Canoeing & kayaking

Take to the water and experience the wonder of the many wetlands in The Murray.

Canoe or kayak through some of the most spectacular untouched natural landscapes, from Gunbower National Park to Safes Lagoon on Gunbower Island, through the Barmah wetlands near Echuca Moama or around Kings Billabong near Mildura.

Discover them yourself, or try one of the amazing canoe trails the region offers, like the Edward River Canoe Trail from Mathoura to Deniliquin. There are so many hidden gems to discover in The Murray.

Operators in many river towns rent canoes and offer guided trips. Looking to try something new? How about a stand-up paddleboarding lesson or a guided tour in Echuca Moama. There really is something for everyone and all levels of ability.

Canoe Trails

Enjoy the gentle splash of oars and creak of river red gum branches as you explore the mighty Murray River by paddle power.

The Murray River canoe trails, in the Murray Valley National Park and the Barmah National Park offer something for every paddler. Canoe the flowing Murray River, secluded creeks or Barmah Lake and enjoy the majestic river red gum forests.

All four canoe trails in Murray Valley National Park and Barmah National Park have easy water access. Enjoy the gentle splash of oars and creak of river red gum branches as you explore the mighty Murray River by paddle power. These Ramsar-listed wetlands are a haven for waterbirds and great for fishing.

Trail Details

Time: September to April is the best time for paddling on the Murray River.

Distance: 2.7 to 17.4km.

Grade: Easy. Suitable for adults and children 12 years and over. All participants must be able to swim. Medium level of fitness required. No experience needed.

Price: Free.

Please note:

• These activities are graded Class I river (Easy).
• It’s a good idea to check Murray River water levels and flow rates before you set out, as these can affect your paddling time.
• The Murray River is safe and best to paddle when water levels are between 1.4m-2.4m; the river becomes too shallow below 1.2m; water levels above 2.7m are considered dangerous.
• Barmah Lake is safe and best to paddle when water levels are between 2.2m-2.8m; the lake becomes too shallow below 1.9m; water levels above 3m are considered dangerous.
• You’ll need to BYO canoe or kayak. Hire and shuttle services are also available.

Visitor Information

Getting there and parking:

Murray River canoe trails start from Picnic Point in Murray Valley National Park, New South Wales or from Barmah Lakes day visitor area or Barmah Punt in Victoria’s Barmah National Park.

To get to Picnic Point:

• From Mathoura, head west along Jones Street.
• Follow Jones Street as it becomes Picnic Point Road for approximately 10km to Picnic Point boat ramp.

To get to Barmah Lakes day visitor area, from Moama via Cobb Highway:

• Take the Barmah Road turn-off 14.5km north of Moama.
• Turn left at Moira Lakes Road in Barmah.
• From Barmah, travel north along Moira Lakes Road for 6.3km.
• Turn left into Barmah Lakes day visitor area.

To get to Barmah Punt:

• From Moama, head north along Cobb Highway.
• Turn right onto Barmah Road and continue for approximately 14km to Barmah township.
• Turn right onto Evans Street to get to Barmah Punt carpark.

Facilities:

• Picnic Point: Barbecue, fish cleaning table, general store, toilets, carpark, boat ramp and pontoon.
• Barmah Lakes day visitor area: Picnic shelter, picnic tables, toilets, carparks, boat ramp and information shelter.
• Barmah Punt: General Store, toilet, carpark and boat ramp.

Free parking available at all these locations.

Wheelchair accessibility: Hard, not wheelchair-accessible.

Fishing: Fishing is permitted. A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.

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