There’s no doubt about it: a visit to Albury Wodonga is not complete without a journey to the great Murray River.
As the river wakes, its surface blushes with the pinks of sunrise. A family of cockatoos takes flight, filling the air with their wild chatter. The air is crisp. The water is calm. And just for a moment, everything slows down. This mighty river meets you exactly where you are: restless, reflective or halfway through an existential crisis – it doesn’t judge.
Here are some tips on planning your Murray escape:
Start with a Walk in Nature
Take a self-guided expedition along the Crossing Place Trail and take in the wonder of sculptural works from local Aboriginal artists. River Red Gums, Black Box, wattles, wildflowers and native grasses reflect in the water in an upside-down world, their nooks and hollows offering homes to creatures great and small. If the trees could talk, they’d probably tell you to take a deep breath, slow your pace and take in this place, alive with beauty.
Get out onto the Water
Something shifts when you’re out on the water – mainly your stress levels, which you may spot floating downstream like a very relaxed leaf. Grab a paddle and join the crew at Murray River Canoe Hire or Canoe the Murray. Glide through gum-lined bends while the steady current makes it look like you’re flying along with mad paddling skills.
In the warmer months, locals wade in at the riverbank to journey downstream on inflatable tubes, lilos or even the odd flamingo, if they’re feeling fancy. So BYO inflatable of choice (dignity optional).
Dine by the River, or Go for a Picnic
At The River Deck Cafe, you can indulge in some native and local ingredients, sourced from farmers and producers across the region. This is the kind of place where ‘just one coffee’ somehow montages into clocks whirring, multiple plates being scraped clean and a caffeine high that really brings the dragonflies into HD focus.
Bring a picnic if you like, and find a grassy patch along the sprawling riverside of Noreuil Park to watch the light ripple across the water’s surface. You’ll feel like a local and no doubt start Googling real estate.
Walk or Cycle the Riverside Trails in Albury Wodonga
Follow the Murray’s gentle curves along riverside trails – on foot or by bike. Discover Aboriginal art and storytelling on the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk. Let the hum of Australia’s ancient history make its way through your bones. Keep an eye out for that perfect spot to sit and watch the water drift by. If you’re lucky, you might just spot the telltale ripples of an elusive platypus. Though more likely, you’ll spot a floating log and spend ten minutes arguing over whether or not it moved.
If you’d prefer to feel the wind in your hair, bring your bike and explore the Wagirra Trail, which stretches from Noreuil Park to Wonga Wetlands. Cross to the Wodonga side to walk in the footsteps of Yarre the Mailman along the Crossing Place Trail, where river crossings have connected people for generations. Or head to the High Country Rail Trail, which will take you from Wodonga, past Lake Hume and into the hills, offering a scenic, meandering ride through ever-changing landscapes.
Wodonga’s extensive pathway network links parks, waterways and bushland across the city. With 80km of pathways to choose from, you’ll have to book a return trip. Pick up a free Wodonga Pathways Guide from the Albury Visitor Information Centre to help map out your perfect ride (or walk). Whether you’re walking, rolling on a retro cruiser or clipped into a road bike for the distance, you’ll be in for a journey of spontaneous detours, unplanned rests in shady riverside spots and a level of calm that honestly feels a bit suspicious.
Where to Stay Along the Murray
As the sun makes its way toward the horizon, turning the sky a dusty orange and purple, it’s time to snuggle down. Camp at Richardsons Bend if you like to be close to nature, or if you’re more of an indoors type, head to Best Western Plus Hovell Tree Inn so you can wake up with fluffy pillows, hot coffee and absolutely zero chance of stepping in mud with socks.
Get the Guide to River Adventures
Ready to dive deeper into Murray magic? Download our Guide to Water Activities on the Murray River for everything from kayaking to tubing, swimming spots and riverside picnic tips. Whether you’re after a gentle float or a full day on the water, this guide will help you plan a perfect escape to make the group chat jealous.
As the cockatoos make their way to roost and the scent of eucalyptus hangs in the cooling air, you notice yourself walking more slowly. Your thoughts are now moving in sync with the steady flow of the great Murray. It’s peaceful. Too peaceful. You start to wonder if this is what relaxed feels like.
And just like that, the river has worked its magic.