THE MURRAY
To get an idea of how stark and otherworldly the region once was, head to the Murray. From dramatic desert to one of Australia's mightiest rivers, the Murray region has got it all.
There's miles upon miles of parched wilderness, wetlands and wildlife, and lakes, creeks and billabongs dot the region. There are bushwalking, horseriding and even gliding opportunities and interested ornithologists will see an impressive array of birdlife – everything from spoonbills to herons, eagles and harriers.
You should definitely make a beeline for Mungo National Park for its Aboriginal culture and history, sculpted sandhills, strange-looking stone outcrops and the buried bones of giant extinct marsupials.
Also make sure you set aside time for chilling out on sandy riverside stretches under the shade of a redgum tree, paddle-steaming down the Murray River, or paddling about in a canoe. You can also waterski in rivers and lakes throughout the region, or fish for trout and salmon.
If you're looking to make some money to fund your stay, head to Echuca or Shepparton for casual fruit-picking work – pears, apples, peaches and other stone fruit are ripe for the picking from January. Grapes are harvested around Mildura from February to April, though with the emphasis on citrus and dried fruit around here, you're sure to be able to pick up fruit-picking work year round.
How to get there
Ask at your hostel about tours to the Murray region and its attractions. Alternatively, you can get there by car, train, bus and plane.
By car
Mildura is located on the edge of the Australian outback, but is relatively easy to reach from Melbourne. Take the Sunraysia Highway via Ballarat, the Calder Highway via Bendigo and the Murray Valley Highway via Bridgewater.
Swan Hill is approximately four hours from Melbourne along the Murray Valley Highway.
Echuca is just under three hours from Melbourne on the Hume Freeway or the Northern Highway.
Albury Wodonga is located on Australia’s busiest inland corridor between Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, at the junction of the Hume Freeway (National Highway One), Olympic, Murray Valley, Riverina and Kiewa Valley highways.
By plane
There are a number of flights from Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney to the Murray hubs of Albury and Mildura. For schedules and fares contact 13 13 13 or visit www.qantas.com.au
Regional Express Airlines also operates daily services. For schedules and fares contact 13 17 13 or visit www.regionalexpress.com.au
By train
Albury Wodonga is situated on the major rail link between Melbourne and Sydney. V/Line trains run daily to the region. For more information call 136 196 or visit www.vline.com.au .
By coach
V/Line coach services run from Melbourne to the region . For more information call136 196 or visit www.vline.com.au . Greyhound Australia operates services from Adelaide and Sydney. For more information call 131 499 or visit www.greyhound.com.au . Henty Coaches operates services between Mildura and Horsham . For more information call 03 5023 5658.
Where to stay
If you need accommodation, caravan parks and bush camping areas are both popular and plentiful along the Murray and Darling rivers.
There are a couple of YHA hostels located around the region and lots of hotels and motels, too.
