Explore Australia

Lester Lookout Tower: town views; Cnr Murray Valley Hwy and Shadforth St. Historical Museum: focuses on cars and antique farm machinery; Riverwood Dr.

Reedy Lakes: a series of 3 lakes. Apex Park, a recreation reserve for swimming, picnicking and boating, is set by the first lake, and the second features a large ibis rookery. Picnic facilities are available at the third lake; 8 km NW. Leaghur State Park: on the Loddon River flood plain, this peaceful park is a perfect spot for a leisurely walk through the black box woodlands and wetlands; 25 km SW. Murrabit: a historic timber town on the Murray surrounded by picturesque forests, with a country market 1st Sat each month; 27 km N. Quambatook: hosts the Australian Tractor Pull Championship each Easter; 40 km SW. Lake Boga: popular for watersports, with good sandy beaches; 42 km NW. Fishing: Meran, Kangaroo and Charm lakes all offer freshwater fishing; details from visitor centre.

Swan Hill 47 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 150 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

---

Tol Tol 153 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

---

Boyanda 158 km

The red ochre cliff near the Boyanda grape farm is a popular launch site for anglers fishing the Murray River midway between Robinvale and the small horticultural town of Wemen. A track follows the river from Happy... Find out more

---

Robinvale 165 km

We trolled at little more than a fast walking pace, the electric motor giving off a light humming noise. Behind the boat, a couple of large bibbed lures were swimming deep, about a metre off the bottom, their action... Find out more

---

Euston 167 km

Euston began as Boomiarcool Station in 1847, growing into a small township and subsequently a busy inland port, from which a fleet of paddlesteamers and barges transported the consignments of wool and wheat along the... Find out more

---

Dimboola 188 km

At first sight the Wimmera River didn’t look special. Barely flowing, it consisted of sandbars and fallen trees interspersed with shallows and a few deeper holes below the timber. I was fishing with local anglers... Find out more

---

Lake Mulwala 193 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

---

Lake Wartook 199 km

Drought and changes to irrigation have left dry many of Victoria’s former favourite fishing lakes. Drive through the cropping plains of the Wimmera and you come across once-famous lakes, including Toolondo,... Find out more

---

Goulburn River 232 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

---

Indigenous tour - Shepparton 151 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 - Robinvale 165 km

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

---

Indigenous tours, Grampians National Park 201 km

Brambuk, the Grampians National Park and Cultural Centre, houses an Aboriginal cultural centre explaining much of the history and stories associated with the area. There is also a bushfoods cafe, where you can try emu,... Find out more

---

Golden Nugget Discovery Tours, Ballarat 203 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

---

Grampians National Park 219 km

There are many, many reasons to go to this remarkable 1680-square-kilometre national park: its spectacular spring wildflowers, its dramatic cliffs and sandstone features, its bushwalking, the stunning views from its... Find out more

---

Cycling - Murray to the Mountains and High Country Rail Trails 227 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

---

Little Desert National Park 232 km

This park contains one-fifth of all flowering plant species in Victoria. The elusive mallee fowl and rare scrub robin live amid the 600 kilometres of tracks that go out to remote sections of the park near the South... Find out more

---

Wine-tasting - Rutherglen region 232 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

---

Brisbane Ranges National Park 236 km

With a vibrant koala population, this relatively small national park only 80 kilometres west of Melbourne has picnic areas, walking tracks through rocky gorges and a basic camping area.... Find out more

---

Melbourne Zoo 245 km

Melbourne has a choice of two excellent zoos: Melbourne Zoo, with more than 320 species on display; and the 225-hectare open range zoo at Werribee, about 30 minutes drive from the city centre (access from the Princes... Find out more

---

Murray Downs Golf & Country Club Resort 51 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

---

Eynesbury Golf Club 235 km

Some golf courses, Graham Marsh believes, are created not with strategy in mind, but simply with the aim of penalising bad shots. ‘We are pitching golf at a level that is just too difficult,’ he says.... Find out more

---

Holgate Brewhouse 188 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

---

Mildura Brewery 235 km

Breweries pop up in some rather exotic locations but this is the first I’ve encountered in a former cinema. Once known as the Astor Theatre, the main building is a lovely example of Art Deco architecture, which has... Find out more

---

3 Ravens Brewing Company 245 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

---

Foster's Group (Abbotsford Brewery) 250 km

Re-branded as the Foster’s Group in the 21st century, Carlton & United Breweries was formed in 1907 through an amalgamation of the city’s six largest beer-makers: McCrackens City Brewery, Victoria... Find out more

---

Hargreaves Hill Brewing Company 250 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

---

Middle Reedy Lake camping area 8 km

This is one of the 3 freshwater bodies that make up the Reedy Lakes system, which in turn is part of the renowned Kerang Lakes wetlands. Middle Reedy Lake is famous for its extensive ibis rookery, but it also attracts... Find out more

---

Lake Bael Bael camping areas 18 km

Lake Bael Bael is one of the largest of the 50 or so bodies of water that make up the Kerang Lakes, an internationally recognised wetland district. It’s fed by the Avoca River and, in turn, sustains a bewildering... Find out more

---

Lake Meran picnic and camping area 20 km

The only camping area in Leaghur State Park is at the southern end of Lake Meran, at the northern edge of the park. You get here by following the Chamberlain and Lake Meran tracks from the park entrance, and then turning... Find out more

---

The Marshes camping areas 20 km

Though they sound rather unappealing, the marshes in question are in fact significant wetlands with a thriving population of birds; eagles’ nests are scattered throughout the area. There’s dispersed camping... Find out more

---

Guttrum camping area (bush camping) 21 km

Bush camping sites are scattered throughout Guttrum State Forest, where campers while away the hours, and the days, by swimming, canoeing and fishing in the waters of the Murray River. From Koondrook, follow Cassidys La... Find out more

---

Benwell camping area (bush camping) 22 km

Follow Murray Rd from Murrabit township, or Hall or Watsons Lanes from the Koondrook–Murrabit Rd, and you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by river red gums. Fishing in the river is focused on Murray cod and... Find out more

---

Campbells Island State Forest camping areas 24 km

This state forest is about 5 km downstream of Barham via Little Murray Rd off North Barham Rd.... Find out more

---

Koondrook State Forest camping areas 33 km

This is actually the western end of what’s known as Gunbower–Koondrook–Perricoota Forest: Gunbower (soon to be a national park) is on the Victorian side of the border; Perricoota forest is on the... Find out more

---

Gunbower Island camping area (bush camping) 33 km

Only a few of the many bush camping sites on Gunbower Island have any facilities – one to note is the toilet with disabled access near Twin Bridges. Canoeing and swimming in the (often cold) water of the Murray... Find out more

---

Ibis Caravan Park 3 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

---

Lake Boga Caravan Park 40 km

Squeezed between the Murray Valley Highway and the shores of Lake Boga, this is ideal for an overnight stop or a restful few days; sailing, water-skiing and swimming are popular activities. The park has good basic... Find out more

---

Swan Hill Riverside Caravan Park 54 km

Within walking distance to the centre of town, and with large expanses of green lawn and a long frontage to the Murray River, this place boasts a heated pool, undercover barbecues and a well-stocked shop. Bookings are... Find out more

---

BIG4 Swan Hill 57 km

On the northern edge of town, this is a very good quality park that will satisfy the most fastidious traveller. The owner-operated establishment has a range of accommodation and good facilities including a six-hole golf... Find out more

---

Echuca Holiday Park 85 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

---

Balranald Caravan Park 125 km

This is a good, grassy park on the north bank of the Murrumbidgee River within easy walking distance of the town centre. The park, adjacent to the bridge at the east end of town, is easily accessible from the Sturt... Find out more

---

Boomerang Way Tourist Park 149 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 149 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

---

Victoria Lake Holiday Park 152 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 Parklands 153 km

Located on the southern approaches to Shepparton, this park has undergone substantial redevelopment and is now a tourist park with great facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods.... Find out more

---

MillDuck, Harcourt North 135 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

---

Pomponderoo Bush Retreat, Dimboola 190 km

With solar power, rainwater tanks and tree planting to offset carbon emissions, these three self-contained timber cabins are a great accommodation option near the north-eastern edge of Little Desert National Park.... Find out more

---

Grampians Eco YHA 199 km

At this eco-hostel you sleep under roof tiles that are actually solar panels. Any extra power generated is fed back to the electricity grid. The passive solar building, featuring rammed earth walls, also has solar... Find out more

---

Little Desert Nature Lodge, Nhill 218 km

Set on 117 hectares of bushland beside Little Desert National Park, the lodge has 24 rooms with ensuite bathrooms, or 16 bunkrooms with shared facilities. By staying here, you are helping support projects such as the... Find out more

---

Mungo Lodge 237 km

If you want a more up-market alternative, try Mungo Lodge, near Mungo National Park. Owned by Indigenous Business Australia, this has 16 recently refurbished units with ensuites, a windmill and solar panels that supply... Find out more

---

Alto Hotel on Bourke 249 km

Although it is not doing anything radical, this plush hotel on Bourke Street is one of the most ecologically aware in Melbourne, and should be commended for its power-saving measures, garbage sorting, supply of... Find out more

---

Kerang Park Area

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 6 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 8 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

---

Lake Charm Rest Area 19 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

---

Cohuna Park Area 28 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

---

Lake Boga Park Area 41 km

South side of town Large grassed area around a few trees on the shores of the lake. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 27.192 E143 37.695... Find out more

---

Gunbower Park Area 47 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

---

Teddywaddy Rest Area 73 km

23 km SE of Wycheproof (L) or 9 km N of Charlton (R) Small area just off the highway among some trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 12.48 E143 21.35 ... Find out more

---

Wycheproof Park Area 73 km

Middle of town Parking area just off the highway. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 04.44 E143 13.33 ... Find out more

---

Wharparilla Flora Reserve Rest Area 75 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

---

Skinners Flat Rest Area 76 km

26 km SE of Charlton (L) or 4 km NW of Wedderburn (R) Small secluded area located 1 kilometre north of the highway in the scrub on the shores of the reservoir. Good shade. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S36 21.55... Find out more

---

Nyah Park Area 79 km

Middle of town Parking area in the middle of town. Good facilities. GPS: S35 10.547 E143 22.648... Find out more

---

Nyah Rest Area 80 km

North side of town Large grassed area on the riverbank behind the Nyah Sporting Complex. GPS: S35 10.183 E143 22.737... Find out more

---

Wedderburn Park Area 81 km

Opposite the bowls club Small town park just off the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S36 25.04 E143 36.48... Find out more

---

Nyah Camp Area 81 km

T/O at Nyah Large area located well off the highway among the trees on the riverbank in Nyah State Forest. Good shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S35 10.547 E143 22.648... Find out more

---

Berriwillock Park Area 84 km

Middle of town Small town park opposite the hotel on the service road through town. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S35 38.11 E142 59.44... Find out more

---

Ryans Creek Rest Area 85 km

12 km SE Wedderburn (R) or 24 km NW of Bridgewater (L) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S36 29.11 E143 42.57... Find out more

---

Wood Wood Camp Area 87 km

T/O at Wood Wood Large area located just off the highway among trees on the riverbank in Nyah State Forest. Good shade. NOTE: Unsealed access. GPS: S35 06.359 E143 20.952... Find out more

---

Wood Wood Park Area 87 km

Middle of town Large area just off the highway on the riverbank. Good shade. GPS: S35 06.239 E143 20.749... Find out more

---

Wooroonook Lake Camp Area 88 km

T/O at Charlton via Borung Highway Large camp area on shores of the lake 14 kilometres west of Charlton. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 15.37 E143 11.44 ... Find out more

---

Piangil North Rest Area 94 km

92 km S of Robinvale (L) or 44 km N of Swan Hill (R) Small area just off the highway on the riverbank under some large trees. Good shade. GPS: S35 02.585 E143 19.481  ... Find out more

---

Birchip Park Area 95 km

South side of town Small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. Good facilities. GPS: S35 59.23 E142 54.53... Find out more

---

Bridgewater Park Area 96 km

North west side of town via Dunolly Road and Brewery Lane   Large area on the banks of the Loddon River. Good shade. GPS: S36 36.04 E143 56.18   ... Find out more

---

Green Lake Camp Area 98 km

T/O at Sea Lake (R) or Berriwillock (L) Large shady campground located 10 kilometres south of Sea Lake or north west of Berriwillock among numerous large trees on the shores of the lake. Some powered sites available.... Find out more

---

Melville Caves Camp Area 98 km

T/O 29 km SE of Wedderburn (R) or 7 km NW of Bridgewater (L) Large area among the trees in Kooyoora State Park, located 21 kilometres west of Inglewood via Kingpower Road. Good facilities. GPS: S36 36.03 E143... Find out more

---

Piangil West Rest Area 99 km

31 km E of Manangatang (R) or 9 km W of Piangil (L) Large area just off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 03.404 E143 12.977 ... Find out more

---

Sea Lake North Rest Area 104 km

82 km SE of Ouyen (L) or 83 km N of Wycheproof (R) Large open area well off the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S35 27.13 E142 49.46 ... Find out more

---

Aysons Reserve Camp Area 105 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

---

Lake Watchem Camp Area 107 km

T/O 20 km S of Birchip (R) or 34 km N of Donald (L) Large area around a few trees on the edge of the lake 1 kilometre west of Watchem. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S36 08.51 E142 50.52 ... Find out more

---

Willows Camp Area 109 km

T/O 25 km E of Balranald (R) or 108 km W of Hay (L) Large open area set in a natural bush environment 3 kilometres south of the highway in Yanga Conservation Park. NOTE: Access road unsealed. GPS: S34 45.656 E143... Find out more

---