As the gentle warmth of autumn sets in and dreams of long weekends and easy getaways become reality, the Murray River region beckons with open arms, starry skies and the promise of perfectly mild days and pleasantly cool nights. Championing nature, adventure, and all the good stuff in between, from camping under the stars, to indulging in the region's finest seasonal produce, consider this your ultimate guide to Easter on the Murray.
Easter time on the Murray is all about the family-based fun and the region delivers on good times for families and the promise of memory making experiences.
Picture-perfect settings and moderate temperatures make Easter time ideal for families to get away, where cosy caravan setups and spacious campgrounds await, inviting you and the crew to unwind under gasp-worthy starlit skies.
Join in on Easter festivities with planned egg hunts and themed events, or simply unwind in nature whilst enjoying the unique offerings of the townships dotted along the Murray’s banks.
Easter Sunday in Echuca Moama has a scheduled visit from the big bunny himself, a fireworks Extravaganza on the wharf and free entertainment and activities for kids. And just upstream along the Murray, Mathoura’s Easter Fair returns, featuring food vans, free kids’ activities and markets.
The Murray’s most iconic sandy beach, Thompson’s Beach in Cobram, hosts its annual Duck Race and Family Day where around 2000 rubber duckies race down the Murray. And the renowned Easter market returns to Swan Hill, with amazing local foodie offerings and entertainment for the big and the little.
And go on, take the whole week off after Easter in Albury Wodonga and sign the family up to the Colour Frenzy Run, the following weekend. The all ages event includes a 5km (very) fun run where participants are doused in coloured paints along the route.
A full rundown of Easter-fun along the Murray can be found here.
For those seeking less schedules and more going with the flow, a paddlesteamer cruise along the river at Echuca Moama, Yarrawonga, Swan Hill or Mildura, is a must. Trace the footsteps of pioneers and learn more about the historical significance of the Murray and its most renowned port towns aboard one of these historical boats because, did you really visit the Murray if you didn’t go on a paddlesteamer?
Or, jump in the car and hit the road to take in some of the more off-the-beaten path attractions of the Murray. Cactus Country at Strathmerton is Mexico meets the Murray and an absolute unmissable. It’s conveniently located right along The Murray Farm Gate Trail which guides visitors to the very source of the freshest fruits, veggies, cheeses and boutique wines this Mediterranean-like climate area boasts. And here’s the hot tip: autumn is harvest season and a healthy rainy summer (exactly like the one we’ve just had) makes for the juiciest, freshest, most abundant crops for you to enjoy with leftovers to take home.
And as it’s simplest and we think, most perfect offer, simply lace up the walking shoes and take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks of Australia’s longest and most iconic river. The Moulamein River Walk leads wanderers through some incredible bushland, home to iconic Aussie animals like kangaroos, emus and goannas, and also to one of the Murray’s largest and most magnificent River Red Gums. The Big Tree holds cultural significance for Traditional Owners and at 11.6 metres in circumference is estimated to be between 500 and 1000 years old.
Just quietly, autumn is hands-down the best time to camp along the Murray. As the full autumn palette settles in, the landscape transforms with golden and amber hues and the result is pretty spectacular and a sight for sore eyes (or those who haven’t had a break since Christmas). Cooler autumn temperatures are prime for tent-campers with mild, sun shining days and cool, campfire friendly nights. Picture a blanket on the lap at dusk, a marshmallow near the flames (or in the flames if you prefer yours well done), and then a wakeup call of laughing kookaburras and a morning cuppa in the perfect morning sun, and you’ve just about got it now.
Check out this full list of camping and accommodation options along the Murray to start planning your adventure.
As March arrives and with it milder weather and the chance to have a break, the Murray River region affords travellers an easy and unforgettable getaway. With each bend of the river revealing new wonders and opportunities for adventures, Easter on the Murray is a celebration of family, nature, and the simple joys of the season. Whether you’re seeking to clock some solid family time, outdoor adventures or an easy escape in nature, look no further than Australia’s most iconic river.
