VISIT AND EXPLORE RIVER COUNTRY

Beautifully framed by waterways and native bushland, Murray River Council is home to a vibrant mix of riverside communities where relaxed country living and modern-day indulgence collide.

Known as River Country, you can step off the beaten track and unearth an exhilarating world of award-winning wineries, restaurants, coffee shops, golf courses, artisan stores, clubs, touring routes, cycling trails, walking tracks and homegrown festivals in the Murray River Council region. Discover a more relaxed rhythm of life with morning bushwalks, river swims, evening sunsets and campfires. The locals have put together a series of suggested itineraries for visitors to ensure they get a taste of what the region has to offer, which includes the Wakool Murray Trail. Beginning in the Riverina’s oldest town, Moulamein, this trail follows the Edward River west to Kyalite before winding south through Tooleybuc and Koraleigh, and then following the Murray River to Murray Downs outside Swan Hill. Covering a distance of 147km, the driving time is just under two hours. But leave yourself a full day to explore the attractions at each stop.

Morning in Moulamein

Start your adventure with coffee and cake at the Moulamein Art Gallery, which is open Thursdays and Fridays, or by appointment. There’s always something interesting in the gallery, which features art and craft from local artists. From there, it’s just a minute’s stroll to the old Moulamein Wharf and nearby restored courthouse, where you can see and read about Moulamein’s vital role in the establishment of river trade across the entire Riverina region.

Kyalite – two huge drawcards

Head west on the Kyalite Rd for about 40 minutes, and you’re in the small town of Kyalite — where the Edward River meets the Wakool River, just a couple of kilometres from the Murray. Kyalite, known as Wakool Crossing until 1927, has been a popular draw card for years due to two things: the pub and the fish. The Kyalite pub is a local watering hole, community centre, general store and museum. Stop by for supplies and enjoy a chat with the locals. If you left your fishing gear at home, supplies are available for purchase here too. Many people will declare, hand on heart, that the very best fishing anywhere in River Country is right here. Ask around for tips on where they’re biting, and head out for a few glorious hours at the water’s edge.

Tooleybuc and the timber truss

Head south on Yanga Way and you’ll be in Tooleybuc in 15 minutes. Pop by the Tooleybuc Sports Club to see the Giant Mallee Root (the biggest stump in NSW and second largest in the world according to the Guinness World Records), and learn all about the rare and endangered Dinosaur Ant. The Tooleybuc Bridge crossing the Murray River to Victoria is also worth a visit. It’s a timber truss and steel lift-span bridge of technical significance for its sophisticated design and construction. It is still in operation.

Koraleigh lunch break

It’s less than 20 minutes to Koraleigh, following the Murray south towards Nyah. About half-way there, look out for a sign to the Koraleigh Ring Tree on the right-hand side of the road. Part of the ancient customs of the Wadi Wadi people of the area, rings are formed by binding and training branches to grow in a ring shape over time. Ring trees marked boundaries and other important sites. This rare example is a large tree standing 10m from the road. In Koraleigh, stop off at the General Store for a massive, unforgettable burger. You may never eat again.

Ferry across the Murray

From Koraleigh head south to Speewa and take the ferry across back into Victoria. The Speewa Ferry is one of only two cable ferries to cross the Murray River between New South Wales and Victoria. The ferry operates daily although times can vary on different days. Check with NSW Roads and Maritime Services for operating hours.

Murray Downs golf

Work off some of those carbed-up kilojoules with a round of golf at one of Australia’s most spectacular courses. The Murray Downs Golf and Country Club is an award winning 18-hole championship golf course open every day of the year, and serving bistro and café meals every day. Tee off for a lazy nine holes or an invigorating 18, and grab a drink and light snack after your round. If golf isn’t your thing, Swan Hill is just 15 minutes away, and features the impressive Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery as well as the famous Pioneer Settlement, which is a favourite for kids.

Continue your journey

If you’re keen to continue exploring River Country, take the Murray Meander Trail alongside the river southeast to Barham. If you follow the trail in reverse order and finish up in Moulamein, keep heading through the heart of the Riverina east on the Edward River Trail to Mathoura and Picnic Point.

Photo courtesy @visitrivercountry

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