A Weekend in River Country
Three days of river time, country towns and unexpected discoveries
If you’re looking for a weekend away where the days aren’t over-planned and there’s always another road worth taking, make it a weekend in River Country.
Just over 2.5 hours from Melbourne, River Country stretches along the Murray River and its waterways, connecting riverside towns including Moama,Mathoura, Barham, Moulamein, Tooleybuc andWakool. It’s a place where you can start the morning on the river, spend the afternoon exploring a country town and finish the day with good food and a sunset over the water.
The best part? You don’t need to fit everything in.
Here’s how to spend a long weekend exploring River Country at your own pace.
Friday: Arrive in Moama and settle into river time
Start your weekend on the Murray
Make Moama your base for the first night and ease into the weekend with a walk beside the Murray River.
Head down to the Moama Wharf and explore the riverfront, where towering river red gums, wide skies and the slow-moving Murray set the scene for the weekend ahead.
If you arrive with time to spare, explore the historic Old Moama Precinct on Chanter Street. Moama’s story is closely tied to the river, with its history shaped by river trade, timber and paddle steamers. The precinct forms part of the River Country Museum Trail, which connects historic collections and museums across Moama, Barham and Moulamein.
Dinner, drinks and an easy evening
Keep Friday night relaxed. Explore the local restaurants, cafés and pubs around Moama and Echuca, or pick up some local produce and settle in somewhere overlooking the river.
There’s no need to rush. You’re officially on River Time.
Saturday: River, red gums and a road trip to Mathoura
Morning: Explore the Murray Valley National Park
Start Saturday with a short drive from Moama to Mathoura, gateway to the Murray Valley National Park.
This is where River Country really opens up.
The Mathoura area is surrounded by extensive red gum forests, wetlands and waterways, with the Edward River and Murray River providing plenty of opportunities to walk, paddle, fish, picnic and simply slow down.
Head towards Picnic Point, where the Edward River meets the Murray. Take a walk through the surrounding bushland, find a quiet spot beside the water or pack a picnic and stay awhile.
If you’re travelling with a kayak or paddleboard, the Edward River is also a beautiful way to experience the landscape from the water.
Keep an eye out for native wildlife
The waterways and wetlands around Mathoura are home to abundant birdlife.
Make a stop at the Reed Beds Bird Hide and Boardwalk for an easy wander through the wetlands and a chance to spot native birds among the reeds and river red gums.
Lunch: Take your time in Mathoura
After a morning outdoors, head to the Timbercutter for lunch before heading into Mathoura to explore.
While you’re in town, take a look at the Mathoura Water Tower Art — a large-scale public artwork celebrating the wildlife and natural environment of the area. It’s one of several striking artworks that form part of the River Country Art Trail.
Afternoon: Follow the River Country Art Trail
If you like road trips with a reason to stop along the way, spend part of the afternoon following the River Country Art Trail.
The trail connects Moama, Mathoura, Barham, Moulamein, and Tooleybuc through a series of large-scale public artworks, taking you along backroads, through river country and into some of the region’s smaller towns. The full trail is around 271 km and can be experienced over one to three days.
You don’t have to complete the whole trail in one weekend. Choose a section, take the scenic route and leave room for the unexpected.
That’s part of the appeal of River Country.
Saturday evening: Sunset by the river
Head back towards Moama for the evening and find a riverside spot, such as Moama Beach to watch the light change over the Murray.
Grab dinner locally at Riverbank, settle in for a drink and let the day wind down.
Tomorrow, there’s another town to discover.
Sunday: Slow down in Barham
Morning: Take the road to Barham
After breakfast, make your way west to Barham, a relaxed riverside town with a strong connection to the Murray and the region’s red gum timber history.
Start with the Barham River Walk, which follows the Murray River from Riverside Park through the riverfront and towards the Border Flywheelers Museum.
Along the way, you’ll find hand-carved red gum sculptures, interpretive signs and views across the river towards Koondrook. The walk provides an easy way to experience Barham’s riverfront while learning more about the town’s history.
Cross the historic Barham–Koondrook Bridge
Make your way across the historic Barham–Koondrook Lift Span Bridge and spend some time exploring Koondrook on the Victorian side of the river.
The bridge is one of the defining landmarks of the twin river towns and offers a great vantage point over the Murray.
Discover Barham’s stories
For a deeper look at the region’s history, visit the Border Flywheelers Museum, where agricultural machinery, engines and artefacts tell the story of farming and rural life along the Murray.
If art is more your thing, add Barham’s stop on the River Country Art Trail to your list and see Murray River at Dawn, created by Australian artist Gus Eagleton. The artwork brings together local history, First Nations connections and the communities that have grown alongside the river.
Settle in for a long lunch at Barham Vines in Barham before making your way home.
Look for local produce, regional wines and relaxed country hospitality — the kind of lunch where nobody minds if you stay a little longer.
Because that’s really the point of a River Country weekend.
There’s nowhere you need to be.
Before you head home: Take the long way
If you have a little extra time, resist the urge to take the quickest route home.
Take a detour.
Follow a backroad. Stop at a small-town café. Pull over beside the river. Visit another artwork. Find a lookout. Pick up something local to take home.
River Country is made for this kind of travel.
The River Country Art Trail, Long Paddock Touring Route and Backroads Trail offer plenty of inspiration for extending your trip beyond a single weekend.
Make a weekend of it
Three days is enough to get a taste of River Country, but you’ll quickly realise there’s much more to explore.
Spend longer in Moama for river adventures, food, wine and heritage. Head to Mathoura for red gum forests, wetlands and waterways. Slow down in Barham and explore its riverfront, bridge and local history. Or keep heading west to Moulamein, Tooleybuc or Wakool and discover another side of River Country.
From riverside walks and paddling trails to public art, heritage, local food and wide-open country roads, every stop offers something different.
Come for the river. Stay for the unexpected.