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Home Australian Geographic Adventure Adventure Paddling the Murray River, Victoria

Paddling the Murray River, Victoria

THE MURRAY RIVER is too busy celebrating life to acknowledge death. By a bush camp within the Barmah Forest, the Murray rushes around a fallen giant. This colossus may, before it was grey and leafless, have been a partner of the water for 500 years. But the Murray isn’t slowing to mourn the river red gum’s passing – not any more. Not since the floods.

The Murray has been on life-support for more than a decade, but after the heavy rains of 2010 it has – for now, at least – made a remarkable recovery. This river’s up and about. There’s no time for sorrow.

Sea kayaker Bill Robinson knows the Murray well. He and I have come to paddle 130km between Tocumwal and Barmah after the floods. Each night we set up camp barely a guide rope’s length from the water, under river red gums bursting with shoots of green. We moor two sea kayaks, pitch tents, light a small fire. Inevitably we camp near a gum that’s toppled into the river – the riff as the water rushes around it is unmistakably a rejoicing of sorts; it’s even sweet enough to ease a sore arse. But best not to dwell on that.

For 67-year-old Bill might laugh. In 2005, Bill paddled the length of the Murray, from Yarrawonga to Goolwa at the mouth. He stroked for 1987km, it took him five weeks in a kayak he built himself. The man has completed 22 Murray Marathons, won his class numerous times. His colleagues at the Victorian Sea Kayak Club believe there are few people who’ve paddled as many kilometres on the Murray River as Bill.

It’s hard to believe now that during the drought Bill Robinson could almost walk across parts of the Murray. (Image: Greg Clarke)

On our paddle, the retired veterinary surgeon will barely move out of first gear. I’ll be following his lead all the way, for I might learn a few things. Not only about the Murray but perhaps a few of life’s essential skills: on Port Phillip Bay, near his home, the fella once caught 22kg of salmon in a hour, using 15 metres of venetian blind cord wrapped around a rubber thong. He likes to invent things, does Bill.

The Murray River rambles for 2530km from its source in Kosciuszko National Park to its mouth, according to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. We are going to paddle along Bill’s favourite part – the river and slabs of forest between Tocumwal and Barmah.

Launch time

We begin at the Tocumwal boat ramp, near the distinctive blue 1886 marker (the number of kilometres to the mouth is signposted at regular intervals). “I’ve never seen the river running so fast,” says Bill. It’s running at about three to five km/h. At this rate, without paddling a stroke, and ignoring the urge to eat and sleep, we could be at the mouth in four weeks.

After a two-hour paddle, a sandbank appears. It is just after midday, about 27 degrees, there is no wind, the river runs smooth. The patch of deserted sand would be impossible to paddle past even if we’d just swallowed breakfast.

We unload the victuals, Bill puts a flame to his cherished Trangia (we only light a fire in the evenings). “I’m more at home on the river than in pubs and restaurants,” says Bill, peeling open a tin of sardines.

Bill has studied nutrition and, on expeditions, eats for fuel as much as taste. Sardines are one of his staples: he’d rather eat them from a tin on the banks of the Murray than in a five-star restaurant. “We are eating in the best restaurant in Australia,” he says.

Back in the kayaks, alternating between drifting and paddling, Bill talks more of his affection for this stretch of the river. “The Murray is a hard-working river,” he says. “The further down you go, the harder it works agriculturally. It gets very little human intervention here. It’s very much the Murray as it has been, [but] I haven’t seen the river this good for 20 years.”

River red gums grow in Barmah State Park by the Murray River. (Image: Robert Blackburn/Destination NSW)

Camp solitude

The first day we paddle 42km. At dusk, as smoke drifts from our campfire, the river red gum forest is alight with a fiery glow. Not even a tinnie slinks by.

During the drought, Bill had to haul his kayak up out of the water but we have paddled almost right up to a patch of grass. Bill camped along the Murray during the peak of the drought (from 1997-2010) and says he could almost walk across the river then.

We use our small fire to cook our rice, brew tea and prepare water for a five-minute hot shower. Bill’s rigged up his own ablution system and showering each evening is a Murray ritual. In this camp there is little chance of being happened upon. “The [four-wheel-drive] tracks have been wet all year,” he explains.

From Tocumwal to Picnic Point, there is limited vehicle access to the riverbanks. In 2011, catchments continued to release water into the Murray and the flow-on effect is that many forest tracks and campsites are inaccessible to vehicles. While this may be wonderful news for bashful kayakers, many fishers and campers can’t access their favourite parts of the river and, in a blow for tourism, are staying away from some river towns.

The farmers, of course, have seen their own tragically tough times and the mud-stained trunks of the trees, a metre or so above current water levels, only hint at the flood devastation.

Spiritual connection

On our first night around the fire Bill speaks reverently of the five weeks he spent living alone on the Murray. For this atheist, it was as close as he’ll come to a religious experience. Bill believes that time gave him the barest inkling of the connection between the Yorta Yorta people and the river and forests.

Some of Bill’s knowledge of indigenous people comes from Ted Jackson, one of his great paddling mates. “Ted, whose grandmother was Aboriginal, paddled solo from Killarney in Queensland to the mouth of the Murray. He slept under his boat in the evenings,” recounts Bill.

Ted served in World War II and “wasn’t much bigger than a Bren gun”. He was a bushman and whether on the river or working in the outback he knew how to keep himself entertained. “He could recite anything from C.J. Dennis,” says Bill. In 2003, when Ted was 82, the duo completed the Murray Marathon and the Murray 200 together. Both men developed their own connection with the river and applauded when, in 2004, the Victorian Government signed a historic agreement with the Yorta Yorta Nation, formally acknowledging this indigenous people’s rights to manage their ancestral lands. The agreement was the first of its kind in Australia and the Yorta Yorta became co-managers of 50,000 hectares of Crown land.

Aborigines used canoes for fishing, setting nets and river crossings; typically their canoes were made from single sheets of red gum bark. My six-metre Eco-bezhig sea kayak can carry two week’s worth of rations and, fortunately, given my predilection for paddling over fallen trees lurking just underwater, is designed to take a pounding.

Each day we paddle for about six hours, three sessions of two hours. The paddling’s not effortless but nor is it taxing, not even when the heat bites. Each night, we light a small fire, fuelled by gum leaves and twigs. Always we are drawn to it, captivated by it. “It’s basic humanity,” says Bill.

Azure Kingfisher on a tree branch in Barmah State Forest. (Image: Destination NSW)

No cure-all

Before Picnic Point on day three, the Edward-Wakool, an anabranch of the Murray, slinks off into Millewa Forest toward Deniliquin. (The Barmah Forest lies on the Victorian side of the Murray, the Millewa on the NSW side and the twinned Barmah-Millewa is Australia’s largest river red gum forest).

The Wakool was once the main path of the river. But the drought reduced inflows into the Wakool system so severely that by 2007 it had dried to a chain of pools. Now the water fairly scuds into it. Yet this liquid elixir isn’t necessarily a complete cure for any of the Murray’s wetland systems.

Australian Wetlands and Rivers Centre director Professor Richard Kingsford says wetlands along the Murray were parched for so long that it is difficult to predict just how much water they will soak up. And there are flood plains from Albury to the Coorong, meaning the water system is defined by much more than the main river channel.

A lot of trees on the edges of the Barmah and Millewa forests have been dying because there is not enough water, Richard says. “On most of the flood plains within the Murray-Darling the large vegetation communities are contracting inwards. They are dying on the edges.”

Bliss for birders

At Picnic Point we stop for a break. An azure kingfisher flits between our kayaks. Seeing the bird sitting there, preening atop the kayak’s rudder, is every bit as perfect a moment as sleeping under the stars.

There are a lot more people and tinnies hereabouts. As we paddle a woman beckons to us from the caravan park: “Would you like a cup of coffee?”

The 8km-long Barmah Choke, beyond Picnic Point, is the narrowest (about 30m wide) part of the river between Albury and the Coorong. On both sides of the Murray, the river red gums and their new shoots create a boulevard of green. The river’s pulse quickens.

As we close in on the lakes a sea eagle cruises above the red gums. Others are on the hunt too. For the first time we follow in the wake of fishers and their boats. The territorial Murray cod is reportedly showing its best numbers in decades.

For gums that topple into the water, death isn’t finite – the fallen have an afterlife. The cod move in and use tree hollows as nurseries, as places to lay their eggs.

There are 240 bird species found around Barmah Lakes, including black swans, whistling kites and superb parrots. Yet not all that flits about these rich waters is obvious at first.

Rachel Blakey holds one of the bats she and her team trapped in the Barmah Forest. (Image: Greg Clarke)

Enter Bat Woman

Rachel Blakey is an ecologist from the University of New South Wales. The PhD candidate stayed in a cabin next to mine at Barmah Caravan Park. She and her crew were trapping bats in the Barmah Forest and had been in town a few days. Locals had affectionately given Rachel a nickname.

“Bat Woman” was on the hunt for populations of the elusive fishing bat (Myotis macropus), the only Australian bat to forage almost entirely over water as it trawls the river’s surface for small fish and insects with its oversized feet.

Bill has his own insights into the winged world; a blue wren flitting through camp on our last night provides inspiration for another yarn. “The blue wren is a flying testicle,” he says. “He is pure testosterone; his testicle as a proportion of body weight is the greatest of all birds and animals.” The wren is not, however, his favourite bird. Boobook owls are oftentimes river companions. “There is hardly a night on the Murray without the [hooting of] boobook,” says Bill.

The final stretch

Emerging from the Choke near Snake Island, we spy the river red gum into which Augustus Peirce reportedly etched the number 264. Born in America, the river boat captain prepared a navigation chart of the Murray in 1864 and carved his survey numbers into gums by the river’s edge. From here, it is some 10km until Barmah. It’s time to paddle solo; Bill gives me a lengthy start. There is no plan to get lost, but should it happen there are rations in the day hatch, water in Bill’s bespoke system that sits around my neck and a plastic bottle the inventor’s remodelled for me to piss in (unused before this trip, he pledged).

As my paddle slices through the water, it plays its own musical notes. They are as mesmerising as the Murray’s voice and each sound takes me to places further, much further west. I’m living with the river, feeling part of it and am lost, after all – to a Goolwa-bound delusion that makes this real trip’s end a little easier to confront.

Bill is again set to kayak the length the Murray. He’s planning to share the river, its music, the birds, his campfire and the mighty river red gums with a friend from the US. She’s an ex-soldier, a veteran of two tours to Iraq. Perhaps she too is celebrating life.

The essentials

Where to stay: rocumwal’s Kanimbla Motel is on Newell Highway, close to the river. Tip: kayakers may park their cars here. A small charge applies. (03) 5874 2755, www.kanimblamotorinn.com.au . The Barmah Caravan Park is right by the river: (03) 5869 3225, www.echucamoama.com/camping-caravaning

This article was originally published in the Jan-Feb 2013 issue of Australian Geographic Adventure.

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• About the Murray River

Embarking on a Murray River cruise is an exceptional experience that promises breathtaking landscapes and cherished moments. To ensure you’re well-prepared for this unforgettable voyage, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. From cruise durations and on-board amenities to what to pack and local insights, our Murray River FAQs will be your compass as you set sail on this remarkable adventure.

General Murray River FAQs

One of the most popular activities on the Murray River is an overnight river cruise. You can do 2, 3, 4 or 7 night cruises on both upper and lower Murray River. There are a variety of other activities that can be enjoyed on the Murray River. These include swimming, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, camping and bushwalking. There are also many bushwalking trails along the riverbanks to explore. Take a look at some day tours that can be experienced in the South Australian region.

Some of the fish species commonly found in the Murray River include Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Silver Perch, Macquarie Perch, Catfish, Trout Cod, Yabbies, Carp and Redfin. The best fishing spots on the Murray River depend largely on the species of fish that you are interested in catching, but some of the top spots in the river system include Lake Mulwala, Tocumwal, Echuca, Yarrawonga and Mildura.

Yes. If you wish to swim in the river please seek advice from one of the deck staff as to the easiest and safest method of doing so.

Yes, there is a variety of wildlife present on and around the Murray River. These include waterbirds, fish, frogs, turtles, water rats, platypus, bats, snakes, lizards and other small mammals. Some of these creatures can be dangerous, so it is important to exercise caution when venturing near them and always stay within arm’s reach of a designated swim buddy or lifeguard.

The Murray River is about 2,508 kilometres (1,558 miles) long. It is the longest river in Australia.

The Murray River flows through the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. Places of note along the river include the small towns of Tooleybuc and Swan Hill in New South Wales, the cities of Echuca and Barmah in Victoria, and the town of Murray Bridge in South Australia. The Murray River also forms the border between the two states of New South Wales and Victoria. Other points of interest along the Murray River include the Grampians National Park , Lake Hume, and the iconic South Australian wine region of the Barossa Valley .

The Murray River is 2.5 metres to 21 metres deep depending on the section.

Visiting the Murray River in all seasons is an incredibly memorable experience. In spring, the days are bright and sunny, the trees are beginning to blossom, and the water is crystal clear. Summer brings warm days that are perfect for swimming and fishing or enjoying the deck as you cruise along the river. Autumn brings vibrant colours of foliage with breathtaking sunsets, while winter offers a peaceful atmosphere for walking along the riverbanks. No matter when you visit, the Murray River provides something special to make every season a wonderful experience.

Yes, there is wildlife in the Murray River. Common species of fish and aquatic life found in the Murray River include Murray cod, golden perch, shrimp, clams, yabbies, and platypus. There are also a variety of birds, reptiles, and amphibians that inhabit the river and its banks.

The climate in the areas around the Murray River is temperate. Summers are hot to very hot with average temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius, while winters are cool to cold with average temperatures ranging from about 0-14°C. The Murray River region experiences low to moderate rainfall throughout the year, with an annual average of around 550mm. Rain or shine, waters on the Murray always make for smooth sailing.

The best way to experience the beauty of the Murray is to take a relaxing Murray River Cruise . These cruises provide the perfect opportunity to explore the river and its many natural wonders, from abundant wildlife to picturesque landscapes. With cruising options for all budgets, visitors can enjoy an array of activities, including fishing, swimming, visiting historical sites, and more. Due to its tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views, the Murray River cruise is a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Cruise Specific FAQs

Proud Mary Operating two-, five- and seven-night cruises 365 days of the year, departing from and returning to Murray Bridge, just 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Adelaide, coach transfer from Adelaide are available. The Proud Mary caters for a maximum of only 36 passengers. This boutique product provides the ideal environment for passengers to explore, experience, indulge and discover the Murray River. The well appointed bar, lounge and dining area provide the perfect location for indulging in the culinary delights of the resident chef, while viewing the passing Australian scenery. Emmylou The Paddle Steamer Emmylou is one of the most recognisable and iconic paddlesteamers along the Murray River, Echuca. The PS Emmylou is the only wood fired paddlesteamer in the world offering regular overnight cruising. Powered by a beautifully restored 1906 Marshall and Sons steam engine. Fuelled by redgum logs the Emmylou exudes old-world charm whilst offering modern comfort in recently refurbished cabins. On the Emmylou there are just 8 cabins and a maximum of 16 passengers. You can be sure of excellent attention and service from friendly and professional crew. Perfect for a small group that wants to have the boat to themselves. All river journey cruises are fully inclusive of all meals and onshore tours. The Emmylou will soon be replaced by are larger river boat catering for around 40 guests around 2025.  Murray Princess The PS Murray Princess is the largest inland paddle wheeler in the southern hemisphere. Built specifically for the Murray River, it has all the character and charm of yesteryear. The vessel has 60 cabins and staterooms, which can accommodate up to 120 passengers. Each features an ensuite and comes with electric blankets, soap, shampoo, hairdryers, towels and daily servicing. The PS Murray Princess offers three, four and seven-night tours along the iconic river system, each departing from the idyllic town of Mannum, located in the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region. There are coach transfers available from Adelaide to Mannum.

The Proud Mary has no lift and all passengers will need to be able to manage a set of steep stairs to access the dining room. On the PS Emmylou , the main deck access requires no stairs. However, there is a drive shaft that passengers are required to step over to get to the Saloon and Dining area. This is approximately 60 cm high and 40 cm wide. The Main deck has the dining area, bar, one passenger queen bed cabin, with en-suite and access to a shared toilet. Upper deck cabins have en-suites but require access via stairs. Each person will be required to make their way onto the boat via the gangway. For the cruises on the P.S. Murray Princess you will have access to a lift if you are booking an outside or stateroom cabin. However, if you are booking an inside cabin you will have to manage 10 stairs. The boat has accessibility access and walkways for walkers, wheelchairs and motorised wheelchairs.  If you require further information please contact us to discuss.

During the day, sportswear and casual clothes are suggested. We kindly ask that you do not wear bathing suits, singlets or brief attire in public rooms and lounges, especially in the Dining Room. Footwear is requested in both the Dining Room and Lounges. During the evening smart casual wear is recommended – an open neck shirt and slacks for gentlemen and a dress, skirt and blouse or pants outfit for the ladies. At the Captains Dinner on the final night of the Murray Princess and Emmylou cruises, a jacket and tie would not be out of place for gentlemen and a cocktail dress or pants outfit for the ladies. Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses (Polaroid) and good sunblock. Sandals, low-heeled deck shoes and tennis shoes are most suitable on deck and for shore excursions. Pack warmer clothing for our onshore barbeque night and nocturnal cruising/activities etc. It is also advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes for our onshore excursions and whilst on the decks.

All meals are included on Murray River Cruises. Beverages incur an additional cost.

Depending on the cruise you select there may be additional activities. Most cruises will include music at night or sometimes movies are offered. There can be local produce tasting, karaoke, dances or trivia and bingo. WiFi is usually available along the river. A book or cards are a great addition to your onboard entertainment. 

You can book all our cruises through our website, Murray River Cruises. Alternatively, our knowledgeable and friendly customer service team will make booking a cruise an easy and seamless experience. Call 1800 994 620 now to organise your cruise.

The passenger warrants that they are physically fit and capable of undertaking the cruise. Guests must notify in writing at the time of booking of any physical or mental illness, disability or other conditions for which special accommodations are required.  The vessel does not carry a medical doctor aboard. Acute medical conditions will require you to disembark to be attended to by shore-side emergency and/or medical response.

Be sure to bring a sun visor or hat, sunglasses and good sunblock. Pack comfortable clothing and swimwear as well as a lightweight raincoat and waterproof shoes. You will also require insect repellent. Don’t forget your personal toiletries and medications and of course your camera and any chargers you may need.

The ship’s crews do not include a doctor, however the ship’s Officers are trained in First Aid. There is no pharmacy onboard. Please ensure you bring adequate prescription medicines you may require. Acute medical conditions will require you to disembark to be attended to by shore-side emergency and/or medical response. The nearest Medical Centre and/or Pharmacy is located at Mannum or Echuca. There are no public transport facilities available, transport is only available via taxicab.

For your convenience valuables may be lodged with the Captain for safe keeping in the Captain’s safe. The company accepts no liability.

The ship’s electricity is AC 240 volts 50 cycle (standard electrical power used in Australia). Hairdryers are provided on the cruises, however you are welcome to bring your own shavers and hair dryers if you wish.

Baggage is limited to what you can stow in your cabins, so you would be advised not to over pack. All bags must be clearly labelled with your name. Bags have to be handled by crew and we would appreciate a weight limit of 15 kg.

You are welcome to order a cake, champagne or make some other celebratory arrangement for that special occasion. Please give four weeks notice before sailing.

Once we leave the wharf these ships cannot obtain additional supplies or medicines. Special requests or dietary requirements must be advised to your booking agent as early as possible. Upon boarding please consult with your Cruise Director. Please also ensure you bring any prescription medication you may need.

The following information is required at check-in:  – Photo identification for each passenger (drivers licence or passport)  – Your cruise confirmation number (located on your e-ticket)  – Your credit card (as security against your onboard Cabin account)

Some cruises can be changed or cancelled, depending on the booking type, how long before departure cancellation or amendment is required, please read the booking terms and conditions prior to making a booking. Please note that special offers, event cruises or group bookings may have variations on booking terms and conditions that apply to the individual booking.    Be aware that some confirmed bookings are not refundable if cancelled, and also may not be transferable to another date or otherwise changed. Alternatively, a change may only be permissible subject to payment of an additional fee or charge. Your entitlement to a refund for cancelled bookings is subject to the relevant Supplier’s terms and conditions. Please note that if we are entitled to a service fee for placing a booking, we will remain entitled to this fee if you cancel the booking or the Supplier fails to provide you with the Product for any reason (other than our default), including in an event of Force Majeure. We will be entitled to deduct our service fee from any refund we receive on your behalf before remitting the balance to you. Suppliers’ fees are outlined in their relevant terms and conditions.

Have more questions about your specific cruise? Please find more FAQs for each vessel/cruise here:

Murray Princess Proud Mary Emmylou

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Exploring NSW: What to do in Tocumwal on the Murray River

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Planning to visit Tocumwal, NSW ? Located on the banks of the Murray River, there is no shortage of things to visit, see and do in the area. We have found the best dining locations, tourist hot spots, and natural attractions in Tocumwal NSW.

Dining in Tocumwal

Original beef chief jerky store.

Wining and dining in Tocumwal, NSW is one of the drawcards to this part of the Murray River area. A popular foodie attraction is the Original Beef Chief Jerky Store . This local treasure is renowned for its Australian-made, small-batch, and mighty tasty beef jerky. With flavour-packed, creative and mouth-watering jerky featuring tastes such as Cajun, Bourbon BBQ, and Gunpowder, the Original Beef Chief’s beef jerky is said to be some of the best-tasting jerky around. Operated by the Original Beef Chief himself, Rob, it is a must-visit in Tocumwal.

The Big Strawberry

Pick your own strawberries straight from the vine at The Big Strawberry. You can also sample strawberry-flavoured produce – such as jam and other condiments, vinegar and chutneys, as well as wines and liqueurs.

The Beach, Cobram

A casual dining spot set on the waterfront of Thompson’s Beach, this restaurant/cafe offers a spectacular view and great coffee, sandwiches and other tantalising breakfast, brunch and lunch options.

Ulupna Winery

A must-visit in Tocumwal is Ulupna Winery. Focusing on producing environmentally friendly and traditionally-crafted single-vineyard wines which are available to taste and purchase at its Goulburn Valley cellar door. Bookings are essential as the winery is open by appointment only.

Monichino Wines

A family estate that was established in 1962, Monichino Wines is another local must-see for avid wine drinkers. It is also located in the Goulburn Valley wine region – in Katunga.

Tocumwal Chocolate School

Offering family-friendly chocolate-making classes for all ages, this is one activity that all the kids will love.

The ‘Drome Cafe

Situated within the grounds of the Tocumwal aviation museum, the ‘Drome Cafe serves up simple light lunches and snacks.

The Old Bank

Known for its traditional, home-style Italian fare, The Old Bank is a family-owned and operated establishment and is a local favourite. 

The Corner Shop Gelato and Espresso Bar

Offering homemade, artisanal gelato and coffee, this quaint corner cafe is a delight! It is sure to please any ice cream fan or coffee drinker.

Manto Produce

Owned and operated by the Mantovani family, Manto Produce is a local foodie institution. Slinging fresh fruit and vegetables that are grown in-house, the popular spot is reminiscent of a farmer’s market or roadside stall.

The best attractions in Tocumwal

If you’re visiting Tocumawal, NSW for the first time, you will be very pleased to know that there are many fantastic tourist attractions to see and visit, as well as many family-friendly activities to do in Tocumwal . 

Big Murray Cod

Almost set to rival Coff Harbour’s now infamous The Big Banana , Tocumwal’s Big Murray Cod is a fun photo opportunity for families passing through the area. It is currently located at the Tocumwal Foreshore Park, having been moved from its original position at the local outdoor swimming pool.

Tocumwal Aviation Museum

With a deep-rooted and rich history of aviation in the area, it is a no-brainer that Tocumwal features a local aviation museum, filled with special exhibitions that focus on the significance and impact of aviation in the area.

Ulupna Island Bird Sculptures

Featuring humongous, larger-than-life, four-metre-high metal sculptures of local cockatoos, the Ulupna Island Bird Sculptures are a unique sight.

Cactus Country

This is a unique attraction – so much so, that some tourists will travel hours to visit see the cacti. Notably, Cactus Country has received a Victorian Tourism Award as the Gold Winner Tourist Attraction.

If you’re a sports fanatic and want to experience something a little different while you’re away, visit the Bunker. This location features four state-of-the-art multi-sport simulators to please any sporting fan.

Tocumwal Parks and Nature attractions

Tocumwal NSW is a great vantage point from which to enjoy and explore the surroundings of the Murray River . Some of the wonderful outdoor attractions you can see and visit near Tocumwal include:

Thompson’s Beach 

Thompson’s Beach has been voted Australia’s 12th-best beach. Featuring pristine sand and crystal waters, this beach is certainly a highlight of the Murray area.

Barooga Botanical Gardens

Featuring well-established and well-maintained flora, the Booraga Botanical Gardens is a must-visit if you want to enjoy a pleasant afternoon surrounded by lovely gardens and greenery.

Finley Lake 

Featuring a 1.8-kilometre walking track around the lake, this is a great spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the great outdoors. A scenic location to take some happy snaps, also.

Blowhole and The Rocks

This wonderful natural attraction is an important and sacred site for local indigenous populations – namely, the Bangarang and Ulupna Aboriginal people. Set on a granite outcrop, the blowhole seems to almost come alive when the Murray River is at low tide, as it overflows and bubbles in a most spectacular fashion.

If you’re planning to visit Tocumwal, NSW, you certainly won’t be lost for things to do. From wineries and cellar doors to quaint cafes, restaurants and casual dining spots – you certainly won’t go hungry. The best thing? You can work off some of that delicious food and enjoy the fresh air at one of Tocumwal’s many parks and outdoor attractions. Or, for more curious and adventurous Tocumwal visitors, there are also many great tourist attractions and family-friendly activities to choose from. One thing is for certain – if you do decide to visit Tocumwal, you definitely won’t be bored.

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Tocumwal Visitor Information Centre

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Location Map

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Tocumwal on the murray.

Tocumwal is known as the Centre to the Murray. Towns within a short drive include Finley, Berrigan, Jerilderie and Barooga

Accommodation Booking Service Available

V-Line and Country Link Tickets Local produce, souvenirs and gifts Regional ‘Sample Bag’ – contains regional information and brochures of places of interest

Volunteers will welcome you to the Tocumwal Visitor Information Centre. Our volunteers can assist in planning a wonderful region.

Opening Hours

Monday – Friday : 10.00am – 4.00pm* Saturday – Sunday: 10.00am to 2.00pm* *pending volunteer availability.

Contact Details and Location

Tocumwal is thriving historic country town situated on the Murray River, flanked by rich farmland and state forest. Tocumwal is 270km north of Melbourne.

2-4 Deniliquin Street, Tocumwal NSW 2714 Phone: (03) 5874 2517 Fax: (03) 5874 3300

Tocumwal Visitor Information Centre - Great Local Experiences

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• Birch Motel Tocumwal

Discover The Town On The Banks Of The Murray River

The birch motel tocumwal experience.

Experience serenity and comfort at the Birch Motel Tocumwal. Nestled along the tranquil banks of the majestic Murray River, our well-appointed rooms offer modern comfort and a welcoming atmosphere. Discover the beauty of Tocumwal as your gateway to the Murray River, where leisurely river cruises, fishing adventures, water sports, and birdwatching await. Our warm hospitality and attentive service ensure a memorable stay, whether you’re on a romantic escape or a family getaway. Explore the picturesque natural landscapes and bask in the river’s peaceful ambience. Birch Motel Tocumwal is your perfect retreat for relaxation and outdoor adventures, with Tocumwal’s charm inviting you to an unforgettable stay.

Enjoy These Perks

Air conditioning, refrigerator, flat-screen tv, outdoor pool, free parking, bbq facilities, child friendly, non-smoking rooms, outdoor sitting area.

Cactus Country

• 4986 Murray Valley Hwy, Strathmerton VIC 3641

Tocumwal Chocolate School

• 5 La Belle Ct, Tocumwal NSW 2714

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• Burma Rd, Tocumwal NSW 2714
• Dining & Restaurants

The Fifth Daughter Cafe

• 2 Deniliquin St, Tocumwal NSW 2714

The Old Bank

• 2 Murray St, Tocumwal NSW 2714

Where The History Is Just The Beginning

Welcome to Birch Motel Tocumwal, where history unfolds in this charming town with a captivating past. Named after an Aboriginal term meaning “deep hole” or “pit,” Tocumwal boasts a folklore tied to a native spirit that once emerged from the ground at the Blow Hole, a fascinating granite formation at the Rocks.

Established in the 1850s, the town’s early buildings emerged near the present town site. The iconic Tocumwal Hotel, built in 1861, served as a regular stop for Cobb & Co. coaches and paddle steamers on the Murray River. With its historic Tocumwal Bridge, Tuppal Woolshed, and significant World War II contributions, Tocumwal holds a wealth of stories. Embrace the allure of its past at Birch Motel Tocumwal, where history is just the beginning of your unforgettable Murray River journey.

We’re here to help! If you have any questions or inquiries or would like to make a reservation, please use the contact information provided below:

• 41-47 Finley St, Tocumwal NSW 2714
• 03 5874 2755

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