January 22, 2026

Explore the Murray River: An Iconic Journey

There are few road trips in Australia as timeless and iconic as following the Murray River. Winding its way through river red gums, historic towns and ever-changing landscapes, the Murray invites you to slow down, take the scenic route and reconnect with the simple joys of travelling by caravan.

This journey is not about ticking off kilometres or sticking to a tight schedule. It’s about following the river at your own pace, stopping when something catches your eye and staying long enough to truly experience each place. We recommend allowing around three days at each park to settle in and explore, but this itinerary is just as rewarding whether you have more time to linger or need to shorten the journey to suit your travels.

Whether you’re setting off from Melbourne or Adelaide, this Murray River adventure showcases some of the most memorable riverside destinations in Victoria and South Australia, blending history, nature and classic country hospitality.


rich river tourist park murray river road trip

Stop 1: Rich River Tourist Park, Echuca

Why you’ll love this stop:
Echuca is where the Murray River’s story comes alive. Paddle steamers line the wharf, the river hums with history and the town buzzes with energy, making this a perfect introduction to life along Australia’s greatest river.

Distance from Melbourne: 214 km (approx. 2.5 hours)

Your journey begins in Echuca, one of the Murray’s most iconic river towns. Rich River Tourist Park is located just minutes from the historic port precinct, placing you right at the heart of the region’s riverboat heritage.

Spend your days wandering the Echuca Wharf, stepping aboard a paddle steamer for a gentle cruise, exploring local museums or enjoying long lunches at riverside cafés. Back at the park, the relaxed riverside setting makes it easy to slow down and ease into the rhythm of the river.

Things to do:

  • Step back in time on a paddle steamer cruise
  • Wander the historic Echuca Wharf and port precinct
  • Visit nearby wineries and local produce stores
  • Enjoy scenic riverside walks and cycling trails

robinvale riverside caravan park murray river road trip

Stop 2: Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park

Why you’ll love this stop:
Robinvale is all about quiet river moments. With uncrowded riverbanks and uninterrupted views, it offers a chance to experience the Murray in its most peaceful and unspoilt form.

Distance from Echuca: approx. 265 km (around 3.5 hours)

Leaving Echuca, follow the Murray Valley Highway through classic river country, passing farming communities and wide-open landscapes. Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park sits right on the banks of the Murray River, making it easy to slip into a slower, more relaxed pace of travel.

Here, mornings start with birdsong and river mist, while afternoons are best spent fishing, swimming or simply watching the light dance across the water as the day drifts by.

Things to do:

  • Fish straight from the riverbank
  • Swim in calm stretches of the Murray
  • Take sunset walks along the water’s edge
  • Explore the Robinvale township and surrounding scenery

apex riverbeach holiday park murray river road trip

Stop 3: Apex Riverbeach Holiday Park, Mildura

Why you’ll love this stop:
Mildura adds colour and energy to the journey, combining classic Murray River scenery with a vibrant food, wine and river lifestyle. The sandy river beach is a rare and memorable highlight.

Distance from Robinvale: approx. 110 km (around 1.5 hours)

As you continue north-west, the landscape opens up into the Sunraysia region, known for its vineyards, orchards and sweeping river bends. Apex Riverbeach Holiday Park is set right on the Murray River and features a sandy river beach that’s perfect for relaxed days by the water.

Mildura offers a great balance of outdoor adventure and indulgence, with river cruises, boating, cellar doors and riverside dining all close at hand.

Things to do:

  • Relax on the sandy river beach or cool off with a swim
  • Cruise the river by boat or kayak
  • Explore Mildura’s wineries and food scene
  • Discover nearby national parks and river trails

kingston on murray caravan park murray river road trip

Stop 4: Kingston-on-Murray Caravan Park

Why you’ll love this stop:
This is where the pace truly slows. Kingston-on-Murray is peaceful, friendly and perfectly positioned, offering an authentic riverside camping experience.

Distance from Mildura: approx. 190 km (around 2 hours)

Crossing into South Australia, the scenery subtly shifts as you continue to follow the river west. Kingston-on-Murray Caravan Park is a quiet, family-owned park located just off the Murray River, ideal for travellers who enjoy calm surroundings and a strong connection to nature.

Days here are best spent outdoors, enjoying the river, spotting birdlife and embracing the unhurried flow of riverside life.

Things to do:

  • Paddle a canoe along calm stretches of river
  • Spot birdlife along the river and nearby creeks
  • Enjoy quiet riverside walks
  • Spend evenings stargazing in the peaceful surrounds

waterfront holiday park murray river road trip

Stop 5: Waterfront Holiday Park, Tailem Bend

Why you’ll love this stop:
Tailem Bend is the perfect place to pause and reflect. With wide river views and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s an ideal way to finish your Murray River journey.

Distance from Kingston-on-Murray: approx. 200 km (around 2 hours)

Your final leg follows the river southeast to Tailem Bend. Waterfront Holiday Park offers a relaxed riverside setting where it’s easy to unwind and enjoy the Murray one last time.

Spend your days walking beside the river, casting a line into the water or simply sitting back and taking in the scenery as your journey comes to a gentle close.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy quiet mornings fishing by the river
  • Pack a picnic and relax on the riverbank
  • Take gentle walks along nearby trails
  • Watch the sun set over the Murray

Making the Journey Your Own

This Murray River itinerary is designed as a guide, not a rulebook. We suggest allowing around three days at each stop to truly experience each destination, but the beauty of this journey is its flexibility. Take longer where your heart tells you to linger, or shorten the route to suit the time you have available.

However you travel it, following the Murray River is a reminder of why road trips are such a treasured part of the Australian experience.

Kui Parks members enjoy 10% off accommodation across our network, making iconic journeys like this even more rewarding.

Follow the river, take your time, and let the Murray show you the way.

Related Posts