Murray River canoe trails
Murray Valley National Park
Overview
These 4 canoe trails in Murray Valley National Park and Victoria’s Barmah National Park offer something for every paddler. Canoe the flowing Murray River, secluded creeks or Barmah Lake.
- When
- September to April is the best time for paddling on the Murray River.
- Accessibility
- Hard
- Distance
- 2.7 to 17.4km of trails
- Grade
- Easy. Suitable for adults and children 10 years and over. All participants must be able to swim. Medium level of fitness required. No experience needed.
- Trip Intention Form
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It's a good idea to let someone know where you're going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact.
- Please note
- Paddle down the Murray following these maps: Picnic Point to Barmah Lakes day visitor area (664.3KB pdf); Barmah Lakes day visitor area to Rices Bridge and Barmah Lake loops (523.7KB pdf); Barmah Lakes day visitor area to Barmah (629.9KB pdf). Or download the NPWS app to use GPS-enabled maps.
- These activities are graded Grade I river (Easy)
- It’s a good idea to check Murray River water levels and flow rates before you set out. These can affect the safety of paddling and your paddling time.
- The Murray River is safe and best to paddle when water levels are between 1.4m-2.4m; the river becomes too shallow below 1.2m; water levels above 2.7m are considered dangerous.
- Barmah Lake is safe and best to paddle when water levels are between 2.2m-2.8m; the lake becomes too shallow below 1.9m; water levels above 3m are considered dangerous.
- You’ll need to BYO canoe or kayak.
All 4 canoe trails in Murray Valley National Park and Barmah National Park have easy water access:
Picnic Point to Barmah Lakes day visitor area (17.4km, one-way, 3hr 30min)
Push off from Picnic Point and follow the mighty Murray downstream through the mouth of Barmah Lake. Stop by Swifts campground for a picnic.
Barmah Lakes day visitor area to Rices Bridge (2.74km, return, 30min)
Paddle downstream to explore Broken Creek and Rices Bridge, before returning the same way.
Barmah Lakes day visitor area to Barmah Lake (5.3km, loop, 1hr 20min)
Head upstream into Barmah Lake for a short loop. A longer loop leads to the lake’s upper reaches, thick with reeds.
Barmah Lakes day visitor area to Barmah (11.08km, one-way, 2hr 15min)
Feel the breeze on your face as you canoe downstream to the town of Barmah.
Enjoy the gentle splash of oars and creak of river red gum branches as you explore the mighty Murray River by paddle power. These Ramsar-listed wetlands are a haven for waterbirds and great for fishing.
Try the kayak launch at Edward River Bridge
On your next visit to Murray Valley Regional Park, enjoy kayaking or canoeing using the wheelchair-accessible launch at Edward River Bridge picnic area.
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Operated by
- Moama office
- Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. Closed 12pm to 1pm.
- 03 5483 9100
- npws.riverina@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Factory 5, Lot 8 Bowlan Road, Moama NSW 2731
Park info
- in Murray Valley National Park in the Murray-Riverina region
Murray Valley National Park is always open but may have to close at times due to poor weather or fire danger.
What's nearby:
Things to do (15)
- Aboriginal culture (1)
- Birdwatching and wildlife encounters (8)
- Canoeing/paddling (6)
- Cycling (2)
- Fishing (7)
- Historic heritage (1)
- Picnics and barbecues (7)
- Road trips and car/bus tours (2)
- Sailing, boating and cruises (2)
- Sightseeing (4)
- Swimming (5)
- Walking (10)