The Sun Country is about 90 kilometres from north (Finley) to south (Lake Rowan) and 125 kilometres from west (Lower Moira) to east (Peechelba). With a landscape that takes in forest, woodlands, wetlands and vast Riverina plains, the best way to explore is by car, RV or four-wheel drive.
As always, drive safely, and remember that if you’re taking it off-road, your Hyundai Accent or Mazda 2 might not be up to the task!
Check conditions, pay attention to the weather and have fun!
The epic River Red Gum Drive is an easy 4WD classic that also suits regular cars in dry conditions. The full two or three-day tour covers 354 kilometres through the Murray Riverina and – depending on which way you go – either starts or ends in the iconic Barmah National Park.
Barmah is an amazing, ancient place. Explore both in your vehicle and on foot, and be sure to take the two-hour Kingfisher Cruise to see the Murray and surrounds in all its glory. There are fascinating walks that reveal 40,000 years of habitation by the Yorta Yorta traditional owners, as well as a
jaw-dropping array of native bird and plant species.
Heading west, the River Red Gum Drive takes in state, regional and national parks along with towns including Mathoura, Moama and Barham Koondrook, before ending at the Torrumbarry Weir, 40 kilometres south of Cohuna.
Broken Creek flows from Broken River, starting near Benalla and flowing northwest through Sun Country towns including Numurkah and Nathalia before joining the Murray in the Barmah National Park. This route offers stunning landscapes and ample opportunity to spot wildlife, but the big drawcard is Broken Creek itself, and the great fishing it affords.
Note that wet weather may force the closure of some roads and tracks in our national and state parks. Always check conditions before you set off, and ensure your vehicle is suited to the conditions.
Some top fishing spots – and terrific easy drives – along our stretch of Broken Creek include:
Rice’s Bridge, Barmah National Park
Just 20 minutes from Nathalia, the Barmah National Park visitors’ area features a moderate boat ramp, and fishing is popular around the nearby bridge.
Kennedy’s Weir
Vertical-slot fishways here attract anglers hoping to catch redfin, goldfish, tench, golden perch, freshwater catfish and Murray cod. This area downstream from Nathalia offers your best chance of bagging a Murray cod anywhere along the Broken Creek. The weir is on Kennedy Road, less than 20 minutes’ drive south and east from Barmah National Park.
If the fish aren’t biting, try Bourke’s Weir, just 5 minutes’ drive around the corner on Hardings Road.
Between Nathalia and Numurkah
The 18-kilometre stretch of Broken Creek between Nathalia and Numurkah has been the site of considerable efforts to improve the habitat of native fish species. Over the past few years, hundreds of fish and almost 1000 snags have been added to the waterway, which has proven to be a boon to the health of the creek, the number of fish, and the opportunities for recreational anglers.
Follow the Broken Creek along the backroads and you’ll soon find a quiet spot to set up on the bank and cast your line.
No matter where you stop and rest along Broken Creek, you’ll witness the full range of fish, animal and plant life this vibrant region offers.
You don’t need to be fully equipped and ready for off-road adventure to enjoy driving holidays through Sun Country.
With more sunlight hours than Queensland, and fertile riverine soil, Sun Country is home to many hard-working primary producers. A great way to spend a weekend or a week is by driving the Murray Farm Gate Trail, an easy tour that connects our region’s top producers. With wine, strawberries, olives, meat, vegetables, fruit, dairy, honey and even cactus ice-cream on offer, the Murray Farm Gate Trail is a terrific family-friendly experience any time of the year.
Explore the landscape and celebrate the artistry of our small towns and villages on this popular drive tour through the Sun Country on the Murray and Benalla regions. See startling works on silos, water tanks, church walls and more on this leisurely driving adventure.
While you’re in Tungamah admiring Sobrane Simcock’s glorious colourful birds painted on the Tungamah silos, take some time out to explore this historic town on the self-guided Tungamah Heritage Walk. The 24-stop walking tour covers the town from top to bottom, and can also be done as a drive/walk if you’re short of time.
