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The Top Things To Do & See Along The Murray River, Australia

PS Murray Princess
PS Murray Princess | © Scott Davis/WikiCommons

Head north and journey along the Murray River, hopping across the border and back again as you enjoy the many outdoor attractions that the region has to offer. Discover the region’s rich history, see local contemporary and native artwork, explore national parks and cruise down the river on a historic paddle steamer.

Port of Echuca Discovery Centre

With interactive exhibits and displays, the Discovery Centre at the Port of Echuca presents the history of paddle steamers. Built in 1865, the Port of Echuca is home to the largest fleet of paddle steamers in the Southern Hemisphere. There are also after-dark tours where you’ll encounter the spirits that linger at the port. http://instagram.com/p/1FQdpsjzYn/

Pioneer Settlement

Shop

Opened in 1966, the Pioneer Settlement in Swan Hill immerses visitors in the history of the Mallee region. Take a ride on a horse and cart through town and visit the blacksmith, lolly shop, The Echo Print Shop and many other period attractions. The Pioneer Settlement also features the spectacular Heartbeat of the Murray laser show. Visitors can even float along the Murray River aboard the PS Pyap. http://instagram.com/p/BI9iM3Dj_cB/

Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery

Art Gallery, Building

Established in 1966, the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery is renowned for possessing one of the largest collections of native art in Australia. Sitting opposite the Pioneer Settlement, the current building was designed by Ian Douglas in 1987 and holds Australian works on paper, prints, and drawings from the 1970s onwards and pieces that relate to the Swan Hill region. The gallery also hosts touring exhibitions.

Mungo National Park

Park, Historical Landmark

Sandformation in Mungo National Park.
© Ingo Oeland / Alamy Stock Photo

The UNESCO World Heritage dry lake was the place in which archaeologists discovered the oldest human remains in Australia, dating back 40,000 years. The Visitors Centre at Mungo National Park is full of informative exhibits and is a good starting point to learn more about the area. The geological site is home to a variety of wildlife such as the red kangaroo and wedge-tailed eagle, and the park can be explored via a network of roads and walkways.

MAMA

Museum

The Murray Art Museum Albury showcases more than 2,400 contemporary art items throughout ten gallery spaces. Represented art forms include photography as well as paintings, ceramics, Indigenous artefacts, sculptural pieces and so much more. From permanent to touring exhibitions, there’s always something new to view at MAMA. http://instagram.com/p/BG0jj-_kiru/

Bonegilla Migrant Experience

Between 1947 and 1971, thousands of migrants passed through the Bonegilla Migrant Reception and Training Centre. Today, Block 19 is all that remains, and it serves as a public place of remembrance. The Bonegilla Migrant Experience holds events throughout the year, and visitors can take self-guided or group tours through the remnants of the training camp for a glimpse into what life was like for migrants. http://instagram.com/p/BJZlsBlhrCh/

Barmah National Park

If you want to cast your line for Murray Cod and Golden Perch, go horse riding, take a hike, go for a swim or set out in a canoe, then make sure you visit Barmah National Park. The 28,500-hectare park neighbours the Murray River and is home to River Red Gums and 220 bird species. Pitch a tent and immerse yourself amongst the wildlife. http://instagram.com/p/BKwyVlzAV4N/

Paddle Steamers

Head downstream along the Murray aboard a paddle steamer cruise. There are at least 13 operating boats including the Paddle Steamer Emmylou and The Pride of the Murray in Echuca, the P.V. Rothbury in Mildura, Swan Hill’s PS Pyap and the M.V. Paradise Queen, which operates in the Yarrawonga-Mulwala. Many of the historic boats offer dinner cruises and overnight charters, and all come with their own fascinating history.

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