Spring highlights in River Country

Spring is a glorious time to explore River Country along the Murray and the Southern Riverina. The weather is perfect – average daily temperatures are 23 degrees and sunny – and the entire region comes to life with Insta-ready bird and plant life everywhere you look.

You could choose a comfortable base in Barham or Moama, but with stunning days and mild nights it’s the perfect opportunity to explore our villages or pitch a tent.

Our places

If you’re looking for bushwalking tracks or fishing spots on the Edward River, head to Wakool. Kid-friendly parks and riverside picnics are a highlight of the pretty Murray River town of Tooleybuc. Trees, walks and an abundance of riverside fishing are found at the oldest Riverina town, Moulamein. And Mathoura, 40km north of Echuca Moama, is a spectacular gateway to one of the largest red gum forests in the world; an enchanted wonderland for lovers of the Australian bush, the river and the great outdoors.

Spring flora and fauna

Birdwatchers and nature lovers will think Christmas has come early. Head to wetlands to spot the eastern great egret, a musk duck, superb wrens, purple swamp hens and more at the Gulpa Creek Reed Beds Bird Observatory outside Mathoura.

There’s also a bird hide on the Barham–Moulamein Road, overlooking a 3500-acre salinity pond. Watch out for sharp-tailed sandpipers and white-winged fairy-wrens. And kids will love the easy 1km track and bird hides at the Yanga Lake walking track, hosting scenic wetland and spectacular birdwatching in Yanga National Park. Down along the river there are many more species to be seen including kingfishers, ducks and many more.

The fish are biting too, although the famed Murray cod is off limits in spring. Golden perch, silverfish and catfish are all nibbling though.

And then there’s the flora, blooming in the warming spring sun. Wildflowers along roadsides and in our grasslands make a stunning scene, as do the blossoms of the wattle trees throughout this unspoilt landscape.

Nature in towns

You don’t need to be miles from civilisation to take advantage of the warm spring sun and the abundance of nature in Murray Country.

The Moama Echuca Botanic Gardens is a surprising, modern example of Australian botanic gardens. While it features a lovely traditional formal entrance garden, the focus is on arid and semi-arid Australian landscapes, with Indigenous plantings, a settlers’ garden and dry billabong.

The Barham Federation Botanic Reserve is another hidden treasure. Open to the public year-round, this 10 hectare site is a revegetation project managed by Barham Landcare. There are picnic areas, walking tracks and signage describing the plants and animals, and their importance to the Barapa Barapa traditional owners. With more than 130 native plant species, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds (130 species at last count!), this is an interesting, family-friendly site, and  demonstration of the passion and hard work of our local communities.

Seasonal food

Spring is harvest time for many of our primary producers, and – with agriculture playing a huge part in our economy and life – this is a bumper time to enjoy the best and freshest output available anywhere.

Many of our cafés and restaurants feature local produce. Along with supporting our farmers, it also means customers get a taste of the real deal: seasonal produce prepared with love and care. Check out Morrison’s Winery, overlooking the river in Moama, for an ever-changing seasonal and local menu. Nearby is Junction, a restaurant and bar whose seasonal menu and cocktails put most big-city establishments to shame.

You should also keep an eye out for roadside stalls and farms selling produce direct to passers-by. Barham avocadoes are especially great this season.Welcome back to River Country

Experience the best of nature this spring in River Country on the Murray in NSW. As we open up even more over the next few months, we look forward to seeing you and making you welcome.

For more information visit www.visitrivercountry.com.au