Spring in Murray River Country is the ideal time to find a sunny spot to chill with family and friends, to slow your pace and discover the many hidden gems of our naturally stunning region.
Full to the brim with gorgeous country towns, friendly folk and just the right dose of adventure to blow the winter cobwebs away, you’ll discover nature, history and world-class events along our stretch of the Murray that will put a little extra spring in your holiday step.
Wakool should be high on your list of ‘off the beaten track’ destinations this springtime. A well-known warm and welcoming stopover for travellers, this pretty little town is a mecca for fishing enthusiasts and those keen to discover the lesser-known hot spots for anglers across our River Country region. For more information on fishing in the area, make sure you download a copy of the Fishing in River Country guide.
As well as fishing and chilling by a river or creek, Wakool is ideal for bush walking and getting up close and personal with nature. The Wakool area forms part of a network of incredible forest tracks through some of NSW’s most beautiful natural landscapes, and is ideally located within an hours’ drive of Deniliquin, Swan Hill and Echuca Moama.
If you’re looking to take a gentle breather during your travels, Wakool has some beautiful picnic locations for you to unwind and connect with nature. In fact, the entire River Country region boasts a smorgasbord of fantastic natural picnic spots including Barham Federation Botanic Reserve, Moama Botanic Garden and Mensforth Park in Tooleybuc.
Internationally Recognised Bird Watching
Not far from Wakool, you’ll discover another hidden gem of River Country, which is internationally recognised for its bird watching. The Reed Beds Bird Hide Boardwalk at
Mathoura is a must-see when you’re visiting the region. You’re guaranteed to be captivated by this magical bird watcher's paradise, where you’re likely to encounter an eastern great egret or musk dusk. And as you meander along the purpose-built boardwalk, keep a look out for yellow rosellas, superb wrens and purpose swamphens at water’s edge. There are audio visual displays along the walk to keep the whole family entertained, and we just know you’ll be planning a trip back to discover the many different bird species you missed first time around. This place is nature at its finest, and should definitely be on your itinerary - just don’t forget the binoculars! They’ll also come in handy at other fabulous bird watching destinations in the area including the Gulpa Creek Walk at Mathoura, Moulamein Lake, Horseshoe Lagoon at Moama and Yanga National Park Red Gum Bird Hide, near Balranald.
The entire Mathoura and Picnic Point area sits within one of the largest River Red Gum forests in the world, with more than 70,000 hectares of bushland and wetlands of international significance. Not to mention excellent access to the Murray for boating, fishing, water skiing, canoeing or just simply chilling on a river bank. Time slows here to the pace of the river - as should you.
And if you’re looking for somewhere in the area to rest and replenish, there are so many options close by, including the legendary The Timbercutter, and lots of traditional pub fare options.
A Golf Lovers Paradise
Golf enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in River Country, and with spring comes warmer weather and more sunlight hours on the golf course - a winning combination!
Be sure to check out Rich River Golf Club’s two distinct par 72 immaculately groomed championship courses at Moama, Murray Downs Golf and Country Club’s par 72 large, well-manicured greens near Swan Hill, ClubBarham’s magnificent par 73 course amongst stunning towering gum trees, and Tooleybuc Sporting Club’s picturesque 9-hole course. It truly is a golfer’s paradise in this part of the world.
Springtime Events River Country Style
Springtime in River Country is bursting with unique and colourful events, including local shows in Echuca Moama and Barham Koondrook offering entertainment for the whole family.
One of the biggest events on the spring calendar is the annual Perricoota Pop and Pour Festival on Saturday November 30. This hugely popular event of wine, food, music and fun allows you to choose your own adventure in Moama’s stunning Perricoota Wine Region, with shuttles ferrying you between wineries, breweries and distilleries for a day to remember on the banks of the Murray.
For a truly distinctive event that takes you to the paddock and a different pace, all roads lead to Mathoura on Saturday November 2 for the exhilarating Mathoura Speed Shear event. This unique event features speed shearing enthusiasts from across the country and New Zealand, with categories including intermediate, women, contractors relay, seniors and open. With $12,000 in cash and prizes, the fastest time has to be seen to be believed! Mathoura Recreation Reserve is where it all happens and there’s a variety of food vendors, a licensed bar and activities for the kids.
Come visit us in Murray River Country this spring. Book your bed, restaurant or round of golf ahead of time, especially if you plan on visiting during school holidays. And when you’re building your itinerary, be sure to add some of our hidden gems to the list - now that you know the best places to find them!
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