There is no better place to slow your pace this autumn than on the Murray River. As the heat of summer drifts away, so too does the need to be anywhere except on a river bank somewhere, watching the world slip by. Our Murray River region will slow you down long enough to fully take in the sights, sounds and tastes of this ancient landscape where the days finish with a cooling edge, the table is full with local produce, wine and artisan goodness, and outdoor adventures beckon to fill your lungs with fresh country air.
If you love to be entertained, our Murray River communities are a fun seeker’s dream during the months of autumn, and the Easter school holidays. Check out our events calendar for a full rundown of upcoming food and wine festivals, live music gigs, waterski races, show and shine events, rodeos, speedway and drag racing, markets, triathlon and cycling events, master classes and horse racing carnivals.
Autumn time on the Murray is a nature lover’s paradise, as the weather cools, leaves turn to amber, bronze and gold, and spending full days soaking up the sun’s gentler rays is not only recommended, but mandatory. This is THE best time of year to camp along the river, circled around a roaring campfire under a blanket of stars with family and friends at night or lazing in the shade beneath a towering river red gum. Whether you’re reading the entire weekend papers, curled up with your favourite book or playing cards with the kids, you’ll be sharing stories and lifelong memories.
If you’re keen to camp along the Murray and make the most of literally your first free weekend this year, there are a plethora of options available, from tenting to caravaning in either a bush setting or in one of the many outstanding caravans parks we are blessed with across our region. Your options range from free bush camping in state forests, national parks or red gum reserves along the Murray from Albury Wodonga, all the way downstream to Mildura and Wentworth. You’ll find everything from sandy beaches to secluded bush spots where your only neighbours will be the local wildlife. For a true nature experience, camp with the koalas at magical Ulupna Beach, near the Barmah National Park.
Most dedicated bush camping sites offer picnic tables, fireplaces and basic toilet facilities, and for more detailed information, we recommend checking out our camping in nature guide. When camping across the Murray River region, ensure you’re across all the important information, including rubbish removal - it’s so important that we take care of these beautiful places and leave them as (or even better than) we found them.
If you’re looking for a few more creature comforts, but still want to enjoy the great outdoors, check in to one of the many awesome caravan parks, which you’ll find all the way along the Murray, usually located right by the river and close to all the facilities you need for an epic autumn getaway. Be sure to book ahead if you’re keen to visit during the Easter school holidays because, as we said, this is THE best time to camp along the Murray! Check out our full list of caravan and holiday parks and don't forget to pack the camping chairs. This is your invitation to chill while the kids enjoy absolute acres of bike riding, adventure seeking, jumping pillows, playgrounds and water parks in glorious autumn sunshine!
Autumn is harvest time in many locations along the river, where you’ll be able to taste late summer harvest produce - our tomatoes are amazing here - and sample award-winning wines from passionate local producers who are often picking at this time of year. Known for lush chardonnay, fruity shiraz and emerging Mediterranean varieties, the Murray Darling Region is the second largest wine region in Australia and also offers a growing number of boutique breweries, and award-winning gin and whisky distilleries - literally something for everyone. Create your very own food and wine trail, along with the all-important farmers market list. People are passionate about producing excellent food and wine along the Murray, so you’re guaranteed to leave with a full stomach and esky. Find all the Murray River local produce you can fit in here, including the inside intel on our Farm Gate Trail. The Murray really is a food and wine lover’s paradise! All you need to pack is the picnic rug. If you’re a lover of picnicking, autumn always offers a bumper crop of fabulous events along Murray region, click here to see what's on.
Autumn is also one of the best times of year to tackle a bike or hiking trail, when the sun is still shining brightly, but the mercury is a little kinder, and you're spoilt for options all the way along the Murray River, from Albury Wodonga to Mildura. Slow your pace and take in the river and all that our bike and hiking trails offer.
Slower is the new way to travel, and the Murray River region is ideally geared towards a more chilled pace where you can throw a line in and forget about the time, soak up the afternoon at your favourite winery or brewery, or tackle a trail or two and finish the day around a roaring campfire under a big blanket of stars.
If you’re not sure where to start your Murray River holiday this autumn, check out our handy travel planner and get ready to switch off and chill by the river.
