Destinations: Starting at Picnic Point outside Mathoura, head north through Deniliquin, west through Wakool and then up to the Riverina’s oldest town, Moulamein.
Suggested time: Full day
Distance: 175km
Driving time: 2 hours
Our trail starts at Picnic Point near Mathoura. Head there direct from Echuca Moama (45 mins) or slow down and enjoy the River Forest Trail on the way.
If you’re coming from parts further west, this trail can also be done in reverse order, starting in Moulamein.
Picnic Point is on a hairpin bend in the Murray that also sees the beginning of the Edward River. Start the day exploring the history of the Timber Cutters’ Run, then launch your kayak or tinny from the boat ramp – there’s good fishing here.
Sight birds including the eastern great egret, musk duck, yellow rosellas, superb wrens, pelicans, egrets and purple swamphen at the Reed Beds Bird Hide – offering informative signage and fun interactive displays just a few minutes back on the road to Mathoura.
Pick up a pastry and coffee in Mathoura and head back to the eastern edge of town to explore the beautiful, relaxing scenery on a walk along the Mathoura Heritage Trail, which highlights the history and ongoing importance of redgum logging in the area. The trail takes in the Mathoura Railway Station and railway sleepers, the main street, Pastoral Hotel, the old water tower, the Red Gum man and the Soldiers Memorial Gardens.
Head up the Cobb Highway for 25 minutes to beautiful Deniliquin. Stop off in town at the Peppin Heritage Centre, where there are historical displays and ever-changing exhibitions. From there, enjoy a lovely, easy walk to the Island Sanctuary across the footbridge from the main street. The natural bushland island boasts unique native flora and fauna, including kangaroos and over 100 varieties of birdlife.
The town of Wakool is an easy 45-minute drive west of Deni. The Wakool River – which is crossed just before you hit town – and Cockrans Creek are both popular fishing spots. If they’re biting, you might land Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Silver Fish, Redfin and Yabbies.
Find a spot for lunch. Classic pub meals are available seven days a week at the Wakool Hotel and the Wakool Services Memorial Sports Club. Kids meals are available and the friendly locals will make you feel welcome at either venue.
Pack up the fishing gear and head up the road for 45 minutes to Moulamein. This small town on the banks of the Edward River and Billabong Creek is the oldest town in the Riverina (1840s) and was once the major centre of the region, more important than Albury and Echuca in the years before the railway line reached Echuca in the 1860s.
These days, you can find out more about the town’s importance in history along the signposted Moulamein River Walk along the Edward River and Billabong Creek. Read about the significance of the area to the local Wamba Wamba people while you explore historic landmarks such as the old wharf and courthouse, and view the 300 year-old ‘Big Tree’, with its impressive 11 metre circumference.
Visit Mooloomoon, a bushland property on the banks of the Edward River, and see the historic shearing shed. Displays tell the story of the shearing settlers and other aspect of Moulamein’s fascinating history.
For a change of gears, head out onto Moulamein lake for some afternoon sailing or water-skiing. Half-day canoe hire is available from the caravan park.
The caravan park at Moulamein is a great option if you’re planning to stay a night – or longer. Then it’s time to decide whether you want to head further west and then south on the Wakool Murray Trail, or keep exploring River Country at your own pace.
If you’ve followed this Edward River Trail heading the other way, from Moulamein to Picnic Point, you can link up with the River Forest trail towards Echuca Moama.
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