The Murray has some of Australia's best canoeing and kayaking

	Gunbower Island State Forest Gunbower Island, near Cohuna, lies on the floodplain between the Murray and Gunbower Creek. It has a water frontage of 130 kilometres with 20,000ha of state forest covering about 80 percent of the island. Until damming, the red gum and box forests were flooded every year and today still depend on the occasional inundation. The forests and wetlands draw fisherman, canoeists, campers and walkers. The great varieties of waterbirds are a feature. There are camping and picnic spots along the length of the Murray and Gunbower Creek. The island has a circuit walk that takes 7-8 hours. There are numerous tracks to the island from the Murray Valley Highway. Access through Cohuna (where there is a caravan park and motels), Gunbower or Koondrook. 1 Ringbarking 2 Canoe Tree 3 Aquatic Life 4 Drowned Trees 5 Plant Life 6 Tree Hollows 7 Irrigation 8 Bird Sanctuary

Katarapko Canoe Trail For paddlers with appropriate equipment and a basic skill level the Katarapko region is an interesting and safe area to explore. Never the less, in addition to the planning considerations outlined in the Canoe Guide, there are some other important issues to consider as the area is quite isolated. A map and basic mapreading skills are necessary when embarking on an extended trip into the area. It is also important to check the weather forecast. Eckert Creek Section The Eckert Creek Section has become narrowed by the growth of reeds due to the limited river flows and levels. As such it can be difficult to pass through this section without extensive portaging (exiting the craft and pushing / dragging through reeds). Allow extra time for trips in this sections as a simple passage may not be possible. Katarapko Section The main Katarapko Creek is usually clear from obstructions, however there are a significant number of submerged and semi-submerged logs / trees in the creek that can prove hazardous to the novice. Take care to keep a good look out for obstacles just below the surface as the ones you cant see are the ones that might tip you in! The water can be extremely cold in the cooler months so a capsize may be unpleasant! In the summer, day time temperatures can be over 40ËšC and so adequate precautions need to be taken on those days, such as staying in the shade and minimising physical exertion during the heat of the day, drinking adequate quantities of water and wearing appropriate sun protection. For those with limited experience or those new to the area it is useful to speak to someone with local knowledge (DEH Berri or Canoe SA) before embarking on a trip in the area or contact Canoe Adventures for a guided tour. Source: Canoe SA
Murraylands Wrecks at Mannum by canoe Fun and history with minimal impact on our Murray River. The Murraylands Regional Tourism Association Inc. have compiled this great way to explore the Murray River around Mannum by canoe. The trail is a comfortable paddle past beautiful Mannum waterfront properties and the Mannum Museum and PS Marion. It also includes two exposed wrecks. Click here to download a PDF (1.3mb)

Other Great Canoeing and Kayaking Locations

Lake Mulwala

More than 15km in length, Lake Mulwala is a haven for birds such as pelican and ibis and native fish and is used all year for a variety of water sports. Work on the lake began in the 1930s with the damming of the Murray River at the Yarrawonga Weir as part of the Murray-Darling Irrigation Scheme. The eastern end of the lake offers shelter among the dead trees while the western end has a large expanse for sailing and boating. Murray cod, trout and yellow belly seem to thrive in the lake. Enjoy picnicking, bird watching, fishing, boating, sailboarding, water-skiing, swimming, canoeing, sailing, and paddle boat cruises. Access is from the Murray Valley Highway, Yarrawonga-Benalla Road or Yarrawonga-Wangaratta Road.

Lindsay Island

Lindsay Island forms part of Murray Sunset National Park and is located 90 kilometres west of Mildura towards the South Australian border. Lindsay Island is intersected by numerous small creeks carrying floodwaters from the Murray River into swamps, billabongs and flood plains. The island is home to a significant array of plants such as River red gums and black box woodlands and animals such as wedge tailed eagles, emus, red and western grey kangaroos. It has a long history of human occupation by indigenous people followed by early European settlers grazing sheep and cattle. It is a popular destination for camping, fishing, driving and canoeing.

Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park

Just off the Calder Highway 70 kilometres south of Mildura, Hattah-Kulkyne features mallee and woodland country, magnificent River Red gums, and a lake system seasonally filled by creeks connected to the Murray River. The tranquil waters of the extensive lakes system fed by Chalka Creek contrast with the mallee scrub and cypress pine woodland, one of only 3 Biosphere Reserves in Victoria. Camping, walking, bike riding, driving and canoeing are popular activities. Two basic campgrounds are located in the National Park at Lake Hattah and Lake Mournpall, whilst there are many riverside bush camps in Murray-Kulkyne Park where generators and dogs on leads are permitted. Fishing licences and supplies are available at the nearby Hattah store.

Local Canoe and Kayaking Operators

Wild Side Outdoors

At Wild Side Outdoors, we enjoy just being "outside". Whether it be Fitness or Adventure, the dynamic nature of outdoor environments provides a stimulating experience that refreshes the spirit!

Mildura - Red Cliffs

Canoe Adventures

In the Riverland we have some of the best wetlands, creeks and backwaters you’ll find anywhere along the Murray River. Waterways cover 100s of kilometers, several national parks and reserves, and many places only accessible by canoe.

Berri - Renmark - Waikerie - Loxton

Canoe the Riverland

Come and have fun paddling on the great Murray River near Renmark. You can hire kayaks and canoes or join one of our award winning guided tours that meander through unique backwaters and creeks.

Renmark - Paringa

Murray River Canoe Hire

Murray River Canoe Hire has been conducting canoe hire and tours for over 20 years – we will take you anywhere you want to go! Although we’re based in Albury we cover a large part of the region so please contact us for hire or tours.

Albury - Wodonga

Canoe the Coorong

Canoe the Coorong offers tours for people of all ages and skill levels from a short two hour kayak with the New Zealand Fur Seals, Full day all inclusive The Coorong Tour, Overnight Camps and for a real adventure a Four Day Expedition covering almost 100km.

Goolwa - Meningie