Spend 72 hours exploring the great outdoors

Spend 72 hours exploring the great outdoors

Thought the only outdoor activities to be had in the Murray River region were based on the mighty Murray River? Think again.

From wildlife encounters to multi-day treks, national parks, bike trails, lookouts, and lakes, The Murray is brimming with adventurous activities. Lace up your hiking boots, strap on a backpack and arm yourself with snacks ready to spend three days exploring the great outdoors.

Day 1 - Hit the hills north of Albury

The best place to begin all good adventures is of course with a great feed. Luckily for you, the twin towns of Albury Wodonga, flanking the NSW and Victorian side of the mighty Murray River know just how to ensure you’re sufficiently filled with activities and food.

Start your morning with a stroll through the Albury Wodonga Farmers Market held every Saturday at the Gateway Village Wodonga from 8am until midday. Arm yourself with a tote and stock up on fresh and seasonal goodies straight from the farm - perfect to enjoy over the weekend.

Now that you’re fuelled up and ready, make your way a little further north to Woomargama National Park, the largest protected area west of the Great Dividing Range.

You’ll need a 4WD to navigate into most of the national park, especially if you’re planning to stay overnight at one of the two campgrounds; Samuel Bollard and Tin Mines. Once you’ve arrived, be assured that the slightly bumpy drive-in gifts a peaceful and quiet stay amongst many wildflowers and native animals, including a number of endangered species and plenty of bird life.

For sweeping views from the Murray Valley, to the Snowy Mountains, Norths Lookout is located about 1000m above sea level, keeping in mind you’ll need a 4WD or a pair of trusty hiking boots to access the viewpoint. You can see for miles over the impressive Australian landscape, and with the help of the interpretive board, you can identify key landmarks.

Set up camp at Tin Mines campground, a grassy clearing on the banks of Basin Creek in Woomargama National Park. The site is equipped with picnic tables, barbecue facilities, drinking water and toilets and is known to be frequented by local wallabies, wombats and echidnas. The campsite is also located along a few walking tracks, perfect for exploring further during the day or heading out birdwatching with a pair of binoculars.

The Hume and Hovell track also passes through the national park if you’re looking for a challenge. The 426km multi-day walking trail follows the footsteps of colonial Australians and is steeped in indigenous history from Yass to Albury.

Day 2 - Scenic Lake Hume cycling

Start the morning with a coffee, soaking in the fresh air of Woomargama National Park before making your way to Lake Hume, just a 15 minute drive out of Albury Wodonga.

Get the lay of the land (and some of the best views) surrounding the lake with a bike ride along the High Country Rail Trail. The 30 km trail navigates the foreshore of Lake Hume, Kiewa River woodlands and Sandy Creek Bridge with plenty of places to stop for a picnic or simply take in the spectacular sights. If you don’t have a bike in tow, you can hire one from the Cycle Station or rent an e-bike from Eating Travel where you can even book in for a picnic lunch on wheels or a full day foodie tour, meeting growers, brewers and producers as you taste and tour the region.

For dinner and local brews, Thirsty Devil Brewery will have you ending the day with a cold one and delicious bites courtesy of guest food vans. Expect to be serenaded by regular live musicians with furry friends welcome to join in on the fun in the beer gardens.

Spend the night at Discovery Parks - Lake Hume, New South Wales and book a lakeview tent or powered site, or upgrade to a comfortable and spacious two or three bedroom cabin.

Day 3 - Lake activities and lookouts

Waking so close to Lake Hume, means spending the morning by the water is a must. Make the most of each moment and head out for a sunrise paddle, hiring a paddleboard or kayak. If you haven’t got your own the Discovery Park hires both onsite.

If you’re after more adrenaline-pumping activities, wakeboarding, water-skiing and tube-riding are all popular activities on the lake year round.

If water sports don’t say R&R to you, grab yourself a fishing licence and cast a line into Lake Hume and try your luck at luring one of the lakes freshwater specialties; the famed Murray Cod, Rainbow Trout, Redfin and Golden Perch.

Grab lunch to go from one of the many great eateries and coffee shops in town and make a final stop at Kurrajong Gap Lookout. The lookout affords sightseers sweeping views across Lake Hume, the Lake Hume Dam Wall, and the cities of Albury and Wodonga below.

Stretch your legs with a view and choose from a variety of walks between 200m to 3km at Huon Hill before reluctantly making your way back home.