A day in Murray Valley Regional & National Parks - Gulpa Island Drive

This scenic drive takes you through the towering river red gum forests in the northern part of Murray Valley National Park and Regional Park. These forests are the traditional Country for Aboriginal people, so keep your eyes peeled for middens (sites where the remains of meals accumulated over time), oven mounds and scarred trees, where bark and wood was removed to make canoes, coolamons (carrying bowls/dishes) and shields.

Bring your bikes, kayaks, binoculars and walking shoes because there is so much to see and do along the way, you will want to be prepared for an amazing day of adventure and enjoying the great Australian bush.

Stop 1:

Grab a coffee for the drive and purchase some picnic supplies or takeaway food items from one of the local cafes before you depart for your day the Parks. See what is open and on offer here. Make sure you also bring plenty of water as drinking water is not easily accessible in the park.

Stop 2:

Head to Mathoura, located 40km north of Echuca, which is the gateway to the Parks. You may want to wander down the charming main street and learn of the town’s pioneering history on the Mathoura Heritage Trail.

Stop 3:

From Mathoura, head to the Gulpa Creek Walk Cross Crane’s Bridge at the northern end of town and turn right to reach the walking track. The 5km return walk is a Grade 3 trail and an easy, flat walk alongside the creek. If you’re feeling energetic, when you get to the end of the track you can cross the wooden bridge and stroll along Poley’s loop for a further 1.5km before turning back. Gulpa Creek is also a great kayaking spot.

Stop 4:

Having seen and heard many birds along the Gulpa Creek Walk, you might like to pay a visit to Reeds Bird Hide. Take a stroll along the boardwalk to the hide and use the bird panels to help you with your birdwatching.

Stop 5:

By now you are probably getting hungry! The Edward River Bridge picnic area is a beautiful spot to enjoy lunch. It has picnic tables and BBQs and is located in among the towering gums, alongside the river. There are some nice quiet fishing spots nearby, as well as the Edward River canoe and kayak trail for those who can BYO water vessel!

Edward River Image Credit: Rob Mulally

Stop 6:

Head back home via the Cobb Highway toward Moama. You will pass 5 Mile Moama, which is a fantastic picnic spot to put on your itinerary for another day. It is also the start of the world class 5 Mile mountain bike trail, which is suitable for the whole family, and an ideal spot to launch a boat, kayak or canoe.

Stop 7:

After a big day exploring, the last thing you probably feel like is cooking! Head to one of the local pubs or clubs for a dinner tonight, some of which have been around since the pioneering days! See what is open and on offer here.

For maps, park information and all further details, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.