Nine epic things you can do on the Murray River

Choose from the fleet of paddlesteamers at Echuca Moama and come over all nostalgic. Ah, the boiler, the steam whistle – you’ll be waxing your moustache in no time.

SUP? But for real, we’re talking about stand-up paddleboarding – or ‘SUP’ – and there are lessons and guided tours out of Echuca Moama. You can pretty-much-almost walk on water down Australia’s longest river. Your core will thank you, after it stops screaming.

‘Campanoeing’ is a thing, and it’s just the thing you need: take a self-guided camping and canoe trip on the Murray River, with 17.4km of canoe trails to explore and plenty of peaceful campgrounds to pitch your tent in.

Spend the day kicking back in a canoe or kayak. What’s your rush? Relax. Meander like you’ve never meandered before. Cruise through the calm waters of the floodplains of Barmah Millewa Forest near Echuca Moama or paddle from Picnic Point, near Murray Valley National Park.

Tackle level five (expert) rapids at the Murray Gates section of the Upper Murray near Corryong. Go with local rafting operators, a guided tour or DIY around the World Heritage-listed Barmah Millewa Wetlands or Safes Lagoon on Gunbower Island.

You could go to the Murray, or you could pivot on your heel and go to the lesser-known Edward River, AKA the secret (and possibly even better) version of the Murray. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch at Edward River Bridge for people with mobility restrictions. The drowned river red gums spookily refract off the water’s surface as you idly paddle down the river past unfrequented beaches that you’ll have all to yourself. This highlight of Murray Valley Regional Park is not to be missed, and with less competition for fish, hanging out here makes you look like a legendary fisherman.

Simply squeeze less into your trip. Slow down and take a seat on the river bank surrounded by majestic river red gums – part of the largest continuous red gum forest in the world.

Do a bit of everything. Fish across two states near the source of the river over in Kosciuszko National Park, where you’ll have your pick of the first waters of the Murray. Then take a hike, hop on your bike, ski off-piste and camp with the kangaroos at Tom Groggin campground. Who says you can’t have it all?

Sign up for the Massive Murray Paddle, the longest canoe race in the world. Held every year, hundreds take part in the 415km race over five days. For those who are up for the challenge, it’s a pretty epic way to see the best bits of this mighty river.