Five Mile Picnic Area, Murray Valley Regional Park. Image credit: DPIE
Like its twin the Murray Valley National Park, this regional park comprises a couple of large areas around Mathoura and several smaller sections, mostly along the northern bank of the Murray River all the way from Benarca in the west, through Moama, Tocumwal and Barooga.
With River Reg Gum forests, wetlands and grasslands, and terrific fishing and kayaking, these areas are popular with campers and daytrippers looking for outdoor adventures close to towns.
There’s also access to smaller parcels of riverside land along the stretch of Millewa River Road east of Edwards River Bridge. Basically, the area north of the road is the national park, while the area south towards the Murray is the Murray Valley Regional Park.
A quieter part of the regional park is just a couple of kilometres north-east of Moama towards Barmah, and features around 15km of pristine river frontage as well as forest areas and walking trails.
Getting to Murray Valley Regional Park is simple: the big question is what part of this long, thin park you want to explore. Most of the longer tracks and best facilities are in the large area off the Cobb Highway just east of Mathoura. Boat ramps, picnic areas and more feature at Edward’s Bridge and Picnic Point.
There’s also access to smaller parcels of riverside land along the stretch of Millewa River Road east of Edwards River Bridge. Basically, the area north of the road is the national park, while the area south towards the Murray is the Murray Valley Regional Park.
A quieter part of the regional park is just a couple of kilometres north-east of Moama towards Barmah, and features around 15km of pristine river frontage as well as forest areas and walking trails.
Gulpa Creek Walk: Grab a coffee and a pastry (and water, of course) in Mathoura, and stroll towards Crane’s Bridge, to start out on the flat and easy 5km Gulpa Creek walk. The red gums, birdlife and native animals (if you’re lucky and observant) are glorious. It’s also a good ride, and a popular short canoe/kayak trail. Being in the regional park, dogs are welcome too.
Sculpture in the Red Gums: At the Edward River Bridge picnic area you’ll find sculptor Geoff Hocking’s series of 4 rusted iron works, depicting the history of the river red gum forest, from Indigenous fishing to agriculture and timber cutters.
Five Mile Mountain Bike Trail: Off Pericoota Road west of Echuca Moama is this terrific 7-km circuit of purpose-built mountain bike tracks. With sections to suit everyone from beginners to experienced riders, this is a great spot to spend a day exploring the park and working up an appetite. Just as well there are picnic facilities and terrific fishing nearby.
In the Mathoura section of the park, many campers opt for either the Edward River Bridge camping area or Picnic Point, which are both well equipped. Otherwise, there are long and secluded stretches of Murray River frontage, smaller campgrounds and forest clearings that offer basic, peaceful spots to set up camp. At these free camping locations, you’ll need to bring everything in and take everything with you when you leave.
For the best of The Murray head to Murray Valley Regional Park for a day trip across the many sections of the park located in Barooga, Echuca Moama and Benarca.
Be sure to check the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service website for the latest information before visiting this Regional Park.
