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.

Explore Autumn Highlights in Mathoura

• Riverside Bliss along the Edward River: Camp along the banks or enjoy a paddle on the Edward River where the gentle flow mirrors the changing colors of the surrounding trees. The Edward River Bridge campground is bush camping at its best. It's dog-friendly and suitable for caravans, motorhomes and tents. The Edward River Canoe and Kayak Trail in Murray Valley National Park is a great paddling spot and is equipped with a wheelchair-accessible kayak launch. Breathe in the crisp autumn air and relish the tranquility of this picturesque riverside escape.
  
  
• Explore Nature Trails: Mathoura is home to enchanting nature trails, explore the many forest walks and drives, including through the Murray Valley National and Regional Parks and the Gulpa Creek Walk. Enjoy the sound of golden leaves crunching beneath your feet and be captivated by the charm of these enchanted forests.
  
  
• Picnic Point on the Murray: 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, drop your line in for a spot of fishing or enjoy a seasonal 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
  

• Stock up on Seasonal Delights: Make a pit-stop and pick up some local produce 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 (when in season), as well as homegrown pumpkins, apples, local honey, relishes, jams and marmalade's.
  
• Discover legendary stories of the pioneers: Put on your walking shoes and grab a copy of the Mathoura Heritage Trail from the Mathoura Visitor Information Centre (or download the brochure here), learn of Mathoura’s pioneering history and retraces the footsteps of early settlers.
  
• Twitchers hotspots: Autumn in Mathoura marks the season when a myriad of bird species migrate or make the town their temporary home. Grab your binoculars and explore the birdwatching hotspots such as the Reed Beds Bird Hide Boardwalk , 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.
  
  
• 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.

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.