Eat, drink and be merry ON THE MURRAY

Feast on the riches of one of Australia’s most important food bowls on a road trip

Named after the mighty river that flows through this southwest area of New South Wales, the Murray isn’t all about those iconic paddle steamers and Federation (although of course they’re both worth celebrating).

A road trip through this area and you’ll quickly realise it’s also a culinary and cultural playground: stop by farm gates to sample incredible fresh produce, dine at chic restaurants and bars, and explore impressive museums and galleries.

Take the back roads for secret gourmet treats

Head off the beaten path along The Backroads Trail, a 250-km route, taking in the small pastoral towns of Barham, Moama, Mathoura and Deniliquin on the upper reaches of the Murray River, and sink your teeth into the freshest produce. Olives, avocados, free-range pork, honey and citrus fruit from farm gates along its loops and trails will delight and taste the region’s wines at vineyards such as Restdown Wines. While visiting the winery, venture out along the Restdown Wetland Walk to encounter Aboriginal cooking hearths and an old sheep camp.

Cruise along to The Old School Winery & Meadery in Womboota to pick up wine, pottery and honey mead. Or seek out Ivy Joyce in Barham to indulge in a warm space, offering local produce from farms for a truly paddock-to-plate experience in the heart of Murray River country. For more snacks and meaty fare such as British-style pork pies and sausages, head to Pacdon Park’s factory shop in Moama.

Wine and dine along the river

Embark on a wine tour by water in Moama where the first steamboats made their way up the Murray in 1853. Head to Morrisons Riverview Winery for a leisurely lunch, or drive along the river, stopping in at Three Black Sheep for risotto and woodfired pizzas, and taste crisp dry whites and full-flavoured reds at St Anne’s Winery, where you can nibble on a cheese platter overlooking a scenic lake.

Head east along the riverside roads to rest and recharge in the town of Tocumwal, known for its riverside beaches, golf courses, glider flying and iconic Big Murray Cod statue. Start the following day with a solid foundation of breakfast pizza (topped with bacon, eggs and a hash brown) at The Old Bank and indulge in a scoop of ice-cream or sorbet from Tocumwal Ice

Creamery—flavours include rocky road, green apple and macadamia. If you’re in town on a Saturday, pick up honey, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, dressings and other condiments made by local producers at the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets.

Continue your odyssey along the river to Corowa, the birthplace of the Australian Federation. Immerse in the town’s rich turn-of-the-20th-century colonial heritage as you make your way to the former 1920s flour mill housing Corowa Distilling Co. Here, you can book a whisky tasting and buy locally made chocolates and sweets from sister shop Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory. Work off an indulgent afternoon with a walk along the river before settling into the stylish Circa 1936 hotel, which is housed in a former bank on the main street of Corowa.

Celebrate regional ingredients in Albury

From Corowa, follow the Riverina Highway eastward to the city of Albury, a food, wine and culture hub. Taste how seasonality and locality are expressed at The Proprietor, a former butcher shop turned cafe offering brunch treats such as fruit toast with Beechworth honey and whipped ricotta, and banana waffles with Gundowring vanilla ice-cream. Or try the all-day breakfast offering at Mr Benedict, from cheesy bacon waffle with popcorn chicken to one of its signature eggs benedicts, including one with cider-braised ham hock.

At The River Deck restaurant, local ingredients are celebrated alongside stunning river views, and dishes may include chicken Caesar salad with Milawa eggs or beef brisket braised in coffee by Albury roaster The Brothers Cup. At tiny and elegant Bistro Selle, complement warm Gooramadda olives with a buttery Australian chardonnay and fresh market fish. Yardbird offers a bold-flavoured menu featuring dishes like scorched Albacore tuna, along with meats grilled in a Spanish woodfired oven.

In between meals, stroll along the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and take in the contemporary artworks by Aboriginal artists that line the Wagirra Trail. Meander through the Murray Art Museum Albury’s contemporary photographic collection, Aboriginal art and works by renowned Australian artist Sir Russell Drysdale. Afterwards, order lunch or dinner at the museum’s excellent Canvas Eatery—try the saltbush lamb rump or one of their Neapolitan-style pizzas.