Cultural Offerings

Amongst ancient towering gums, you’ll be inspired, and your soul enlivened as you ponder the works of our community’s talented artists, craftspeople, musicians, performers, architects and artisan traders. Their works tell the stories of River Country — a culture so rich and diverse, you’ll be amazed.

The Backroads Trail

Take a detour off the beaten track and discover the wonder of the Backroads Trail. Meet the locals, taste the home-grown produce, sample the boutique wines and explore our rich cultural, artistic and social heritage. The trail also highlights the close ties farmers have with their land and the innovative ways in which they are working to ensure its sustainability for future generations. The Backroads Trail is located in the rural area north of the Murray River between Barham, Moama, Mathoura and Deniliquin. It’s simple to navigate and offers a true farm gate experience.

Long Paddock Touring Route

This well-known touring experience follows the stock route along the Cobb Highway from Echuca Moama on the Victorian border all the way through to Wilcannia, and the iconic outback towns of Bourke, Broken Hill and White Cliffs.

There are 11 major public artworks along the route, reflecting the heart and soul of our small rural communities. The route also showcases a series of timber sculptures, designed to symbolise the significant economic and social contribution of the timber industry to the region.

The Arts Scene

For centuries, creative minds have found solitude and a place for reflection within River Country, inspired by tall gums, flowing waters and our relaxed way of life. Authors, painters, sculptors, photographers, dancers, actors, artisans and filmmakers have long infused River Country with a tangibly vibrant and diverse arts culture. More than a dozen public galleries display an eclectic mix of work by talented locals and internationally renowned artists. Several artists and artisans across the region open their studios, granting the public a first-hand look at their creative process, even offering courses and hands-on activities to inspire your own creative potential.

History

The pioneering spirit is alive and thriving in the towns and rural communities of River Country.

Heritage buildings are a reminder of the rapid development of our region in the mid-1800s. The booming timber trade, pastoral land, and our proximity to the Murray River led to the development of our bustling communities.

Sites of interest:

• Historic lift bridges of Barham, Swan Hill and Tooleybuc

• Border Flywheelers Heritage Museum

• Mathoura Heritage Trail

• Port of Echuca Discovery Centre

• Moulamein Heritage Village

• Old Moama

Making memories