If you think you already know The Murray, it’s time to think again. Maybe you already have a favourite ice cream shop or river beach or lookout. And we’d never pry those away from you, but in 2026, our region is also home to plenty of new finds you can enjoy, too.
A new paddlesteamer takes to the river. Dozens of glowing clotheslines turn a sandhill into a symphony. A resort opens in Mildura looking like it belongs in Palm Springs.
Here's what's new in The Murray and worth planning a(nother) trip around.
Take your pick of river adventures this year; one that does everything for you, or one where you get to be in charge. Or both.
The PS Australian Star is the newest pride and joy from the team at Murray River Paddlesteamers. Launching soon out of Echuca Moama, she’s running on an original 1907 wood-fired steam engine. And no, it’s not a replica, but an actual 100-plus-year-old engine. Choose from three, four or seven-night all-inclusive options. We reckon the four-night is the one to book if you’re a first-timer, it’s long enough to settle in. It includes an exclusive visit to Perricoota Station (a filming location for All the Rivers Run), a daytime cruise aboard the historic PS Canberra and a long lunch and wine tasting at Murray Gums Estate.
No matter which itinerary you choose, on board the Australian Star you’ll get a stateroom with your own private ensuite and deck access, plus all your meals and wine with dinner. It’s far from your average boat ride.
If you'd prefer to be in the driver’s seat and be alone out on the water, Margaylea from All Seasons Houseboats out of Mildura is freshly renovated. It’s got three bedrooms and the all-important spa on the top deck (essential for houseboating), sleeping up to eight. This kind of trip has so much freedom when you can stock the fridge before you leave, explore parts of the river that land lovers never get to see, lose track of what day it is by night two.
Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) opens at Perry Sandhills just outside Wentworth in April 2026. The setup includes 80 Hills Hoist clotheslines fitted with fibre optic lighting, arranged like an orchestra pit against the backdrop of Perry Sandhills in the distance. As the sun sets, an original orchestral score plays out across the whole installation. You're watching glowing clotheslines conduct an invisible orchestra and it works in a way that's hard to explain until you're there, experiencing it yourself.
It's the work of Bruce Munro, the artist behind Field of Light at Uluru. And it forms a pair with the Trail of Lights on Mildura's Lock Island, a half-hour drive away.
Further upstream, the River Country Art Trail is worth building a road trip around. Five towns with five large-scale artworks, each made for the place it's in. In Moama, you'll see Twoone's water tower mural, rooted in Yorta Yorta culture and the birdlife of the river landscape. In Mathoura, DULK's work looks like something between a field guide and a fever dream with native animals rendered in vivid, fantastical detail that makes you pull over for a proper look. Barham's is a realist tribute to the town's ANZAC history and red gum heritage. Moulamein's captures the pastoral character of one of NSW's oldest river towns. The final piece is an 11-metre sculpture called Gathering the Bounty by Stuart Green, set to be installed alongside the river in Tooleybuc. Tackle the trail as at least a full day's drive, and in no particular hurry.
Rick Kelly (yes, the V8 Supercar Champion) built a resort on the Murray River near Mildura that looks like it belongs in Palm Springs. Trentham Waters opened in late 2025.
Accommodation ranges from poolside and family villas to river retreats elevated into the tree canopy, each with its own wood-fired hot tub. Caravanners take their pick of drive-through sites with full resort access including the pool and boat ramp. The restaurant, Kokomo, handles breakfast through dinner and even delivers to your room. There's also the most glorious 48-metre lagoon pool you’ve ever seen in your life. Anyone who books three nights will wish they'd booked five.
P.S. If you stay at Trentham Waters, you’ll only be a 40-minute drive from the Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra at Wentworth. Add it to your visit, or you’ll be kicking yourself later.
Murraydale Distillery and Craft Beer sits on a working family farm ten minutes from Swan Hill, a few more if you’re arriving by boat. Here you’ll find small-batch gin made with local botanicals and craft beer from Brown Snake Brewing. The dark lager is cold-matured for three to four months before it's poured and that kind of patience tends to show up in good ways once it hits your glass.
In Albury Wodonga, Sen has been steadily building a following since they opened. It’s Vietnamese fine dining with dishes drawn from the distinct culinary traditions of North, Central and South Vietnam, made with seasonal local produce and real attention to detail. The alleyway is open for walk-ins through summer, too. Plan ahead for dinner here, you don't want to risk missing out on a table.
If Thompson's Beach isn't already on your radar, it should be. It's the Southern Hemisphere's largest inland beach, tucked between Cobram and Barooga, and one of the most underrated spots on the river. Cobram Adventure Co is set up there on weekends and Victorian school holidays, ready to kit you out with kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. They’ll even shuttle you upstream so you can lazily paddle and float back to the beach.
If you've been to The Murray region before, there’s always something new to weave in around the parts you already love. If you haven't, maybe it’s the year to finally add it to the list. Browse accommodation, check what's on and start planning your visit now.
Hero image: Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra © 2026 Bruce Munro. Photography by Serena Munro.
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