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.

Then 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: self-guided camping canoe trips on the Murray River from a few hours to 14 Days. Try Echuca Boat and Canoe Hire.

Take it easy 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 PRicnic 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, 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 river’s surface as you idly paddle down the river past unfrequented beaches all your own.  So check out this highlight of Murray Valley Regional Park, 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 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 (MMP), the longest canoe race in the world. Held every year, hundreds take part in the 404km race over five days from Yarrawonga to Swan Hill.