The Murrumbidgee River, the second longest in Australia, flows for 1600km from its headwaters in Kosciuszko National Park to its junction with the Murray River near Balranald in New South Wales (NSW). Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the river as it winds through lush countryside, national parks, and charming rural towns. There are boundless opportunities for bushwalking and water activities including kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

Also known by locals as “the Bidgee”, The Murrumbidgee provides life-giving irrigation water for local agriculture and hours of fun for visitors along its beautiful sandy beaches and shady river gums. The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area is one of the most diverse and productive agricultural regions in Australia – providing some truly memorable food and wine experiences compliments of the many wineries, cellar doors, and gourmet food producers in the region.
 
As we are moseying UP the river, our journey starts near the confluence of the Murrumbidgee River with the mighty Murray River at the town of Balranald and journeys up stream across riverine plains. We visit key agricultural regions growing crops including rice, cereal grains, grapes (and wine!), citrus, pasture, lucerne, corn, tomatoes, soybeans and cotton.

We will touch on the Murrumbidgee portions of the Snowy Mountains hydro-electric scheme, which provides electricity and extra water for “the Bidgee”. Finally, we will learn the source of this majestic river – high in the mountains of Kosciuszko National Park.

This is an excellent first trip for the caravanning novice. It also makes an ideal section as part of a longer trip. The driving directions, accommodation options, timeframes, and things to see and do listed in this itinerary are all our recommendations based on over 30-years of caravanning experience – but it is ultimately your choice to decide what you do during your travels! Even though we have recommended the number of days to stay in each place, you may decide to travel faster, or stay longer.

If you don’t have a caravan, motorhome, or similar – this itinerary could still be used as most of the Accommodation Options listed also have holiday cabins!