Murraylands - Home in a houseboat

As the Murray River flows towards the ocean it nurtures the land. Discover these rich farmlands: buy fresh eggs, tomatoes, onions, fruit and more from roadside stalls, wine from Willow Point Wines and picnic in the shade of a river red gum. In the 19th century paddle-steamers plied the waters. Today you can join one for a cruise or hire your own houseboat and take your time floating between the honey-coloured, sandstone cliffs and grassy banks.

Enjoy breakfast while the morning mist rises, and cocktails at each fiery sunset. Stop at a historic river town to learn its history in the local museum. Find an old hotel with views over the river for a beer and plate of fresh fish. Hire a line and fish for the famous Murray cod or net a few yabbies. Venture further afield to the mallee country and witness native scrub battling with the elements to survive. Enjoy a Big Bend by Night Eco Tour, dining alfresco on a barbecue feast and travelling into the bush to spot kangaroos, wombats and other native animals. Take a four-wheel drive into the Ngarkat group of conservation parks and discover the great variety of native plants and animals – there are wildflowers in spring and bird life to watch all year round. Discover endangered native animals at the world-renowned Yookamurra Earth Sanctuary. Spend time at the magical Coorong, a spectacular national park where the 100 kilometre-long saline lagoon is home to thousands of birds and the breeding ground of migratory species from as far away as Siberia. Ferry across to the sand dunes of Younghusband Peninsula to dip your toes in the Southern Ocean. Discover a region rich in history, agriculture, wetlands and Aborig

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Country accommodation

Travellers can find a warm welcome at homestead accommodation on expansive grazing properties, in cosy heritage cottages or bed and breakfasts. The awesome scenery makes for an enjoyable stay.

Murray farming

Agriculture is vital to the Big River Country. There are dozens of citrus and fruit orchards, vast vineyards and acres of rich dairy country. Many travellers find seasonal work fruit and grape picking.

The elusive mallee fowl

The ragged mallee scrub is as Australian as you can get. Tough and often impenetrable it is a haven for native wildlife. At Ngarkat (four adjoining conservation parks) see kangaroos, emus, wild birds, wildflowers and the timid and endangered mallee fowl which builds a mound of sand to incubate its eggs.