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

Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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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)
Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Shake Shack’s first pop-up is coming to Melbourne this summer

    Taylah DarnellBy Taylah Darnell
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    Big names are coming to the Australian Open this year – and not just on the court.

    The Australian Open has always been a summer highlight for Aussies, but next year the excitement extends beyond the arena. One of the world’s biggest burger chains has just joined the foodie line-up, rounding out a mouthwatering mix that’ll have you dashing from your seat between every set.

    The headliner we didn’t see coming

    Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
    The Australian Open is set to host Shake Shack’s first-ever Aussie pop-up. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    It may still be a couple of months away, but the Australian Open buzz is already building, with some of the biggest names in tennis set to hit the court come 2026. But the unveiling of its food and beverage program has dialled up the hype tenfold, confirming a courtside Shake Shack pop-up exclusive to TOPCOURT and John Cain Arena.

    “We’re committed to making the AO not just the best Grand Slam on court, but also the best off-court, and food and drink are central to that experience,” says Tennis Australia’s Head of Product Growth and Innovation, Fern Barrett.

    Originally launched in 2001 as a hot dog stand in New York City’s Madison Square Park, the brand has since gone global thanks to its elevated take on fast food classics. Now there are over 500 locations worldwide, unfortunately, none of which are in Australia – until now. But only until 1 February.

    Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
    The original hot dog stand has evolved into a restaurant in NYC’s Madison Square Park. (Image: Getty/Andrea Astes)

    “For many fans, their first Shake Shack burger or shake will be part of their AO 2026 experience, which is so exciting. Shake Shack’s arrival at the AO underlines how much this event has grown beyond the court, it’s a festival of food, sport and culture,” continues Barrett.

    As well as dishing up a range of its beloved burgers, including the signature ShackBurger, the pop-up will serve an exclusive AO Shake, only available at TOPCOURT. While specific flavours haven’t been revealed, previous AO exclusives such as the Peach Melbourne dessert (which will be available again in 2026) are a sign of good things to come.

    What else is on the AO menu?

    Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
    Shake Shack is known for its elevated take on American classics. (Image: Getty/Ant DM)

    The rest of the food and beverage program spans multiple Melbourne Park precincts and is sure to tantalise taste buds – from global brands to local favourites and specialties that can only be found at the Australian Open.

    Arguably one of the best places to eat in Melbourne, Hectors’ Deli will make its AO debut in Garden Square, bashing out its beloved sandwiches to attendees. The square will also be home to pop-ups by French-inspired Entrecôte , Vic’s Meat, The Chef’s Butcher  and Shane Delia’s new Middle Eastern restaurant, Layla .

    Nearby at the Western Courts, an express food outlet will cater to fans who want fast, high-quality meals without missing out on the action. Already confirmed is Japanese-inspired eatery Suupaa , delivering its signature konbini (convenience store) food with a Melbourne twist. Think onigiri, katsu sandos, noodle bowls and fried chicken.

    Layla Restaurant in Brisbane, Qld
    Shane Delia will man a pop-up heroing Middle Eastern flavours from his new Brisbane restaurant, Layla.

    Grand Slam Oval is turning into a multicultural food festival, featuring seven cuisines. Returning favourites include D.O.C, Fishbowl and Stalactites, which is teaming up with local culinary legend Angie Giannakodakis to create a Greek menu exclusive to the AO. Newcomers Season Chicken, Ho Jiak and Jollygood will make their AO debuts at Grand Slam Oval, too.

    Some of Australia’s most celebrated chefs and hospitality brands, as well as international Michelin-star icons will be cooking it up at AO Reserve, the Australian Open’s premium hospitality experience. Think acclaimed Brisbane restaurants like SK Steak and Oyster and Shimpei Raikuni, as well as Caretaker’s Cottage, one of the most awarded cocktail bars in the country.

    Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
    The Melbourne Park precinct comes alive each year for the sporting event. (Image: Visit Victoria)

    Rodney Dunn and Severine Demanet of Tassie’s Agrarian Kitchen will be on-site at AO Reserve, too. The pair will work alongside names like Simon Rogan of L’Enclume and Umbel, Bennelong’s Peter Gilmore and Alejandro Saravia of Farmer’s Daughters.

    And believe it or not – that’s just the beginning. From live music and roving entertainment to a jumbo waterslide and daily giveaways, the 2026 Australian Open is shaping up to be the best yet.

    The details

    Shake Shack X Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria
    Guests keen to try Shake Shack should head to TOPCOURT. (Image: Lucas Richarz)

    The 2026 Australian Open will run from 12 January – 1 February at Melbourne Park in Victoria’s capital. The main sporting venues include Rod Laver Arena, Margaret Court Arena and John Cain Arena, while precincts like Garden Square, Grand Slam Oval and Western Courts will host off-court events. Guests keen to try Shake Shack can find its pop-up at the TOPCOURT precinct.

    The best way to get to the Australian Open is via public transport, with trams, trains and buses all running to Melbourne Park throughout the event. If you’re driving, off-site parking can be found at Yarra Park for $10, subject to capacity. Tickets for all matches and events are on sale now and can be purchased via the AO website.