Marathon revives Murray tourism

In spite of heavy rains and flooding the Murray River Marathon did not fail to draw a crowd this holiday season.

Despite weather warnings the five day event, which will conclude on New Year's Eve, attracted hundreds of people as 700 canoes took on the mighty body of water, according to the Bendigo Advertiser newspaper.

Earlier this month tourism operators along the Murray River experienced a slow start to the holiday season after mass flooding in the river.

With several camping grounds and parks forced to close due to lurking safety concerns, travellers have been advised to contact the area's information centres for accommodation concerns, the ABC reported.

Moira Shire Council Mayor Ed Cox explained "we are certainly trying to encourage people to the Moira Shire area to check the website or phone the visitor information centres along the Murray.

"I have spoken to one local operator here along the Murray and he told me he's never been so quiet in the last decade."