Swap the Gym for these Nature Trails Made for Sharing

There’s something special about sharing the great outdoors with your besties. Whether it’s the quiet crunch of leaves underfoot, spotting a sleepy koala in river gums or the shared laughter during a ‘taking-it-easy’ bike ride, these moments become cherished memories on a short break with them.

The Sun Country and North of the Murray region offers an awesome choice of trails and natural landscapes perfect for those who are chasing fast, slow, short or long active adventures. Take a look below at what’s on offer here.

Top Trails to Explore with Your Besties

1. Corowa Wetlands and Rail Trail (18km)

• Location: Corowa, NSW.
• Duration: 1.5–3 hours cycling.
• Highlights: This trail meanders through native habitats, bird-breeding areas, and along revegetated riverbanks. It’s ideal for birdwatching, koala spotting and offers opportunities for bushwalking, fishing, and recreational boating.

2. Yarrawonga to Burramine Cycling Trail

• Location: Yarrawonga, VIC.
• Duration: 1–2 hours cycling.
• Highlights: A 13.5km sealed path connecting Yarrawonga with the historical Byramine Homestead.

3. Chinamans Island Walking Track

• Location: Yarrawonga, VIC.
• Duration: 1 hour walking.
• Highlights: A gentle walk featuring abundant birdlife and picturesque views of Lake Mulwala. It’s a favourite among locals for its tranquillity and natural and provides a scenic course for the weekly Parkrun.

4. Nathalia Botanical Walk

• Location: Nathalia, VIC.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes walking.
• Highlights: This short walk showcases a variety of native plants and offers a peaceful setting for a leisurely stroll.

5. Federation Track

• Location: Spanning from Sydney to Adelaide.
• Duration: Varies; sections can be explored as day hikes.
• Highlights: This extensive bushwalking route covers diverse landscapes, including native bushland, river views and historic towns. It’s suitable for both day walks and extended hiking adventures.

6. National Memorial WAAAF Creek Walk

• Location: Tocumwal, NSW.
• Duration: 30-45 minutes.
• Highlights: This enjoyable creek sidewalk is lined with interpretive signage that honours and celebrates the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Airforce story. Learn about this underrepresented piece of Australis’s service history while enjoying the tranquil surrounds.

7. Kinnairds Wetlands Walking/Cycling Track

• Location: Numurkah.
• Duration: 30 minutes – 1 hour walking.
• Highlights: A peaceful, easy walk or bike ride through wetlands with scenic views, birdwatching, and local wildlife.

What makes walks here uniquely different?

Walking, hiking, and biking in the Sun Country and North of the Murray region offers a distinctly unique experience compared to other places along the Murray River. Here are a few we like to secretly boast about.

1. See more of our Nature Gems in a Small Area

Unlike other stretches of the Murray region that can have long, flat floodplains or dense forest, our region offers a compact mix of riverbank trails, native bushland, lakeside paths, wetlands, and rural backroads — often within minutes of each other.

You can easily fit a wetland birdwatching walk, a bushland hike, and a scenic river ride into the same weekend or mid-week short break.

2. Trails for all Types of Active Types

Our paths, trails and bike-ways offer the active buffet choice for the ‘let’s take it easy’ casual walkers and the all-out adrenaline adventure seeking trail-goers, thanks to:

• Maintained bike paths like the Yarrawonga to Burramine Cycling Trail.
• Leisurely walks like the Chinamans Island Track.
• Challenging day rides or extended routes like the Corowa to Wahgunyah Trail.
• The accessibility and signage are well developed here to help our visitors easily navigate the area.

3. We’ve got Lakeside, Riverside and Wetland Covered

Not every section of the Murray offers the proximity to major lakes like Lake Mulwala or the surrounding wetlands. This creates a unique active experience, where you can:

• Walk alongside open lake water at sunrise,
• Watch pelicans and ibis feed in wetlands, and
• Then duck into shady red gum woodlands, all on the same route.

4. Laid-Back Country Feels, Tastes and Sights

Trails here wind and flow in and around our welcoming country towns like Yarrawonga, Corowa, and Mulwala. You’re never far from:

• A country bakery or café for a mid-ride or walk break,
• Local galleries, wineries, and produce stores to pop in along the way, and
• Riverside pubs with outdoor seating after a long day on the trail,
• This makes the whole experience more social, comfortable, and inviting than remote or heavily touristed areas upstream or downstream.

5. Less Crowds, More Space, Happy Days

Compared to super popular areas of the Murray, (like Mildura or Echuca), the trails here often feel peaceful and spacious. You’re more likely to be greeted by a local out walking their dog than lost in a crowd. Being outdoors here is a tad more intimate and natural connection with the landscape and those you’re sharing your short break with.

6. Move Through Nature and Cultural Heritage

The region features interpretive signage, Indigenous cultural sites, and historical remnants like old railway bridges. These all bring an immersive depth to your walk or ride, you’re not just moving through nature, but through stories and history.

7. Wonder at Nature’s Wonders Along our Trails

• Birdlife: The region is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with species like kookaburras, galahs, little Corellas and pelicans commonly sighted.
• Flora: Trails often wind through areas rich in native flora, including our beautifully iconic River Red Gum forests, grasslands and seasonal wildflower meadows.
• Waterways: Many paths run adjacent to the Murray River and its tributaries, offering serene water views and the soothing sounds of flowing water.

Winter Walking Essentials Tips

What to Wear

• Layered Clothing: Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating middle layer, and finish with a waterproof outer layer. Whilst it does warm up in the day, it is best to be prepared.
• Warm Accessories: Don’t forget gloves, a beanie, and a scarf to protect against the chill – even in early spring.
• Footwear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip are essential for slippery or uneven terrain.

What to Take

• Backpack: A comfortable pack to carry essentials.
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated, even in cooler temperatures.
• Snacks: High-energy snacks like nuts, dried fruit, or energy bars.
• Navigation Tools: Phone, map, compass, or GPS device.
• First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries.
• Torch/Headlamp: Essential if there’s any chance you’ll be out after dark.

Plan Your Adventure Before Setting Out

• Check Trail Conditions: Ensure trails are open and safe, especially after adverse weather.
• Inform Someone: Let someone know your plans and expected return time e.g. where you’re staying.
• Respect Nature: Stick to marked paths, carry out all rubbish, and be mindful of wildlife.

For more information on trails and planning your trip, visit the Moira Shire, Federation Council and Berrigan Shire Council websites.

Head out and Create Unforgettable Moments

Hanging out with your besties on our trails isn’t just about being active; it’s the shared experiences. The spontaneous photo ops, the collective awe at a stunning vista, the shared silence as you take in the natural beauty — all these contribute to memories that last a lifetime.

Whether you’re conquering a challenging hike or enjoying a leisurely bike ride, these moments strengthen bonds and provide stories to reminisce about for years to come.