Leap Into Adventure: The Call of the Outdoors

It’s the quiet crunch of gravel under bike tyres in the early morning. The steam rising from a lake as your paddle slices through still water. The thrill of a windswept trail, the calm of a riverside cast, and the laughter echoing across wide-open spaces.

In winter and spring, the regions of Sun Country and North of the Murray become a canvas for adventure-where nature is crisp and alive, and every moment outdoors is a memory in the making. It’s a time when the crowds thin, the air sharpens, and you have room to move, explore, and breathe deeply. Nature is at its most authentic-and for active souls, that’s where the magic lies.

Paddle into Peace: Cool Season Kayaking & Canoeing

Lake Mulwala – Yarrawonga-Mulwala

When the lake is calm and morning mist hovers above the surface, a quiet paddle becomes something unforgettable. Kayak or canoe through the eerie silhouettes of red gum trees standing sentinel in the water. Glide along tranquil waterways where pelicans perch and reflections shimmer. The cold air invigorates, but the moment – just you, the lake, and silence is soul-stirring.

Murray River

Tracing the quiet bends of the Murray River offers more than just adventure, it gifts you moments that stay with you. Launch from Yarrawonga for misty morning serenity or explore the rich red gum forests near Bundalong where the river whispers its timeless stories.

In Barmah National Park, glide through the world’s largest river red gum forest – water, light, and silence weaving a perfect escape. Every dip of your paddle carries you further into nature, into memory, into calm.

Where to Grab a Paddle: Your Go-To Spots for Hiring All the Gear You Need

Murray SUP – Tocumwal, NSW & Cobram, VIC

Glide into river life with Murray SUP in Tocumwal — your go-to for paddleboards, canoes, kayaks, and tubes, perfect for family fun and water adventures on the Murray. Whether you’re after a relaxing float or a core-strengthening paddle, they offer gear hire, lessons, and a handy shuttle service to make it all smooth sailing (or paddling).

Explore calm stretches of river framed by majestic red gums, spot birdlife along the way, and enjoy the freedom to paddle at your own pace. With options for all skill levels, Murray SUP is a fun and flexible way to experience the natural beauty of the Murray River.

Cobram Adventure Co, Cobram VIC

Cobram Adventure Co makes it easy to explore the Murray River at your own pace. They hire out kayaks and stand up paddle boards so that you can immerse yourself in the beautiful surrounds spotting the local wildlife and enjoying the serenity while making fun memories. They provide options for families, schools and groups of all sizes.

Cobram Barooga Canoe Club, Cobram, VIC

For those who like their paddling with a side of community, the Cobram Barooga Canoe Club is a great local option. They host regular paddles and social events, and members can access a range of canoes and kayaks. It’s a relaxed way to meet locals and get out on the water.

River Country Adventours, Barmah VIC

Discover the beauty of Barmah’s waterways with River Country Adventours’ guided canoe and kayak tours. Paddle through the world’s largest river red gum forest, spotting wildlife and learning about the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage. With calm waters and expert guides, it’s an accessible and enriching experience for nature lovers of all ages.

Slow Travel on the River: Relaxed, Scenic Cruising that’s All About Soaking Up the View

MV Paradise Queen – Yarrawonga, VIC

With its upper deck views and laid-back vibe, the MV Paradise Queen is a relaxing way to explore Lake Mulwala. Sit back with a drink, enjoy the commentary, and watch the scenery drift by. Kids love spotting pelicans; adults love the licensed bar. Check ahead-cruises run most days, but times vary with the seasons.

PS Cumberoona – Yarrawonga, VIC

Step aboard the PS Cumberoona, a lovingly restored paddle steamer offering a slice of river history. Cruise Lake Mulwala at a gentle pace, with steam engine sounds and stories of the Murray. There’s food, drinks, and plenty of space for families to spread out and relax. A great option year-round, especially in the cooler months.

Kingfisher Cruises – Barmah, VIC

For something slower and more serene, Kingfisher Cruises glides along the Murray River and Barmah Lakes. It’s all about birdsong, reflections, and local knowledge, with expert guides explaining the wetlands’ cultural and ecological significance. A peaceful way to see the world’s largest river red gum forest-ideal in cooler seasons when the forest comes alive.

Lake Mulwala Barby Boats – Yarrawonga-Mulwala

Fire up the grill and set sail with Lake Mulwala Barby Boats – where cruising and cooking go hand in hand. These floating BBQ pontoons are perfect for a relaxed day on the water with family or friends. No boat licence needed, just good food, great company, and the calm of Lake Mulwala all around.

River Country Adventours – Kyabram, VIC

Since 1993, River Country Adventours has been guiding paddlers along the Goulburn and Murray Rivers. Their canoe and kayak safaris range from relaxed half-day floats to multi-day camping expeditions, with gear, maps, and shuttle support included. Whether you’re after a solo nature escape or a family-friendly river journey, they make it easy to unplug and explore.

Go at Your Own Pace: Scenic Routes Perfect for Self-Guided Paddling

Murray River Canoe Trails

For those with their own canoe or kayak, the Murray River Canoe Trails offer serene, self-guided paddling through ancient red gum forests and winding river bends. The 17.4km route from Picnic Point to Barmah Lakes is a favourite, with easy water access and stunning scenery. It’s a quiet, immersive way to explore the river at your own pace.

Jet into Spring Energy

When the sun returns in spring, Lake Mulwala bursts back to life. Jet skiers and wakeboarders take to the open water, reigniting the lake’s pulse. For thrill-seekers, this is your moment: crisp mornings give way to sun-drenched afternoons perfect for carving across the water’s surface or learning something new at local ski schools.

Cycling through the Seasons

Chinaman’s Island Trail – Yarrawonga

This is one of the most rewarding morning rides in the region. Its 2km loop lets you roll beside wetlands alive with birdlife and wildflowers coming into bloom. In winter, the landscape is raw and wild; by spring, it’s bursting with colour. Either way, you’ll return refreshed – and maybe even reflective from its experience.

Kinnairds Wetlands – Numurkah

Winter rains awaken this wetland haven. Cyclists and walkers can trace trails weaving through regenerating woodlands and still ponds. In spring, the track blooms with new life – dragonflies, frogs, wild orchids. You’re not just moving through nature here – you’re moving with it.

Fresh Air on Foot: Riverside & Bushland Walks

Station Street Wetlands – Numurkah

A peaceful boardwalk trail that’s particularly enchanting in the cooler months. Stroll past pools ringed with reeds, where the early morning light catches droplets of dew and resident birds fluff their feathers against the cold. Short, sweet, and ideal for mindful movement.

Corowa Lagoon & River Walks

The Murray River slows in winter, and so do you. But there’s joy in that pace. Walk the riverside trails wrapped in a jacket, coffee in hand, and breathe in the earthy scent of eucalyptus and rain-washed soil. These are the kind of walks that clear your mind and calm your spirit.

Nature-Play and Energy-Burning for Families

Purtle Park Adventure Playground, Yarrawonga-Mulwala

Even in cooler weather, this spot delivers. Kids burn off energy at the adventure playground while you take in views of the lake, warm drink in hand. Spring’s milder days make it perfect for family cycling or impromptu picnics on sun-warmed lawns. The park is also all-abilities accessible, making it an inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.

Bangerang Park – Corowa

In spring, this central parkland blooms – literally and figuratively. Let the kids run free while you enjoy a brisk walk under budding trees or kick off your shoes and stretch out on the grass. Every moment spent outdoors here feels like a little exhale.

Tocumwal Splashpark – Tocumwal, NSW

Right on the Tocumwal Foreshore, this aviation-and-agriculture-themed splash park is a hit with kids of all ages. Little ones love the interactive stream with irrigation gates to open and close, while big kids race between spray circles and surprise water dumps. It’s cool, clever, and perfect for a summer afternoon.

Federation Park, Cobram-Barooga

Federation Park is a great family stop with plenty of shady space to stretch out and let the kids roam. Located near Cobram’s town centre, it’s perfect for a picnic, play, or quick leg-stretch. There’s a playground, BBQs, and grassy areas to kick a ball or relax under the trees.

Barooga Adventure Playground, Cobram-Barooga

Barooga Adventure Playground is all about fun in the open air. There’s space to run, explore, and play, plus BBQs if you’re staying for lunch. Kids will love the quad swing, kinder playhouse, and in-ground trampolines-four of them! It’s a relaxed, family-friendly spot with something for little ones and big kids alike.

Memorial Park – Howlong

Nestled along the Murray, this charming park blends natural beauty with a touch of whimsy. Stroll through peaceful riverside gardens, pause by the enchanting hut, and enjoy the calming sounds of native birdlife. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet wander or a family picnic surrounded by nature and imagination.

River Rhythms: Fishing & Quiet Boating

As river levels rise in winter, no irrigation water required, fishing becomes both relaxing and rewarding. The Murray River and Lake Mulwala offer prime spots for landing a golden perch (yellow belly) or the elusive Murray Cod.

For boaters, this is your season: quiet boat ramps, glassy waterways, and crisp air that heightens every sensation. Take a moment to sit back in the tinny, rod in hand, and notice the way the world slows down around you.

Spring Bloom Adventures

Riverside Wildflowers & Birdwatching

With the first warm days of spring come bursts of wildflowers and the return of native birds. The region’s parks and wetlands become vibrant sanctuaries for photographers and nature-lovers alike.

Bring your binoculars to Kinnairds Wetland or the Corowa Lagoon. Find a riverside trail and breathe in the scent of wattle and fresh-cut grass. These tiny signs of renewal speak volumes.

The bird hides at Berrigan Government Tank Paddock Reserve are perfect for quiet wildlife spotting. Set among native bushland, they offer a peaceful perch to watch local birdlife without disturbing the scene.

Corowa Wetlands – Whitehead Street

Tucked away near Whitehead Street, the Corowa Wetlands are a hidden gem for springtime explorers. Native grasses sway beside blooming wildflowers, while dragonflies skim the water’s surface. It’s a peaceful place to spot spoonbills, herons and other waterbirds enjoying the season’s renewal.

Cycling through the Seasons

Link towns and trails together, with longer cycling journeys between Yarrawonga-Mulwala and Corowa. Farm gates, cellar doors, and bushland detours make each ride uniquely yours. By spring, even the breeze seems to carry promise.

Corowa Mulwala Cycle Trail

The Corowa Mulwala Cycle Trail is a family-friendly 43km trail that skirts the northern bank of the Murray River and Lake Mulwala, linking the towns of Corowa and Mulwala. The sealed, flat trail is bookended by lovely town boardwalks that attract locals and visitors to the waterfront. In Corowa, the boardwalk is off Bridge Road on the riverbank. The boardwalk across Lake Mulwala is a half hour ride from central Mulwala.

Corowa Wetlands and Rail Trail

Experience part of Australia’s Federation history along this 18km trail journey. Using some of the existing network of trails and roads, this is a fantastic adventure for all the family. Highlights include the Corowa Wetlands area, the acres of natural growth at Billy Buttons, and wildlife including brolgas that breed on the site.

Moments You Can Feel

Here, adventure isn’t just about the physical, it’s about how it makes you feel. The early morning chill on your skin. The way your breath fogs in the winter air. The adrenaline after a fast ride or a hard paddle. The warmth of the sun on your back as spring starts to unfurl.

In Sun Country and North of the Murray, the seasons don’t limit adventure, they redefine it. So, lace up your hiking boots. Load up the bikes. Pack the rods, paddles, or picnic gear. And come find your next moment – the kind that means everything.