This new Aussie trail is tipped to be one of 2025’s top attractions

Calling all adventurers – the Murray River is about to get even better.

The Murray River is one of Australia’s most iconic destinations thanks to its historic paddlesteamers, esteemed wineries, hyperlocal foodie scene and laid-back river lifestyle. But this Victorian gem is about to get even more enticing, with a new trail opening in 2025.

The Murray River Adventure Trail is an epic outdoor experience developed by Parks Victoria, perfect for nature lovers and explorers alike. Picturesque hiking tracks and cycling paths meet kayaking and camping along this scenic stretch from Lake Hume to Mildura, with so much more to be discovered along the way.

Murray River in Victoria — The Murray River is a natural playground for adventurers. (Image: Visit Victoria)

What is the Murray River Adventure Trail?

While the project is still in the early stages of development, a detailed plan for the Murray River Adventure Trail is already gaining global attention with National Geographic including the region on its list of 25 best places in the world to travel to in 2025, and Timeout London predicting the trail itself will be one of the world’s top 25 things to do this year.

Kayaking along the Murray River in Victoria — The Murray River Adventure Trail will include a range of outdoor activities. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The monumental project will open in stages, much like Australia’s iconic rail trails that offer a similar experience for nature lovers. However, what sets the Murray River Adventure Trail apart is its wide range of activities.

Upon completion, an expansive variety of connected walking, cycling and paddling trails are slated to cross over 500 kilometres of country Victoria, from Lake Hume, near Wodonga, all the way to Mildura. Suitable for both single- and multi-day use, the trail will also include campgrounds, picnic areas, toilet facilities, watercraft launches and parking. New signage will assist and educate visitors on the region’s natural and cultural significance, too.

Lake Hume near Wodonga in Victoria — The trail will incorporate places like Lake Hume near Wodonga. (Image: Visit Victoria)

With the development and eventual launch of the trail, Parks Victoria aims to maximise public access while ensuring ongoing environmental protection and respect for the land’s Traditional Owners.

What will Stage One offer and when will it open?

Stage One of the Murray River Adventure Trail is currently under construction, thanks to a whopping $10.3 million in funding received from Victoria’s Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.

Hikers walking along the Murray River in Victoria — Stage One will feature 16 new or improved trailheads. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Passing through Echuca, Murray River Reserve, Gunbower National Park and Lower Goulburn National Park, the first stage will offer visitors a taste of what’s to come. There will be 16 formal trailheads along the river in Stage One, some with pit stops at cute riverside towns.

Eight existing campgrounds and campsites in this area will also be upgraded, as well as new launch points for canoes and kayaks. Given the project’s immense scale, stages of the Murray River Adventure Trail will continue to open incrementally into 2026 and beyond.

A campsite along the Murray River in Victoria — Campsites and campgrounds will be upgraded for overnight use. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Parks Victoria has also been working in close consultation with Traditional Owners, local government bodies and Victoria’s Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. While a date is yet to be confirmed, Stage One is reportedly opening later this year.

How do I find the Murray River Adventure Trail?

The closest major airport to the Murray River Adventure Trail is in Bendigo, where you can hire a car and make the one-hour drive north to Echuca. If you’re coming from Melbourne, it’ll take you roughly three hours by car.

The PS Emmylou paddlesteamer on the Murray River in Victoria — Stay onboard the PS Emmylou while in Echuca. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Once you’ve arrived, there’s plenty to see and do before or after your epic outdoor adventure. This bucolic part of country Victoria is brimming with history and charm, from a luxurious farm stay in Barham to a multi-day cruise aboard PS Emmylou with Murray River Paddlesteamers.

You can stay up to date with the rollout of Stage One, as well as other Murray River Adventure Trail updates via the Parks Victoria website.

The Murray River in Victoria — Parks Victoria will continue to roll out the trail’s stages into 2026. (Image: Visit Swan Hill)

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.