Mathoura - Picnic Point

An enchanted wonderland for lovers of the Australian bush, the river and the great outdoors.

The forest, which stretches more than 70,000 hectares and includes wetlands of international significance, has arguably the best access in the region to the Murray River. It features good dry-weather roads and sprawling low river banks that feed out across flat sheets of water.

Mathoura is a popular destination for those seeking a gentle country lifestyle and peaceful retreat in the heart of our beautiful natural environment. It has a rich and unique history, a charming main shopping street, a vast array of public artworks, a popular calendar of events, and beautiful forests and waterways at every turn.

There’s so much to see, touch and experience in this little slice of river paradise.

Spring Highlights

• Picnic Point: there’s a fabulous little spot on a V-shaped bend, right where then Edward River branches off from the Murray. Here you can learn about the history of the Timber Cutters’ Run, stroll riverside tracks or launch your kayak. If you’ve brought your rod and tackle, Picnic Point boasts excellent fishing.
• Have lunch at The Timber Cutter Redgum Café Bar, a rustic restaurant overlooking the junction of the Murray and Edward Rivers. With a varied menu enjoy woodfired pizza’s, fresh salads or picnic platter. Also sample a glass of local wine and a slice of homemade cake for dessert.
• Make a pit-stop and pick up some lunch at Mathoura Mandarins’ farmgate – a quaint red-gum cottage – to enjoy some of the regions’ sweetest produce. Jennifer and Ian Fisher are the passionate growers behind Mathoura: their 400 imperial mandarin trees, planted on six hectares, have produced about 20 tonnes of sweet citrus fruit annually for the past 20 years. The farmgate sells
  freshly picked mandarins as well as homegrown pumpkins, apples, local honey, relishes, jams and marmalades all made by Jennifer, as well as shortbread and cakes made by neighbours and friends. The orange cake is legendary.

• Explore the many forest walks and drives, including through the Murray Valley National and Regional Parks and the Gulpa Creek Walk.
• Visit the Gulpa Creek Reedbeds Bird Observatory, along Picnic Point Road. It’s an easy walk along the boardwalk to the hide, where you can look for yellow rosellas and superb wrens or watch at the edge of the water for the purple swamp hen. The kids will love the audio visual displays.
• Set on the picturesque Edward River in Murray Valley Regional Park, adjacent to Murray Valley National Park, Edward River Bridge campground is bush camping at its best. It's dog-friendly and suitable for caravans, motorhomes and tents. Booking is required. There are no camp fees at this campground but a $6 booking fee applies.
• Learn of Mathoura’s pioneering history on the Mathoura Heritage Trail and at the Pioneer Cemetery. Download the heritage trail brochure here.

• The Murray and Edward rivers and Gulpa Creek are all within 10km of Mathoura and are prized fishing grounds by anglers throughout Australia.
• Edward River Canoe and Kayak Trail in Murray Valley National Park is a great paddling spot with camping, picnic, and swimming opportunities. It's also equipped with a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch.
• Explore the Backroads Trail and Long Paddock Touring Route to discover the region’s history, heritage and culture, as well as local produce and farm gate shops.
• Learn about Mathoura’s timber heritage along the Timber Heritage Walk at Picnic Point.

Discover more about Mathoura

Learn more about Mathoura's fascinating history environment through a series of fact sheets, researched and written by local resident David Joss:

Mathoura History, Heritage and Environment Guide

Discover River Country ... where the best memories are made.