Big Flavours and Big Thrills in The Murray This Autumn

As the heat of summer gives way to golden leaves and crisp mornings, The Murray transforms into the perfect autumn escape.

This is the season of long lunches by the river, adrenaline-fuelled sports and vibrant cultural events — all set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty, of course.

Whether you’re a food lover, thrill-seeker, music fan or looking for the perfect family getaway, there’s an event to match your autumn mood. Here’s your guide to making the most of the season in The Murray.

There’s nothing quite like sipping a glass of locally made wine as the sun sets over the river. This autumn, The Murray serves up plenty of chances to indulge in regional flavours.

Kick off the festivities at River Daze (1 March, Barham) where live music, gourmet food and boutique wines come together in a stunning riverside setting. With headliners like Baby Animals and Reece Mastin, plus a family-friendly atmosphere, this festival is perfect for a relaxed weekend escape.

Then, make your way to the Swan Hill Food & Wine Festival (8 March, Swan Hill), where the region’s finest produce takes centre stage. Enjoy wine tastings, gourmet bites and see Shannon Noll perform live at the iconic Pioneer Settlement. If you're up for more, Swan Hill Dine & Find (9 March, Swan Hill) offers a one-of-a-kind culinary trail through town, where top chefs showcase local flavours paired with live entertainment at every stop.

Beyond the plate, Gardenesque (8-9 March, Albury Wodonga) brings The Murray’s natural beauty into full focus. Hosted in Albury’s stunning Botanic Gardens, expect market stalls bursting with homegrown flavours, garden and design workshops, and talks from award-winning landscape designer Jamie Durie.

If high-speed action, heart-pounding competition, and jaw-dropping skill sound like your kind of weekend, The Murray delivers this autumn. From world-class water sports and motorsport madness to equestrian excellence and high-flying aerobatics, there’s no shortage of adrenaline-fuelled entertainment.

Start with the World Water Ski Show Championships (17-23 March, Mulwala) where elite skiers from around the globe pull off gravity-defying stunts, intricate pyramids, and synchronized water acrobatics. It’s part sport, part spectacle and absolutely unforgettable.

Prefer your thrills on solid ground? The Commercial Club Albury Gold Cup (21 March, Albury) is one of the country’s premier racing events, where fast finishes meet high fashion in a buzzing social atmosphere. Meanwhile, the Heartland Easter Races (April 19-20, Moama) bring dirt-track motorsport to the forefront. Expect roaring engines, flying dirt, and plenty of nail-biting finishes.

If you’d rather look to the skies, don’t miss AusFly (14-15 March, Wentworth). With high-flying aerobatics, vintage aircraft displays and hands-on experiences, this festival gives you an up-close look at the magic of flight.

For watersports fans, the Southern 80 Boat Show (22 March, Echuca Moama) celebrates the legacy of Australia’s most famous ski race with a display of the legendary boats that have dominated the event for decades.

Love the great outdoors? Start with The Flow State Outdoors Expo (1 March, Wodonga), where hunting, fishing and wild game cooking demonstrations take centre stage. Then, for an all-in-one adventure showcase, the Albury Wodonga Outdoor Show (28-30 March, Albury Wodonga) delivers 4WD, camping, boating, and fishing exhibits — perfect for upgrading your gear or planning your next big trip.

The Murray’s arts and music scene delivers a mix of big-name concerts, grassroots festivals and immersive cultural experiences.

Music fans will want to grab tickets to the Red Hot Summer Tour (29 March, Albury Wodonga) featuring legendary Australian acts including ICEHOUSE.

For a different festival experience, head to the Cullulleraine Music Festival (4-6 April, Cullulleraine) where live music meets lakeside relaxation. Bring a picnic, sit back and let the sounds of folk, blues and indie tunes carry you away.

Then, there’s Ripple Fest (22-25 May, Echuca and Rochester), an innovative blend of arts, culture and climate awareness in creative and unexpected ways. Perfect for those who love thought-provoking performances and interactive experiences.

Make a weekend of it by exploring The Murray’s local galleries, catching a live performance at our theatres or simply taking a scenic drive through the region’s most picturesque spots.

Families will love the mix of history, action, and hands-on activities in The Murray this autumn.

Start with Festival by the Sub (1 March, Holbrook), a lively event set against Holbrook’s iconic submarine. With market stalls, live music, children’s entertainment and a classic car show, it’s a relaxed way to soak up the friendly country vibes.

For an aviation twist, Lake Boga Splash Down and Rev Up (9 March, Lake Boga) celebrates the town’s historic WWII Catalina flying boat base with aerobatic performances. It’s a perfect mix of history, adrenalin and family-friendly entertainment.

For something totally unique, the Annual Corowa Swim-In and Military Vehicle Gathering (10-16 March, Corowa) lets kids get up close to real tanks, military trucks and historic vehicles (in other words, it’s a dream event for budding history buffs).

Looking ahead to Easter, the Easter Family Fun Day (19 April, Swan Hill) is packed with market stalls, games and live performances. And if your little ones love cars, the Good Friday Easter Power Sports Show and Shine (18 April, Mildura) kicks off a weekend of adrenaline-pumping motorsports in Mildura.

Need a breather? Take a relaxed riverside picnic, explore one of The Murray’s many playgrounds or hop on a paddlesteamer for a scenic cruise the whole family will love.

Find your event and plan your escape

With crisp autumn air, stunning landscapes, and an unbeatable lineup of events, there’s no better time to visit The Murray. Whether you're here for the food, the action, the music or family fun, you’ll find something to love.

Check out the official events calendar to find your perfect excuse for a trip, and start planning your autumn getaway today.