Summer is calling, and there’s no better place to answer than The Murray. Stretching along the banks of Australia’s legendary longest river, our region offers a treasure trove of family-friendly adventures.
Here’s how to fill your summer with memories that last a lifetime.
Stand where two iconic rivers meet in Wentworth — the Darling Baaka and the Murray. If the panoramic vista from the viewing tower doesn’t capture your attention, perhaps the mixing of the two waters will. The rivers are different colours with the clay-filled Darling often appearing milky against the Murray.
In our experience, everyone loves a good lookout and there’s more to be found in our region.
Channel your inner explorer as you climb the granite outcrop at Morgan’s Lookout near Walla Walla, just a short (and scenic) detour off the Olympic Highway. With sweeping views and a connection to Australia’s bushranger history, it’s an adventure that blends storytelling with a little exercise and is perfect for the whole family.
Want to get closer to the action? Kyabram Fauna Park might be the place for you. It’s a 30-minute drive from both Echuca and Shepparton. Here, you and the kids can meet native Australian wildlife like kangaroos, koalas and emus while learning about conservation efforts. Free keeper talks are held on weekends and in the school holidays. Make your visit even more memorable and go behind-the-scenes with keepers when you book an Animal Experience. Choose from feeding a cassowary, the world’s most dangerous bird, or perhaps meet an Aussie icon like the cute and fluffy koalas.
Take your family on an interactive journey through Australia’s migration history at Bonegilla Migrant Experience near Albury Wodonga. The Suitcase Trail offers hands-on kids activities that bring the stories of migrant families to life, sparking meaningful conversations about resilience and hope.
How often can you say you’ve explored a real-life submarine, let alone one that’s hundreds of kilometres inland? Kids will love diving into maritime history with engaging exhibits and the thrill of stepping aboard a retired naval vessel at the Holbrook Submarine Museum - the perfect stop if you’re travelling along the Hume.
Step back in time at the Port of Echuca. Interactive exhibits, paddlesteamer tours, and fascinating tales of riverboat history make this a must-visit for curious minds of all ages.
Fuel your kids’ imaginations with a treasure hunt among vintage cars and historical memorabilia at The Depot in Deni. It’s a playful way to explore the past and the team often have interactive activities for the kids. Oh, and it’s indoors which makes it a top pick for summer. There’s an American-themed diner for a milkshake or lunch afterwards.
Immerse yourself in a bygone era at Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement. After a day of exploring, settle in for the Heartbeat of the Murray Laser Light Spectacular, a dazzling display that brings the river’s story to life.
Art and play come together on the Kids Activity Trail at the Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA), and you’ll find special installations designed especially for young explorers to interact with exhibits in creative and unexpected ways.
Introduce your family to the rich Aboriginal culture of the Yorta Yorta people in, north of Echuca Moama. The Dharnya Centre’s experiences blend storytelling, nature and hands-on learning. Choose from guided walks or the Kingfisher River Cruise with extra booking dates on offer in the school holidays.
If a summer road trip is on the cards, how many of our region’s big things you can see along the way? Your fridge will look great with family photos from the Big Murray Cod at Tocumwal and the Giant Murray Cod at Swan Hill - we’ll let you decide which is larger. Urana is home to the Not So Itsy Spider Sculpture or spot the Big Strawberry at Koonoomoo between Cobram and Tocumwal.
Speaking of unexpected things to do, the towering cacti and quirky landscapes of Cactus Country will welcome the whole family (and we mean it, they’re pet-friendly). Located at Strathmerton, around three hours’ drive north of Melbourne, you’ll find eight themed trails with more than 10,000 cacti and succulents to explore. Don’t miss a taste of the café’s famous cactus cake either!
You might’ve heard of the Mildura region's orange juice and that’s because the climate is perfect for citrus farms and you’ll find quite a few in the surrounding area. At Orange World, take the fun tractor-train tour of the orchards and learn more. You’ll also visit the packing shed, lookout tower and nursery, plus get a taste of the products too. (This one closes in February each year so make sure you get in over the school holidays!)
If you’re looking for an epic way to cool off and burn some of the kids' endless energy, Aqua Island is calling your name. It’s the enormous, inflatable floating playground you didn’t know was on your wishlist (call us Santa). Take on the giant slides, climbing jungles and ninja-style obstacles but beware — you might end up in the lake! Sound good? It’s in Echuca Moama, welcoming ages 3 and up and younger kids need adult supervision.
Rather stick to dry land? Putt your way through a day of family fun. Sporties Mini Golf in Barooga and Rich River Golf Club in Moama are home to some of the best mini golf courses in the region. Bring your family and friends to see who takes bragging rights, or perhaps a hole-in-one!
The Murray is calling, and it’s time to answer. With a perfect blend of adventure, history and relaxation, our iconic region offers plenty of things to do for kids and activities the whole family can enjoy!
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