Winter in The Murray doesn’t mean slowing down. Sure, the mornings are cool and the days are shorter, but that just means more time for long lunches, moody landscapes and glowing nights that surprise you.
Across the region, you’ll find festivals that light up river towns, cosy cultural events in beautiful heritage spaces and plenty of reasons to head out instead of hibernate. From immersive light trails to live blues and an exciting desert race, winter around here is far from quiet.
Here’s what’s lighting up The Murray this season, along with a few things to start planning for next!
Some of The Murray’s most memorable winter moments happen after dark. Light shows and night-time events bring the region to life in surprising ways with glowing trails, riverside installations and the scent of woodsmoke in the air.
Corowa | 21 June
This riverside evening at Corowa Distilling Co. blends fire pits, live music and over 30 Australian distilleries.
Albury Wodonga | 4-27 July
This year’s Aurora transforms Albury Botanic Gardens into an underwater fantasy world, complete with glowing jellyfish, holographic sea creatures and bioluminescent trails that respond to movement. It’s full of playful detail for all ages.
Swan Hill | 11-20 July
At Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement, light projections and storytelling installations turn the site into a living canvas. turn the site into a living canvas. Wander through bold art and soundscapes that celebrate the area’s history, community and creativity.
Jindera | 2 August
This traditional German-inspired celebration lights up the heritage precinct of Jindera with lanterns, music and storytelling.
Not everything needs lights and lasers. Some events bring warmth in quieter ways through songs, stories and shared experiences that connect people across tables, towns and generations.
Mildura | 17-20 July
Held each July, the Mildura Writers Festival sees writers, thinkers and readers come together for panels, meals and quiet moments of connection.
Echuca Moama | 24-27 July
This free, all-ages festival turns Echuca Moama into a live music hub with gigs across pubs, gardens and public spaces. Expect everything from homegrown talent to well-known blues artists, plus a famously friendly crowd. It’s the kind of weekend where you’ll leave with a playlist and probably a few new mates.
Looking for an event that’s a bit unexpected? From high-speed desert races to classic vanilla slice competitions, The Murray has its fair share of winter oddities and that’s exactly what makes them worth the trip.
Near Mildura | 11-13 July
Australia’s largest desert enduro and the second largest offroad race in Australia brings hundreds of off-road riders to the red dirt just south of Red Cliffs. It’s loud, dusty and full of energy, with a strong local following and a decades-long history.
Echuca Moama | 3 August
This cross-border fun run is equal parts community event and scenic experience. With distances for all levels, the course takes in both bridges and both towns.
Merbein, near Mildura | 16 August
Bakers from all over the country compete for vanilla slice glory at this beloved annual event. There’s live music, market stalls and (of course) plenty of slices to try. It’s sweet and packed with pure country charm.
Winter’s also a perfect time to slow down, and Albury Wodonga has a few thoughtful indoor options to match the pace.
At the LibraryMuseum, Birds Eye View offers aerial photos of the city from Monument Hill, revealing the familiar from a fresh angle.
Over at Hyphen Wodonga, I AM SONAM presents reflective, diary-style illustrations from Bhutanese artist Sonam Yangdon, while Miniacs turns the spotlight on tiny works of art created by local artists and the community.
If winter's already filling up your calendar, it might be time to start looking ahead. Spring brings a new wave of events to The Murray, with everything from country shows to big-name favourites.
Henty | 23-25 September
Referred to simply as ‘Henty’ by those in the know, it’s a major event on the agricultural calendar and one of the biggest of its kind in the country (think 50k+ visitors over three days). It’s no wonder when you realise exhibitors range from the tractors you’d expect to caravans, spas and solar panels.
The farm gate produce area is a favourite, bringing together producers from across the Murray and Riverina regions with goods from freshly baked bread, handcrafted jams and cheese, organic meat and more. Also on the program, you’ll find fashion parades and cooking demonstrations alongside a host of guest speakers and rural innovation.
Deniliquin | 2-5 October
What started as a celebration of utes and country life has grown into one of Australia’s most iconic regional events. Yes, you’ll still find camping, live music and a lot of flannel, but the program also offers plenty for families to love.
The music lineup is stacked with headline acts including Zac Brown Band, Kasey Chambers, The Wolfe Brothers and The Wiggles (yes, really!). During the day, expect everything from bubble play and pig races to dinosaur displays and monster trucks. It’s loud, proud and uniquely regional.
Mildura | 28 November
Four-time GRAMMY® winner and rock icon Lenny Kravitz is heading to Mildura this spring as part of his Blue Electric Light Tour 2025. With special guests Jet joining him, it’s a major moment for the region and an unforgettable night.
Winter might be cooler, but it’s far from quiet. Whether you’re chasing glowing nights, live music, regional flavours or a reason to rug up and explore, The Murray has a way of turning the season into something special.
Pick a weekend, book a cosy place to stay and choose your kind of winter. The river’s never quiet. You just have to know where to look.
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