Murray River Adventure Trail closer to completion

With Parks Victoria having engaged consultants to plan and design a priority section, the new Murray River Adventure Trail - a long-distance walking, cycling and water-based adventure trail along the Murray River - is a step closer to completion.

The Murray Region is one of the most dominant features of the landscape in south-east Australia, with exceptional natural environments and significant Aboriginal cultural heritage. The Murray River is a key tourism destination, famous for diverse experiences including food, wine, boating, camping, riding, canoeing and more. 

Through the Victorian Government’s Visitor Economy Recovery and Reform Plan, $10.3 million is being invested to design and construct priority elements of Stage One of the trail, located between Picnic Point in Barmah National Park and Koondrook.

Parks Victoria has engaged JJ Ryan Consulting Pty Ltd to plan and design trail upgrades, some new sections of trail, kayak launches and small bridge crossings, and new facilities at several key visitor sites, including picnic facilities, car parking and toilets.

Parks Victoria will undertake cultural heritage and environmental assessments to ensure new sections of trail and visitor infrastructure are created taking these elements into consideration.

When complete, the Murray River Adventure Trail will connect a series of walking, cycling and watercraft trails all the way from the east near Wodonga to Mildura in the west.

New nature-based tourism experiences and better connections between towns will encourage people to visit new locations, extend their stay, boost tourism and support the regional economy. The trail will be easily accessible and cater for both day and multi-day trail visitors.

The Murray River Adventure Trail and nine other projects, including the Grampians Peaks Trail, Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing and Wilsons Prom Revitalisation, have received $149 million to support jobs and local communities.

Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio notes “Northern Victoria offers a unique landscape and natural environment for locals and visitors to enjoy, that’s why it’s so important to protect these places while supporting the local economy.”

This initial section of the project is expected to be completed in 2024, with more information about the project available at parks.vic.gov.au/projects.      

Image courtesy Murray River Trails