A family of four carrying a canoe in Murray River National Park. Photo:Boen Ferguson

The Murray is Australia’s longest river, meaning it has a cure for most, if not all of your first-world problems.

  • 1/9

    Are you old-school living in a new-school world?

    Houseboats along the Murray River
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    Murray River

    iStock

    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.

    Ranger Tip: NSW national parks offer loads of opportunities for fun in and by the water; we want you to enjoy your day out safely here’s info to help your family and friends to stay safe.

  • 2/9

    Think you know what’s up?

    Child paddleboarding on the Murray River. Photo: Ben White
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    Ben White

    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.

  • 3/9

    All wired-up and need to unplug?

    Two canoes on the water, Morton National Park. Photo: Tim Clark
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    Morton National Park

    Tim Clark @timclark1

    ‘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.

    Stuck for where to start? We’ve got the low-down for a beginner-friendly trip down the mighty Murray.

  • 4/9

    Are you a stone-cold chiller?

    Oar from a boat hovering over the water, Morton National Park. Photo: Tim Clark
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    Tim Clark @timclark1

    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.

  • 5/9

    Netflix left you lethargic?

    Person canoeing. Photo: Dudarev Mikhail
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    Dudarev Mikhail

    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.

  • 6/9

    Wanna be original?

    Houseboat on the Murray River. Photo: Rob Blackburn/Destination NSW
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    All seasons houseboats on the Murray

    Rob Blackburn/Destination NSW

    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.

  • 7/9

    Hate planning?

    Two people sitting by a campfire at a NSW national park campground, Morton National Park. Photo: Tim Clark
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    Tim Clark @timclark1

    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.

    From 2020: ALL campgrounds and campsites in national parks require a booking. This includes locations that were previously available for use without a booking.

  • 8/9

    Can’t ever make up your mind?

    Fishing by a river. Photo: Dmitriy Titov
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    Dmitriy Titov

    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?

    Don’t forget: to get your NSW fishing licence before setting out.

  • 9/9

    Keen for a once-in-a-lifetime challenge?

    People canoeing and surrounded by fog, Morton National Park. Photo: Tim Clark
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    Tim Clark @timclark1

    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.

    Practising for the MPP? Make sure you’ve got all your paddling safety covered.

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