murray. The spectacular paddlesteamer, the PS Emmylou, the world’s only wood-fired cruising paddlesteamer was recently relaunched following a specially designed luxury upgrade and fit-out. Taking passengers for the first time through some of the most pristine and intact ecological forests, to places of geographic, historic and Aboriginal cultural significance, PS Emmylou will travel along the Murray River to world heritage wetlands and the world’s largest red gum forest. With only nine cabins this boutique steam-powered cruise can moor alongside outstanding river wineries, drop into local producers, pause to explore heritage sites such as the 1860s Perricoota Station, and access ancient Murray River tributaries on the MV Kingfisher with an environmental specialist. The refitted contemporary cabins include fine linens topped with silky duvets, with the boats’ premier Suite located on the front Upper Deck, with French Doors opening to deck. Onboard dining, prepared by the Chef, features local food and wine from across the region. Riverside campfires with stunning night skies to complete this unique experience.

Mungo National Park, (The Murray Region. NSW)

Visit World Heritage Mungo National Park, home of the famous Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, and explore a place rich in Aboriginal history. Enjoy a walk or picnic, or camp near Lake Mungo. Wander the sands of time in ancient Mungo National Park at the heart of the NSW Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area. This extraordinary place is of great significance to the Ngyiampaa, Mutthi Mutthi and Southern Paakantyi people. The remarkable archaeological finds of Mungo Lady and Mungo Man, the world's oldest human cremations, represent the early emergence of humanity's spiritual beliefs. These fascinating 42,000-year-old ritual burials, along with past human footprints, tell an incredible story about the long history of Australian Aboriginal people and led to the establishment of Mungo National Park. Take a guided tour to the incredible Walls of China, where erosion has sculpted sand and clay into fragile yet imposing formations; or explore on wheels with cycling or drive tour through the stunning landscape.

Murray River National Park, Riverland

This park contains some of the most visually spectacular and environmentally important areas in the South Australian Murray-Darling Basin. Come and explore the three separate areas that make up the Murray River National Park: Katarapko (Berri/Glossop), Lyrup Flats (Lyrup) and Bulyong Island (Renmark), each of these sections have separate entrances so make sure you familiarise yourself with maps and where these entrances are. This park enables the conservation of more than 13,000 hectares and includes a vast network of Murray River wetlands and floodplains that provide unique natural experiences.

Wilkadene, Woolshed Brewery, Renmark. SA

Woolshed Brewery is located in the historic 100-year-old shearing sheds of Wilkadene Station, located in the Riverland 20 kilometres north of Renmark. Since our first brew day in August 2009, the Woolshed Brewery is fast becoming one of the Riverland's top tourist destinations. With its rich history, stunning riverfront location set amongst beautiful gardens, it is the perfect place to kick back and relax with friends and family whilst enjoying all things Riverland. Brewery tours are available by appointment as well as self-guided tours of the property. Create your cheese platter from our local produce section or use our free BBQ facilities 7 days a week, or check out our Facebook page for who's catering each weekend. Our award-winning beers, cider and Utopia Hard Lemonade and Rude Ruby range are available for sale on tap as well as take away sales in stubbies. Soft drinks are available for kids and non-beer drinkers.

Mungo Self-guided Drive Tour (The Murray Region. NSW)

Mungo self-guided drive tour, also known as Mungo loop track, is a brilliant introduction to the awe-inspiring desert landscape and a chance to experience the historic significance of Mungo National Park in comfort. Crossing the ancient lake-bed to the Walls of China, the route takes in the iconic dunes and mallee country of outback NSW, before tracing the north-east shores of the lake. To get the most of your outback tour, drop by Mungo Visitor Centre and pick up ‘Driving the Mungo Story’. Stretch your legs at Walls boardwalk and then continue onto Red Top lookout and boardwalk which overlooks the dunes. Pull up for a bite at Rosewood picnic area before taking a short walk on Mallee Stop walking track. Round Tank picnic area and Vigars Well picnic area are the last stops before picking up Zanci Pastoral Loop. Vigars Well dates back to the earlier settlers and from here, there’s access to the mobile dunes overlooking the majestic Mungo dry lakes. For an extra challenge, try cycling the track by mountain bike. Emus and western red kangaroos are often seen, as are whistling kites, wedge-tailed eagles and brown goshawks.

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