When

September to April is the best time for paddling on the Murray River.

Where

Murray Valley National Park in Murray-Riverina

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

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. Hire and shuttle services are also available – go to Visit the Murray for more information.

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.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info