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2 days Itinerary

Itinerary: Murray River fishing

Overview

Ancient red river gums, teeming wetlands and a rich history await you on this fishing trip in the NSW Riverina. Enjoy the famous freshwater fishing and tranquil scenery of the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers, now protected in two of the state's newest national parks. Find out more about fishing safety.

Read more about Itinerary: Murray River fishing

Murray cod, bream, perch, redfin, catfish and many more species thrive in Murray Valley National Park. And in Yanga National Park, also known as Murrumbidgee Valley National Park, you'll find out why Aboriginal people have been fishing along the Murrumbidgee River for millennia.

When you're not fishing, explore the Ramsar-listed wetlands on a canoe or kayak, follow walking and cycling trails and spot some of the region's hundreds of bird species. These national parks also embrace a varied history - from ancient Aboriginal sites to historic buildings once inhabited by 19th century sheep shearers. When you're ready to relax, take your pick of riverside spots for swimming, picnicking and camping.

You'll need to organise a fishing licence before setting out. Please visit the NSW Fisheries website for more information.

Getting there:

  • Start your journey from Balranald, which sits on Murrumbidgee River, near the Victorian border.
  • Countrylink operates a coach service to Balranald from Cootamundra, which is connected by regular train services to Sydney and Melbourne. Visit NSW TrainLink for timetables, fares and online bookings.
  • Balranald is around 9 hours by car from Sydney, 7 hours from Canberra, 6 hours from Adelaide and 5 hours from Melbourne.  
  • For weather forecasts in the area, please visit the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Day 1: Fish for history in Yanga National Park

It's just a short drive from Balranald to Yanga National Park and the beloved fishing spots of Murrumbidgee River. Don't miss lovely Regatta Beach, which sits on Yanga Lake surrounded by vast riverine wetlands. Fish from the shore or go boating to cast your line in deeper waters.  Spot waterbirds, trace the lake's Aboriginal heritage and join a free guided tour of Yanga Homestead before settling down for the night in Mamanga campground.

Two grey nomad travellers in Mamanga campground. Photo: Boris Hlavica/NSW Government

Mamanga campground

Camp at Mamanga for fishing, swimming and kayaking. This free campground, by the Murrumbidgee River, features campsites for tents, trailers, caravans and motor homes.

Price
Free park entry.
Sites
14
Suitable for
Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Where
Yanga National Park in Murray-Riverina

Day 2: Fish, canoe and kayak along the mighty Murray

Head into Murray Valley National Park, where ancient stands of river red gums line the serene waterways. Go fishing near Edward River Bridge picnic area, or the historic Barooga picnic area, where an 1889 river punt once carried people and animals across the river. Go canoeing and kayaking, do scenic walks and drives and enjoy spectacular birdwatching at Reed Beds Bird Hide boardwalk. Benarca campground is one of many scenic riverside campgrounds where you can spend the night.

Man kayaking near Benarca campground in Murray Valley Regional Park. Photo: Gavin Hansford/NSW Government

Benarca campgrounds

There are 9 designated campgrounds in the Benarca Forest precinct of Murray Valley Regional Park. Located 15km from Moama, it’s an ideal spot to set up camp and fish right along the Murray River.

Price
Free park entry.
Suitable for
Tent, Camper trailer site, Caravan site, Camping beside my vehicle
Where
Murray Valley Regional Park in Murray-Riverina
Length
2 days
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