Natural wonders

From its beginnings in the mountains, the Murray River meanders through world-renowned wetlands, the world’s largest river red gum forests and bird-filled lake systems to starkly beautiful outback plains of sandhills, saltpans and Mallee scrub. The river is joined on its journey by the Murrumbidgee and Edward rivers, each with their own thriving ecosystems.

Spend some time here and you’ll meet some of the incredible native residents, from kangaroos, emus and goannas, to kingfishers and cockatoos. National parks give you a ringside seat to take in the flora and fauna which make this area unique, with 35 endangered species of birds, 16 species of endangered mammals and over 35 different native fish species living within its varied environs.

National Parks

Along its length, and stretching inland on both sides, areas of The Murray have been set aside as national parks, showcasing spectacular and unique diversity.

With internationally significant wetlands, it’s easy to explore the amazing bird and waterlife of the Murray region.

If you're seeking an active nature experience, The Murray includes idyllic day walks and soul-stirring multiple day treks. There’s an experience to suit everyone!

The Murray’s most famous native is the majestic river red gum, a towering eucalypt providing shade and wildlife habitat all along the river. The largest red gum forest in the world can be found in the Barmah National Park and the Murray Valley National Park, where a narrow section of the Murray River frequently floods, creating ideal conditions for growth.

The oldest river red gums here have been around for over 500 years, and the forest has been declared an internationally significant wetland. As the river swells and broadens, it flows towards a completely different environment – the semi-arid desert region of the Mallee in northwest Victoria and the red sands, dunes and saltbush of the NSW outback. South of Mildura, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, on the Murray River floodplain, attracts birds and wildlife superbly adapted to the conditions.

The freshwater Hattah Lakes are seasonally filled by creeks connected to the Murray. To the west, remote Murray Sunset National Park has an ethereal beauty, vast open spaces and colourful spring wildflowers. Environments range from billabongs and floodplains near the Murray River to grasslands, native pine woodlands, Mallee scrub-covered dunes and saltbush flats.

To the north, Mungo National Park is the focal point of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage area, where the shifting sands of this extraordinary outback landscape have created the impressive Walls of China, a huge formation of sand dunes.

Join A Tour

Take the hassle out of organising your trip and join a tour with one of our expert guides - leaving you free to discover The Murray's natural wonders.