NSW Top Tourism Town Finalist
Welcome to
Mathoura
Tiny Town: population under 1,500 residents
09:00 Weds 13 April - till - 17:00 Weds 27 April.
Members of the public may lodge only one vote for one town in each category. See Terms & Conditions.
Rich and unique history
Mathoura is located 40km north of Echuca Moama and is a spectacular gateway to one of the largest red gum forests in the world. It’s an enchanted wonderland for lovers of the Australian bush, the river and the great outdoors. The forest, which stretches more than 70,000 hectares and includes wetlands of international significance, has arguably the best access in the region to the Murray River. It features good dry weather roads and sprawling low river banks that feed out across gloriously flat sheets of water. It has a rich and unique history, a charming main shopping street, a vast array of public artworks, a popular calendar of events, and beautiful forests and waterways at every turn.
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For lovers of nature, explore the many forest walks and drives. Reed Beds Bird Hide is a birdwatcher’s paradise; with different birds to see every time you visit, you’ll never grow tired of this beautiful place. Take your camera for a stunning photo of an eastern great egret or a musk duck thrashing in the water to attract a mate. Walking along the boardwalk look for yellow rosellas and superb wrens or watch at the edge of the water for the purple swamphen.
Edward River Canoe and Kayak Trail in Murray Valley National Park is a great paddling spot with camping, picnic, and swimming opportunities. The Murray and Edward rivers are prized fishing grounds by anglers throughout Australia. Fishing is one of the Murray’s classic experiences, and the legendary native Murray cod, Australia’s largest exclusively freshwater fish, is what most anglers are after. The Murray cod featured in Aboriginal mythology and made a big impression on early settlers, who were amazed by their size and abundance. These days the Murray cod is a prized catch and you can find an abundance of Murray and Trout Cod in the waters in Mathoura.
Also a history buffs oasis, discover the story of the Cadell Fault which suggests until about 45,000 years ago the Murray flowed through the area where Mathoura now stands, it is thought a series of earthquakes caused the uplifting of what is known as the Cadell Tilt, one of the most spectacular examples in the world of faulting altering the course of a river. On the edge of the Murray valley National Park, you can see the strange uplift of the Cadell Tilt.
Absorb more of the region’s history and discover legendary stories of the pioneers who forged a life in an unforgiving land when you visit the historic Mathoura Pioneer Cemetery, which records the passing of some of the earliest settlers in the district. You can also learn about Mathoura’s timber heritage along the Timber Heritage Walk at Picnic Point. All these part of the Mathoura Heritage Trail, you can learn more by picking up a copy of the self-guided tour booklet available at the Mathoura Visitor Information Centre located at 23 Moama Street, Mathoura. If you forget to pack a picnic, overlooking the junction of the Murray and Edward Rivers, The Timbercutter Restaurant is worth the drive alone to Mathoura to experience a unique dining experience on the River. Open for lunch and dinner, the secluded location is home to thousands of native animals including kangaroos that roam the restaurant grounds. They offer an array of menu items from pizza to fine dining, or simply sit at the red gum bar and enjoy a coffee and slice of home made cake or sample a local wine.
Mathoura has three holiday parks all offering cabin and caravan accommodation overlooking the Murray River setting the scene for instant relaxation. If you’d prefer the great outdoors set on the picturesque Edward River in Murray Valley Regional Park, adjacent to Murray Valley National Park, Edward River Bridge campground is bush camping at its best. It's dog-friendly and suitable for caravans, motorhomes and tents.
If you're looking for something a bit more cozy, Moira Station is an “iconic pastoral station” offering luxury accommodation. The original station site was selected in 1842, and the current homestead was built in 1866. It has a rich history of early pioneers, bushrangers, timber cutters, bullock teams and indigenous tribes, all who once called it home. Set on 600 hectares, and adjoining the Murray Valley National Park, Moira Station offers luxury self-catering accommodation, gourmet produce and stunning night skies.
There’s so much to see, touch and experience in this little slice of river paradise. For those seeking the gentle country lifestyle and a peaceful retreat in the heart of a beautiful natural environment, a visit to Mathoura is a must.
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Two days in Mathoura
An enchanted wonderland for lovers of the Australian bush, the river and the great outdoors
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