Kids, Kangaroos & Canoes: The Ultimate Murray River Family Adventure

There’s a stretch along the Murray River where the sun dances on the water, towns wave you in with country charm, and time seems to slow just enough to let you breathe it all in. In the Sun Country & North of the Murray region, family getaways are less about ticking off attractions and more about collecting moments, those rare, golden minutes when your child spots a kangaroo or koala in the wild, laughs mid-canoe paddle, or races down a bush trail with muddy shoes and bright eyes.

Here, families are invited to connect, play, learn, and simply ‘be together’. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows under a starlit sky, exploring riverside bike tracks, or splashing along the banks of Lake Mulwala, this is a place made for memory-making.

Camping Escapes that Ground You

Kyffins Reserve – Lake Mulwala, NSW

Wake to the sounds of water birds and the ripple of lake waves at Kyffins Reserve. This free, unpowered camping area just outside Mulwala is a hidden gem, offering an unbeatable lakeside location with shady gums, wide- open space for kids to roam, and plenty of quiet night- sky for stargazing. Nearby, Forges Beach 1 is another peaceful riverside spot loved by campers and anglers. For those preferring a roof overhead, Yarrawonga Holiday Park and Airtree Resort offer family- friendly comforts, while The Paddock at Ulupna and Wakiti Creek Resort provide a nature- based escape with a touch of country charm. Bring your kayaks, bikes, and fishing rods and leave with a refreshed sense of wonder.

Urana Aquatic Centre & Caravan Park – Urana, NSW

A tranquil, family-friendly spot where lake swims and casual barbecues come standard. The caravan park is adjacent to the lake and town pool, with safe swimming spots, a jetty for jumping, and shaded areas ideal for lazy afternoons.

Wildlife Spotting Adventures

Barmah National Park – Barmah, VIC

Home to the world’s largest river red gum forest, Barmah National Park offers the thrill of spotting kangaroos, emus, and over 200 species of birds. Take the Dharnya Nature Walk with the kids; it’s flat, easy, and peppered with interpretive signs. Echidnas sometimes make guest appearances, and you might spot a koala snoozing in the canopy. For a different perspective, hop aboard Kingfisher Cruises and glide through the wetlands while learning about the park’s incredible ecology.

Urana Nature Reserve – Urana, NSW

Located beside the Urana Aquatic Centre, this reserve is great for self-guided wildlife exploration. It features wetlands, reeds, and woodland areas home to parrots, swamp hens, and wallabies.

Walking & Biking Trails with Big Payoffs

Quinns Island Wetland Sanctuary – Cobram, VIC

A peaceful riverside escape, Quinns Island Wetland Sanctuary features flat, family-friendly walking trails perfect for nature strolls and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for swans, spoonbills, and the occasional kangaroo, and make use of the picnic area for a relaxed bush lunch.

Yarrawonga Mulwala Foreshore Walk – Yarrawonga Mulwala, VIC – NSW

This peaceful lakeside path offers something for everyone. The VIC side is paved and stroller-friendly, ideal for pram walks, scooters, or slow family strolls. Cross to the NSW side for wider, open stretches perfect for bike rides with older kids. Keep an eye out for ducks, pelicans, and cruise boats gliding across the water.

Barmah Lake Loop – Barmah, VIC

A 5 km circuit walk that loops through lakeside forest, where kangaroos regularly graze and waterbirds skim the lake surface. It’s a fantastic trail for slightly older children who enjoy a bit of a bushwalk.

National Memorial WAAAF Creek Walk – Tocumwal, NSW

The National Memorial WAAAF Creek Walk is an enjoyable creek sidewalk lined with interpretive signage that honours and celebrates the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Airforce story that inspires pride sparks new interest in an underrepresented piece of Australis’s service history.

The trailhead stands as an impressive art installation that makes a great statement about the women and their dedication to protecting the country.

Museums Where Curiosity Comes Alive

Corowa Federation Museum – Corowa, NSW

Step into Australia’s political roots at this charming museum in the “Birthplace of Federation.” With old machinery, historical documents, and interactive displays, it’s a surprising hit with kids who love stories about “how things used to be.”

Barmah Forest Heritage and Education Centre – Nathalia, VIC

This centre brings the history and biodiversity of the Murray River region to life. From Aboriginal cultural exhibits to forest ecology and water management displays, it’s hands- on learning that sparks questions long after the visit. . Don’t miss the incredible 3D floor, kids (and grown-ups) will love walking across it as the forest comes alive beneath their feet.

The Tocumwal Aviation Museum

The Tocumwal Aviation Museum offers an engaging and educational experience for families, blending Australia’s rich aviation history with interactive exhibits. Located at the historic Tocumwal Aerodrome, the museum features vintage aircraft, informative displays, and a cinema showcasing wartime footage. Children and adults alike can explore the evolution of flight, making it an ideal destination for family outings.

The Big Strawberry – Koonoomoo, VIC

A must-stop for families cruising the Murray region, The Big Strawberry in Koonoomoo serves up more than just berry treats. Snap a photo with the giant strawberry out front, then head inside for interpretive displays, strawberry pancakes, jams, and ice cream. Kids can hit the indoor playground, while grown- ups check out the quirky man cave. Strawberry picking is seasonal, but always fun.

Chrysties Classic’s and Collectibles Museum – Tocumwal, NSW

Just outside Tocumwal, Chrysties Classics and Collectibles Museum is a nostalgic wonderland for all ages. Wander among vintage cars, rusty tractors, retro caravans, and quirky Australiana across 1.8 hectares. It’s part museum, part time capsule, and a worthwhile detour for families, road-trippers, and curious minds with time to explore.

Corowa Federation Museum – Corowa, NSW

Step into the Corowa Federation Museum and explore Australia’s journey to nationhood. Located in the historic Border Brass Band Hall, the museum showcases the pivotal 1893 Corowa Conference that earned the town its title as the ‘Birthplace of Federation.’ Discover exhibits featuring local Aboriginal artefacts, Tommy McRae’s evocative sketches, and a replica of Tom Roberts’ iconic ‘Shearing the Rams’ painting. With displays of vintage farm equipment, historical clothing, and a 1929 Model A Ford, it’s a captivating stop for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.

Byramine Homestead – Burramine, VIC

Step back in time at Byramine Homestead, built in 1842 by explorer Hamilton Hume. Wander through its unique octagonal rooms, designed for bushranger defence, and stroll beneath Victoria’s oldest elm trees. After the tour, relax with a ploughman’s lunch and sample boutique beers, ciders, and wines brewed on-site. It’s a charming blend of history, hospitality, and countryside calm.

Water Play & Aquatic Adventures

Cruises on Lake Mulwala – Mulwala, NSW & Yarrawonga, VIC

Cooler months are perfect for slow, scenic cruising on Lake Mulwala. Hop aboard the MV Paradise Queen for a gentle glide, experience old-world charm on the PS Cumberoona, or explore the wetlands with Kingfisher Cruises. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the lake’s beauty- no splash required, just stories, views, and crisp river air.

Cobram Lagoon & Thompsons Beach – Cobram, VIC

This riverbend location boasts one of the largest inland beaches in Australia. Families flock here with picnic baskets, beach toys, and paddleboards. Nearby, shaded spots under the gums and designated picnic areas with tables and BBQs make it easy to settle in for a long, lazy lunch by the water.

Howlong Swimming Pool & Riverfront – Howlong, NSW

A great mix of pool and natural water fun, the Howlong riverfront offers safe paddling areas and grassy banks, while the town’s public pool provides waterslides and splash zones that keep kids entertained for hours.

Truly Unique Wonder Treats

Cactus Country – Strathmerton

Step into a desert wonderland at Cactus Country in Strathmerton, where families can explore 12 acres of giant cacti and succulents from around the world. Wander themed trails, snap fun family photos, and enjoy cactus ice cream at the café. It’s a vibrant, quirky adventure in the heart of the Murray region, perfect for kids and curious explorers alike.

Bullanginya Dreaming – Barooga

Nestled along the tranquil banks of Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga, NSW, Bullanginya Dreaming offers a deeper journey into the region’s Indigenous heritage. This immersive experience is set against a mesmerizing laser light show that blends Bangerang cultural insights with the forces of light, water, and fire.

As you walk through the night-time track, you’ll encounter captivating installations that celebrate the deep connection between the land, local flora, fauna, and Indigenous traditions. More than just a visual experience, it fosters cultural empowerment, inviting visitors to connect with the rich heritage of the region and creating moments of understanding and appreciation.

Markets, Treats & Family Feasts

Cobram Lions Market – Federation Park, Cobram, VIC

Held monthly, this friendly market is a haven of handmade crafts, delicious eats, and live music. Kids can grab fairy floss or a face paint while parents browse jams and local produce.

The Beach Café – Cobram, VIC

With relaxed outdoor seating right near the river and a kids’ menu to please even the fussiest eaters, this is a favourite family stop. They even host occasional live music on weekends.

Royal Hotel – Corowa, NSW

Classic country pub charm meets kid-friendly fare at the Royal, which offers outdoor dining, a well-equipped kids’ room, and the kind of warm welcome that makes you feel like a local.

Blacksmith Provedore – Mulwala, NSW

Families love the sprawling lawn, casual outdoor tables, and pizzas straight from the wood-fired oven. It’s the perfect sunset dinner spot after a day on the lake.

Events & Celebrations Worth Travelling For

North of the Murray Event Series

Throughout the year, North of the Murray towns like Mulwala, Urana, and Corowa host family-friendly events: think twilight markets, carols by the river, and multicultural food fests. These aren’t just events-they’re community moments where kids can dance barefoot on the lawn and parents share a drink under string lights.

Bike, Paddle, Camp, Repeat for Family Magic

It’s not the WIFI signal that keeps kids entertained here, it’s skipping stones on the riverbank, the feel of paddleboard wobble, or the thrill of spotting a wild emu in the trees. In Moira Shire and North of the Murray, every day offers a chance to reconnect not just with nature, but with each other.

So, pack a few snacks, forget your itinerary, and let the rhythm of this riverland lead you. Because here, the moments you remember won’t be from a screen, they’ll be the ones you lived fully, spotting a koala, winding your way along a nature trail, or curled up beside a crackling fire with stars blinking overhead.