Explore Australia

Peppin Heritage Centre This museum is dedicated to George Hall Peppin and his sons' development of the merino sheep industry. Dissatisfied with the quality and yield of the wool from merino sheep, they developed a new breed, the peppin, that was better adapted to the harsh Australian conditions. Peppin sheep now predominate among flocks in New Zealand, South Africa and South America. The museum is housed in the National Trust–classified Old George Street Public School (1879), which still has an intact classroom on display. There is also a lock-up gaol from Wanganella and a 1920s thatched ram shed. George St.

Island Sanctuary: features kangaroos and birdlife, and the burial site of 'Old Jack', a member of the Melville gang who visited Deniliquin in 1851; off Cressy St footbridge. Ute on a Pole: confirms Deniliquin's status as 'ute capital of the world'; near National Bridge. Waring Gardens: originally a chain of lagoons, the park was established in the 1880s; Cressy St. Pioneer Steam Museum: private collection of steam engines and pumps; Hay Rd. Long Paddock River Walk: old stock route, includes interpretive panels; from Heritage Centre to Island Sanctuary. Self-guide walks: historical and nature walks taking in National Trust–classified buildings and town gardens; brochure from visitor centre.

Pioneer Tourist Park A modern caravan park including charming features of the past (open to the public), with an antique steam and pump display and a blacksmith shop. 2 km N.

Irrigation works: at Lawsons Syphon (7 km E) and Stevens Weir (25 km W). Clancy's Winery: cellar-door tastings and sales; 18 km N. Conargo Pub: authentic bush pub with photo gallery depicting history of merino wool in the area; 25 km NE. Bird Observatory Tower: excellent vantage point for birdwatching; Mathoura; 34 km S.

Lake Mulwala 110 km

Lake Mulwala separates the Victorian and NSW towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala. It is a little over three hours’ drive from Melbourne and is popular with anglers seeking native fish such as Murray cod and... Find out more

---

Swan Hill 122 km

From Mulwala to Swan Hill there are excellent fishing opportunities. Some of the top spots along this stretch include Barmah, Echuca and the famous Torrumbarry Weir. The huge Murray cod mounted near the park in Swan... Find out more

---

Balranald 166 km

The drive from the Monaro to Wagga Wagga and on to Balranald gives some idea of the Murrumbidgee’s length and also of how much a river can change over the course of its flow. Near Balranald, the river has been... Find out more

---

Lake Hume 200 km

Albury–Wodonga is ideal for anyone seeking a variety of freshwater fishing. The list of fish species on offer reads like a Who’s Who of southern Australian freshwater fish. It includes Murray cod,... Find out more

---

Goulburn River 202 km

The Goulburn River from Eildon Pondage to Alexandra is one of the most popular stretches of trout water in Victoria. Places like Thornton, ‘Gilmore’s Bridge’ and the Breakaway, where the Acheron River... Find out more

---

Lake Buffalo 202 km

Two productive lakes in this region are Lake Buffalo, 20 km south of Myrtleford, and Lake William Hovell, 60 km south of Wangaratta. Both waters have boat-launching facilities, but fishing here can be difficult during... Find out more

---

Lake Eildon 207 km

Lake Eildon is Victoria’s most popular freshwater fishing spot. Part of its popularity is due to its proximity to metropolitan Melbourne. Lilydale is just a 90 min drive away, either over the Black Spur or via Yea.... Find out more

---

Eildon Pondage 208 km

Boating is not allowed on Eildon Pondage, which is just below the dam wall at Eildon. Nevertheless, it is one of the most heavily fished waters in the state and is an ideal family spot, with barbecues and toilet... Find out more

---

Rubicon River 209 km

The Rubicon, one of Victoria’s legendary trout waters, is popular with trout anglers who fish using all methods available. Rising in forested hills with a steep gradient in the headwaters, the river varies from... Find out more

---

Tol Tol 214 km

I made my first serious Murray cod trip on the Murray River near Robinvale and for years was asked not to write about such a special stretch of river that produces a higher-than-average proportion of big cod. It... Find out more

---

Indigenous tour - Shepparton 102 km

A free, short, bush-tucker tour is available from the Bangerang Cultural Centre in Shepparton. You will need to book, but you can visit the centre on weekdays to see the wide range of artefacts from the area, and from... Find out more

---

Wine-tasting - Rutherglen region 148 km

The Rutherglen region in the far north of the state is renowned particularly for its fortified ports and muscats, perfect for a winter’s night. There are no organically certified wineries in the area, although... Find out more

---

Cycling - Murray to the Mountains and High Country Rail Trails 154 km

With 100 kilometres of safe, sealed bitumen surface to pedal on, the Murray to the Mountains Rail Trail is the most developed rail trail in the state, and therefore very popular, with more than 40 000 people estimated to... Find out more

---

Koala-spotting - Narrandera 169 km

Koalas have thrived at Narrandera since they were released in 1972. At Narrandera Nature Reserve you should be able to spot a few.... Find out more

---

Kayaking around Bright 224 km

The operator 5 Star Adventure Tours offers a huge range of eco-accredited tours and activities in the High Country, particularly targeting those who like a few little luxuries on the way. One of the most popular trips is... Find out more

---

Birdwatching in Fivebough and Tuckerbil wetlands 225 km

Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands are Ramsar-listed, and among nearly 200 birds spotted here are brolgas, black-winged stilts and painted snipes. Fivebough has 5 kilometres of walking tracks, with bird hides along the... Find out more

---

Wine-tasting - Robinvale 225 km

Robinvale Wines, near Robinvale, produces a wide variety of wines, certified organic and biodynamic, with no chemicals used.... Find out more

---

Bicentennial National Trail - Healesville starting point 241 km

Acclaimed as the longest-marked, nonmotorised, multi-use trekking route in the world, this track traverses an incredible 5330 kilometres from Healesville to Cooktown in north Queensland, passing through 18 national... Find out more

---

Golden Nugget Discovery Tours, Ballarat 246 km

This carbon-neutral business in Ballarat runs small, personalised tours of no more than six people in the Goldfields region, with three themes – wild nature, gold history and heritage, and food and wine.... Find out more

---

Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Resort 124 km

What follows is one of the success stories of golf along the Murray River. Set in the heart of Kidman Reid’s historic Murray Downs sheep station, the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Resort was constructed... Find out more

---

RACV Healesville Country Club 240 km

Of the 120 golf courses featured throughout these pages, the new layout at Healesville is the odd one out. It could, in fact, be considered a minnow among giants, for this par-68 measures only 4872 metres from the... Find out more

---

The Heritage Golf & Country Club (St John course) 245 km

Jack Nicklaus, the golfer, was the most powerful player of his generation and also its finest strategist, a man who could win a tournament based on smart play and at other times on pure heroics. Jack Nicklaus, the... Find out more

---

Deniliquin Bakery

For a light snack and a cup of coffee, pop into Deniliquin Bakery for friendly service and delicious baked goods such as their chunky curry steak pies and zucchini slices. Make sure you check out their sweet treats too,... Find out more

---

The Federal Hotel

The Federal pub, as well as having some of the best views in Deniliquin, has a variety of modern and old-style bars and eating areas. To suit the vastly changing climate here – from 40°C (and higher) days in... Find out more

---

William Bull Brewery 176 km

The high-profile, family-run De Bortoli Wines diversifying into craft beer has been one of the longest-running stories around. In the late 1990s they acquired a brewhouse that originally belonged to the ... Find out more

---

Bridge Road Brewers 181 km

Ben Kraus originally trained as a winemaker but his head was turned in the direction of craft brewing during a stint working in Western Australia’s Margaret River region. The cluster of microbreweries in this... Find out more

---

Holgate Brewhouse 207 km

Paul and Natasha Holgate have travelled a decidedly different path to most other craft-brewery operators over the past decade or so. They started brewing ales from a shed adjacent to their family home in Woodend in the... Find out more

---

Jamieson Brewery 221 km

Looking for a drawcard to attract tourists to their Victorian High Country pub, owners Jeff and Jeanette Whyte installed a microbrewery into the Jamieson Hotel and started knocking out house beers in 2001. The equipment... Find out more

---

Bright Brewery 224 km

The original Bright Brewery shut down in 1916 and this modern incarnation was started by a quartet of ‘ale changers’ – couples David and Julie Cocks, and Scott Brandon and Fiona Reddaway – some 90... Find out more

---

Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company 239 km

Craft brewers come from all sorts of different backgrounds but classical pianist Simon Walkenhorst and his opera singer wife Beth Williams are among the more exotic. Together, they started Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company... Find out more

---

3 Ravens Brewing Company 247 km

This microbrewery began operating from the basement of the successful Thornbury-based engineering company Zetkin and has proved to be an interesting diversion or sideline for the principal business. Some of the company... Find out more

---

Gulpa Island State Forest camping areas 24 km

It’s likely that this forest, together with Moira, Millewa and Barmah state forests, will be amalgamated into a national park in the future. Gulpa Island is accessed via Millewa Rd, 9 km north-east of Mathoura.... Find out more

---

Millewa State Forest camping areas 33 km

Millewa State Forest is likely to become part of a larger national park in the future. You can get here via Tocumwal Rd, 10 km east of Mathoura, or from Lower River Rd onto Tocumwal Rd south-east of Deniliquin.... Find out more

---

Barmah camping area (bush camping) 39 km

You can choose your own bush camping site beside the Murray among (though never under, because of the possibility of falling branches) the towering red gums here. From Picola, which lies off the Murray Valley Hwy, take... Find out more

---

Barmah Lakes camping area 48 km

Just east of the relatively flat ground of the Barmah Lakes campground is the Dharnya Interpretative Centre (closed indefinitely at the time writing), where a number of bushwalks begin. These include the self-guided... Find out more

---

Moira State Forest camping areas 49 km

One of the Millewa group of state forests (which includes Barmah Forest in Victoria, and Millewa and Gulpa Island forests in NSW), this is due to become part of a national park. It’s 4 km south-east of Mathoura,... Find out more

---

Ulupna Island camping area 50 km

The perimeter of Ulupna Island has been staked out by the flow of Ulupna Creek and that of the Murray River. Look for platypus in the quieter stretches of water. Take Bourchiers Rd from the Murray Valley Hwy at... Find out more

---

Perricoota State Forest camping areas 58 km

This forest is adjacent to Koondrook State Forest, accessible via Nineteen Mile Rd, Yarraman Access Rd or Belbins Rd from Perricoota Forest Rd.... Find out more

---

Bama State Forest camping areas 59 km

This 2800 ha forest is downstream of Barmah Town. Access is via Barmah Forest Rd (it’s adjacent to the Barmah–Millewa Forest), 13 km north-east of Moama.... Find out more

---

Apex Beach camping area 61 km

Apex Beach is downstream of the Tocumwal Bridge, about 2 km south-west of Tocumwal township; Pumps Bend Track will lead you there. This beach is frequented by locals and out-of-towners alike, who all come here to enjoy... Find out more

---

Finley Beach camping area 62 km

This is another one of the relaxing beaches that line the Murray River. You’ll find it 2 km upstream of Tocumwal Bridge – pretty much due south of the township. Turn east off the Goulburn Valley Hwy at Finely... Find out more

---

Boomerang Way Tourist Park 63 km

This well-cared-for, owner-operated park is 500 metres from the centre of Tocumwal and away from the highway noise. There is a large swimming pool, covered barbecues and the place is ideal for an overnight stay or an... Find out more

---

BIG4 Tocumwal Tourist Park 63 km

This owner-operated park with great facilities, in a quiet off-highway location close to the centre of town, is developing into a top-rate park. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies at... Find out more

---

Echuca Holiday Park 68 km

This is a popular, quality riverside park just a short walk from Echuca’s historic port precinct on the Murray River. The spacious park has a range of accommodation and great facilities. With its excellent... Find out more

---

Jerilderie Motel and Caravan Park 73 km

This neat and tidy, budget-priced park is located in Jerilderie’s main street. The park is an ideal overnight stop for travellers along the Newell Highway.... Find out more

---

Cobram Oasis Tourist Park 74 km

This has developed into a great park with unique multi-sided ensuite amenities being a feature. Situated about 4 km west of the Cobram town centre, it is ideal for a few days exploring this great area. Bookings are... Find out more

---

RACV Cobram Resort 78 km

This is a very highly rated resort complex with some 35 powered sites. Set on sprawling but well-cared-for lawns, there is a selection of accommodation; the park is a picture and we highly recommend it. Bookings are... Find out more

---

Cobram Barooga Golf Resort 78 km

Adjacent to one of the Murray Valley’s renowned golf courses, this park is very good quality and just 1.5 km from the town centre. The park’s facilities include a tennis court. This would be a great base for... Find out more

---

Ibis Caravan Park 97 km

This park is 3 km south of Kerang, with nice shady spots and a tennis court. It is an excellent overnight stop at a budget price. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay applies in all holidays.... Find out more

---

Victoria Lake Holiday Park 104 km

Set on the shores of Victoria Park Lake, this picturesque place is centrally located on the main highway 1 km south of the city centre. With good facilities and great waterfront sites, it is the park we like to stay at... Find out more

---

BIG4 Shepparton East Holiday Park 106 km

On the Midland Highway 5 km to the east of Shepparton, and close to the Shepparton bypass, this quality park in a rural setting has great amenities and facilities including a tennis court. As with most parks in this... Find out more

---

Centrepoint Motel

In the heart of Deniliquin, the Centrepoint Motel has 24 modern guest rooms, all comfortably appointed. There is a licensed restaurant, a saltwater pool and a large spa seating ten guests on-site. A stone’s throw... Find out more

---

MillDuck, Harcourt North 166 km

This strawbale house won a Most Energy Efficient Home award (North West Region) when it was built. More than 1000 trees have been planted on the property since it was purchased, and it is now an alpaca stud. The B&B,... Find out more

---

The Buckland, Bright 220 km

With the same architect as The Odd Frog, The Buckland’s four luxury studio retreats have similar eco-design principles, and thousands of trees have been planted on the site. They are also powered by green energy.... Find out more

---

The Odd Frog, Bright 225 km

This place comprises five funky new luxury studios on a 4-hectare Land for Wildlife property. The studios have been architecturally designed to have minimal impact on the environment, with thought even given to their... Find out more

---

Morgans Beach Camp Area 52 km

T/O 27 km NE of Nathalia (L) or 29 km W of Cobram (R) Secluded area 10 km north of the highway (via Bearii) on the riverbank. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S35 51.521 E145 22.150... Find out more

---

Finley Park Area 57 km

South side of town Small town park adjacent to the highway next to the museum. Very good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 39.008 E145 34.373... Find out more

---

Tongaboo Rest Area 60 km

8 km N of Finley (L) or 28 km S of Jerilderie (R) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 34.414 E145 36.923  ... Find out more

---

Pebbly Beach Camp Area 63 km

T/O 2 km S of Tocumwal Small secluded area just off the highway on the riverbank. Good shade. GPS: S35 48.856 E145 33.545  ... Find out more

---

Town Beach Camp Area 63 km

T/O at Tocumwal via the main street Large camp area located on the riverbank 1 kilometre south of Tocumwal in Tocumwal Regional Park. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S35 49.135 E145 33.551  ... Find out more

---

Mulberry Beach Camp Area 63 km

T/O 2 km S of Tocumwal Small secluded area well off the highway on the riverbank. Limited shade. GPS: S35 48.868 E145 33.770... Find out more

---

Finley Beach Camp Area 63 km

T/O 2 km S of Tocumwal Large open area well off the highway on the riverbank. Limited shade. GPS: S35 49.353 E145 33.546... Find out more

---

Wharparilla Flora Reserve Rest Area 69 km

93 km SE of Kerang (L) or 3 km W of Echuca (R) Large area just off the highway among the trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 07.20 E144 43.10... Find out more

---

Gunbower Park Area 71 km

Middle of town Small town park just off the highway on the banks of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 57.329 E144 22.222... Find out more

---

Goulburn River Rest Area 74 km

38 km E of Echuca (L) or 19 km S of Nathalia (R) Large area just off the highway around a few trees on the banks of the river. Good shade. GPS: S36 10.714 E145 06.937... Find out more

---

Cohuna Park Area 74 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway on the west side of town. Good facilities. GPS: S35 48.510 E144 13.266... Find out more

---

Scotts Beach Camp Area 79 km

T/O at Cobram Secluded area on the riverbank 3 kilometres north-east of Cobram via Barooga Road and River Road. Good shade. GPS: S35 55.611 E145 40.601... Find out more

---

Horseshoe Lagoon Camp Area 80 km

T/O at Cobram Secluded area on the riverbank 6 kilometres north-east of Cobram via Barooga Road and River Road. Good shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S35 56.035 E145 41.719... Find out more

---

Wunghnu Park Area 81 km

Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S36 09.170 E145 25.894... Find out more

---

Bourkes Bend No.2 Camp Area 93 km

T/O 19 km E of Cobram (L) or 18 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Secluded camp area located 3 kilometres north of the highway (turn off at the rest area) at a sandy section of the river in Bourkes Bend State Forest. NOTE:... Find out more

---

Bourkes Bend No.3 Camp Area 93 km

T/O 19 km E of Cobram (L) or 18 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Secluded camp area located 3 kilometres north of the highway (turn off at the rest area) at a sandy section of the river in Bourkes Bend State Forest. NOTE:... Find out more

---

Bourkes Bend No.1 Camp Area 94 km

T/O 19 km E of Cobram (L) or 18 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Secluded camp area located 3 kilometres north of the highway (turn off at the rest area) at a sandy section of the river in Bourkes Bend State Forest. NOTE:... Find out more

---

Bourkes Bend Rest Area 94 km

19 km E of Cobram (L) or 18 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Large area adjacent to the highway among a few trees. GPS: S35 59.894 E145 49.526... Find out more

---

Kerang Park Area 97 km

West side of town Parking area adjacent to the highway on the west side of town. Good facilities. GPS: S35 44.115 E143 54.914... Find out more

---

Apex Park Area 99 km

36 km SE of Lake Boga (L) or 8 km NW of Kerang (R) Large grassed area well off the highway around a few trees on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 41.162 E143 53.188... Find out more

---

Ibis Rookery Park Area 100 km

32 km SE of Lake Boga (L) or 10 km NW of Kerang (R) Large area well off the highway near the bird observatory. GPS: S35 40.261 E143 52.393... Find out more

---

Bruces Beach No.2 Camp Area 100 km

T/O 28 km E of Cobram (L) or 9 km W of Yarrawonga (R) Secluded area 4 kilometres north of the highway on the riverbank. GPS: S35 58.293 E145 55.455... Find out more

---

Green Lake Recreation Reserve Camp Area 102 km

T/O 12 km W of Stanhope (R) or 24 km E of Elmore (L) Large open camp area located 2.5 kilometres north of the highway around a few trees. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S36 26.310 E144 49.702... Find out more

---

Stanhope Park Area 102 km

East side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S36 26.842 E144 59.213... Find out more

---

Mooroopna Rest Area 103 km

Middle of town Large town park adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 23.726 E145 21.246 ... Find out more

---

Bundure Rest Area 104 km

38 km N of Jerilderie (L) or 71 km S of Narrandera (R) Large area just off the highway among the trees. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 09.081 E146 00.68  ... Find out more

---

Lake Charm Rest Area 106 km

22 km SE of Lake Boga (R) or 20 km NW of Kerang (L) Large area just off the highway on the shores of the lake. GPS: S35 36.104 E143 47.749... Find out more

---

Yarrawonga West Rest Area 107 km

33 km E of Cobram (R) or 4 km W of Yarrawonga (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S36 01.312 E145 58.231... Find out more

---

Aysons Reserve Camp Area 107 km

T/O 31 km W of Stanhope (R) or 5 km E of Elmore (L) Large camp area 3 kilometres north-east of the highway on the banks of the river. Good shade. GPS: S36 27.621 E144 40.116 ... Find out more

---

Pevensey Rest Area 109 km

104 km E of Balranald (R) or 29 km W of Hay (L) Large area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 36.206 E144 33.979... Find out more

---