Destinations: Explore Swan Hill and Murray Downs before following the Murray River past Lake Boga, Kerang on a easy drive to the regional centre of Barham Koondrook.
Suggested time: 7 hrs
Distance: 97km
Driving time: 1:20
A major regional town, Swan Hill is a great place to stroll the main streets, relax with a café breakfast and indulge in a spot of shopping. Nature lovers shouldn’t miss the pretty river precinct. Along with the fresh air of Riverside Park, there are the Milloo Street Wetlands, just north of town, which are teeming with native birds and animals. Bike paths link all the riverfront attractions, including fishing spots, the Giant Murray Cod, the Pioneer Settlement, the PS Pyap and – a couple of kilometres further south – Pental Island.
You might prefer a morning round of golf, in which case begin the day with a pastry and a tee-off time at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club. The course is stunning in the morning sunshine; a highlight of golfing along the river.
An easy drive 15 minute drive along the Murray Valley Highway will take you to Lake Boga. A well loved spot for aquatic activities and outdoor adventures. Visit the Flying Boat Museum, featuring a beautifully restored Catalina Flying boat from WWII. This remarkable museum will take you back to the 1940's, where Catalina's were more common on the lake than speed boats are today!
Continue your journey south to Kerang, a rich agricultural centre for dairy, horticulture, vineyards, orchards and grains. Known for the many lakes in the region, the stretch between Lake Boga and Kerang is home to over 50 small lakes. The Ibis Rookery at Middle Lake in particular is a photographers and bird watchers delight. The bird hide offers the perfect place to watch strawnecked and White Ibis. Believed to be one of the most populous rookeries in the world, it is estimated that 200,000 ibis use the area for breeding each year. Other common waterbirds that can be seen around the lake system include as Swans, Spoonbills, Egrets, Pelicans, Cormorants and Darters.
Barham, and it’s smaller twin Koondrook, are surrounded by national parks, state forests, picturesque recreation areas and plenty of opportunities to get out into nature. Choose one or more options for a long afternoon, including bushwalking, fishing, birdwatching, strolling the Barham Boardwalk and Redgum Statue Walk and taking a relaxing Gunbower Creek cruise on the Wetlander, just 10 minutes south of Barham.
There’s plenty to do in town as well, with unique shopping and accommodation options. If you’ve brought your tent, there are no end of places to pitch it, either surrounded by forest or on the side of the river.
For campers and bushwalkers, Barham is a great spot to settle in and stay a while. But if it’s time to get on the road again, you can continue you’re exploration of River Country with our Perricoota Trail, winding eastwards towards Echuca Moama.
If you’ve done this trail in reverse order and have landed near Swan Hill, take a look at the Wakool Murray trail which takes you into the heart of the Riverina.
Discover River Country ... where the best memories are made.
