Winter on the Murray River is the best time to get the whole gang together for a holiday filled with nature-based adventure, slow time for wellness and relaxation, cosy nights in front of a campfire, food, wine, and an outstanding lineup of world-class events.
It might be a little cooler this time of year, but things are well and truly heating up in the events scene with everything from whisky, wine and chocolate in Corowa to some stellar Country music in Barham Koondrook and some serious Winter Blues in Echuca Moama.
Ever watched a hot air balloon over the magnificent Murray River? Well, this winter is your chance with the Big Balloon Bash in Mildura, one of the sunniest locations on the river. Billed as one of the biggest events on the Murray River tourism calendar, this year’s event is celebrating 20 years since the region hosted the 2004 World Titles. All the hot air action kicks off from June 29 through to July 7 and it's your calling card to witness 30 balloons from across Australia taking to the stunning Mildura winter skies. This event is huge, and just by being in town you’ll have an awesome vantage point, close to the expansive river, and everything this great city has to offer. The sun is always a sure thing to warm your soul in Mildura, so the Big Balloon Bash is your excuse to follow the sunshine this winter. You can even book a flight in a hot air balloon!
Another excellent event to beat the chill this winter is the Smoke on the Water, held on the weekend of July 13 &14, at the Australian Botanical Inland Gardens in Mourquong - just over the Murray near Mildura. This unique event brings lovers of all things smoked and slow-cooked, and is one you’ll smell with delight before you see it! It’s a day of family and friend bonding and culinary exploring, where you’ll savour smoked meats and experience thrilling barbecue competition, as talented pitmasters showcase their skill in a friendly yet competitive cook-off! The event also offers a bustling marketplace with a variety of smoked-meat related items, live performances and engaging activities for the kids - something for everyone!
Lock in your accommodation early and plan your visit today.
A sure-fire way to ignite your spirit this winter is the second Whisky on the Murray event in Corowa on the weekend of June 21 & 22. This whisky lovers extravaganza will feature 25 distilleries from across the country, live music, complimentary tastings, and with some special limited edition releases specifically for this event, it’s definitely one to add to the calendar. The Corowa Whisky and Chocolate will warm your toes and your soul this winter, offering up both whisky tastings and delicious chocolate - yes, we said chocolate! This unique distillery is located in one of the town’s oldest buildings, which once housed the 1920s flour mill, and was rescued by two local lads for $1 with an obligation to restore and resurrect this little piece of Corowa history. The rest, they say, is history and for the whisky makers, this venue is not just a distillery, but a place of local spirit to call home, and to welcome both locals and visitors to sample some of the best you’ll ever taste. Using only the finest local ingredients, the master distillers at Corowa Whisky are passionate about what they do and would love you to visit for a taste, or perhaps a gourmet breakfast or lunch, or something sweet to finish from the in-house chocolate offerings - we think that sounds like the perfect winter menu! Bookings are essential, especially on weekends.
While you’re in this beautiful area, there are so many wonderful, world-class wineries to try and local produce to savour. The crisp winter air of this part of the Murray region is also ideal for bike riding and hiking, so be sure to hunt down some local trails while you’re here. Also, don’t forget to book your accommodation, especially during school holidays. There are loads of options available - from cosy camping to boutique abodes.
If the excellent whisky and wine of our region isn’t enough to warm your heart this winter season, we’ve got a full dance card of music-inspired events featuring along the Murray River to get your toes tapping. The friendly folk of Barham Koondrook are known for their country hospitality and chilled vibe, and they play host to a four-day celebration of country music from July 8-11. The fantastic Country Stampede Festival promises soulful melodies and captivating performances by many renowned artists and an unforgettable experience filled with excellent tunes and all the charm you’ve come to expect from this little slice of heaven on the Murray. Barham Koondrook has loads to offer if you’re keen to chill for a little longer, with top class food and wine, bush walking and bike riding, excellent golf, or a spot of fishing on a quiet river bank. You’ll also find plenty of cosy accommodation options where there’s never a campfire too far away. Come and camp under the stars in River Country!
If you’re still looking for some serious world-class entertainment this winter, you can’t go past the Echuca Moama Winter Blues Festival held over the last weekend in July (25-28). This legendary music festival, now in its 25th year, is a MUST for your Murray River getaway itinerary. This year’s lineup is epic and centred around Echuca Moama’s historic Port of Echuca precinct, with live music from more than 40 artists and local pubs, wineries and stunning venues including the iconic historic wharf. The talent is world-class and it's guaranteed to keep your crew entertained all weekend. Book your accommodation ASAP and get there early to secure a front row spot - you won’t want to miss a minute!
While you’re in the Echuca Moama region, stay a few extra days and soak up the long list of cultural and historical attractions on offer, including the legendary Port of Echuca via the Discovery Centre, where you can board an historic paddlesteamer and slow your pace in time with the mighty Murray River - the best way to travel. There’s also an incredible offering of food and wine in Echuca Moama, as well as a thriving Farmer’s Market, full to the brim with local produce to fill your basket.
Echuca Moama also has a burgeoning arts scene with incredible local galleries to explore, including Alton Reserve Gallery, Foundry Arts Space, Customs House Gallery, as well as the uber popular Silo Art Trail that crosses through the region.
If it’s arts and culture you’re searching for along the Murray, plan a stop at the Arts and Cultural Precinct in Albury Wodonga. The Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA) is a must on your winter itinerary, as it’s one of the region’s most significant art museums, and is dedicated to providing a stimulating and enriching cultural experience for all ages. MAMA has earned itself a reputation for innovative and original exhibitions, featuring some of the best contemporary artists from across Australia and the world. You can take a guided tour here, viewing all new and permanent collections and works by local artists. There’s so much to do in this corner of the Murray River region, so make sure you book your accommodation before you come and make a list of some of the great places to dine and chill by the river.
Despite the cooler weather at this time of year, it’s still stunning to be right by the waterfront anywhere along our magical stretch of the Murray River. And if it's slowness and relaxation you're in search of, you’ll uncover a wellspring of ways to unwind, from wandering in nature, to slow walks by the river, relaxing in front of a roaring campfire, throwing in a fishing line, or long lunches at exquisite award-winning wineries.
We know you’ll be captivated by the natural wonders of our region, where you can fully unwind and immerse yourself.
Book your ticket to relaxation and soul warming this winter and see you soon on the Murray.
