Fast facts
- State forest bordered by lagoons and rivers
- Famous as the “ute capital” of the world
- 8 hours’ drive south-west of Sydney
Why go there
Set on the Edward River, a branch of the Murray, Deniliquin is bordered by a series of lagoons that snake into parkland and State forest. The Barmah Forest has the Australia's largest natural stand of river red gums and more than 180 Aboriginal sacred sites, while the Barmah Wetlands is home to about 900 different animal species.
The twin towns of Echuca–Moama are home to the world’s largest riverboat fleet. Carefully restored buildings and good restaurants make the towns a charming destination.
Deniliquin hosts the annual Ute Muster, which attracts about 5,000 utility drivers – it now holds the Guinness World record for the most utes ever mustered in one place.
Things to do
- Go waterskiing, canoeing or line fishing in and around the Edward River’s sandy beaches and lagoons.
- Visit the Island Sanctuary, home to wildlife such as kangaroos, possums and bats.
- Go bushwalking in Barmah State Forest among 5,000-year-old red gums.
- Check out the big Ute on a Pole, near the National Bridge, commemorating Deniliquin’s status as the ute capital of the world.
- Take the Long Paddock River Walk, beginning at the Peppin Heritage Centre and finishing at the nearby Island Sanctuary. This is just a small section of the stock route known as the Long Paddock that passes through the eastern states of Australia.
Don’t miss
- Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement, a re-creation of a port town of the paddle-steamer era.
- A cruise on a paddle-steamer from Echuca–Moama or Swan Hill.
- Learning about the history of Deniliquin’s wool industry at the Peppin Heritage Centre.
- The Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum, Swan Hill.
- The Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, which focuses on post-1970s and naïve art.
Events
- Riverboats Jazz Food & Wine Festival, Echuca–Moama, in February.
- Steam, Horse and Vintage Rally, Echuca–Moama, in June.
- Winter Blues Festival, Echuca–Moama, in July.
- Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin, in September.
- Heritage Steam Festival, Port Echuca, in October.
