Explore Moama

Moama ~ New South Wales

Moama is an interesting town on the Murray River in southern New South Wales. It is located 224 kilometres north of Melbourne and 781 kilometres southwest of Sydney. Moama has a lovely lagoon walk, colourful water tower art, fantastic wineries and a relaxed atmosphere.

During our stay in Moama, we wandered around Horseshoe Lagoon, viewed the Water Tower Art, and visited Moama Beach. We visited St Anne’s Winery, had lunch at a great cafe, visited the Botanic Gardens and explored the Heritage trail. We also drove out to see the Torrumbarry Weir and Interpretive Centre.

Horsehoe Lagoon

Horseshoe Lagoon is located on the intersection of Shaw and Blair Streets in Moama and is part of Moama's Wetland Reserve. There are picnic tables and shelters near the carpark.

We wandered along the raised boardwalk through the horseshoe-shaped lagoon and billabong, which is home to native birds, animals, plants and fish. 

There are interesting interpretive signs along the walk about the importance of wetlands and floodplains along the Murray River. Then we arrived at the banks of the Murray River and wandered along to the Moama Wharf. 

The original Moama wharf was built in 1879, but the riverboats could only access it when the river was high, and it was eventually abandoned. The current wharf was built in 1988, along with the lovely boardwalk.

Water Tower Art

Located just off the Cobb Highway is a lovely, colourful water tower. It was painted by internationally acclaimed artist Hiroyasu Tsuri, also known as Twoone. This colourful mural blends the beauty of nature with local birdlife.

It was the second silo to be completed on the River Country Art Trail.

Moama Beach

Moama Beach is one of the best places to access the Murray River, and it's a popular spot for fishing, relaxing and swimming in the warmer weather. It's also a lovely spot for a picnic, with BBQs, picnic tables and shelters.

You can also see the historic Iron Bridge across the river here; this bridge is a wrought iron girder structure that was built in 1878. It is 444 metres long, and when it was built, it was the longest bridge across the Murray River.

St Anne’s Winery

St. Anne’s Moama Winery and Cellar Door is located in the Perricoota wine region and is open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Cellar Door was constructed using a traditional rammed-earth technique, and it has a lovely lake and lawn area overlooking the vineyards.

St Anne’s has free wine tastings, and there is a great selection of whites, reds, muscats and fortified tawnies.

The Cellar Door also has a great selection of local produce, and you can pre-book a Ploughman's Platter to enjoy with your wine.

Three Black Sheep Cafe

Three Black Sheep is a great cafe located on Perricoota Road, open daily from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm.

It has indoor and outdoor seating, great coffee and offers breakfast and lunch. We enjoyed a delicious lunch outside.

Moama Botanical Gardens

The Moama Botanic Gardens are situated within the Moama Recreation Reserve, located on Perricoota Road.

The gardens are themed around the Riverina region and feature native and Indigenous plantings suited to the arid and semi-arid Australian landscape.

They feature an interesting Billabong, Settlers Gardens, several sculptures and relaxed seating areas.

Near the Botanic Gardens is the Adventure Playpark, a great playground with picnic areas, BBQs and toilets.

Moama Heritage Trail

Moama’s history dates back to the mid-1800s, when it was established as a river crossing point for people moving stock and supplies across the Murray River. 

We drove around to have a look at some of the heritage sites.

The Telegraph Station at 60 Chanter Street was built around the 1840s to 1850s and is one of Moama’s oldest surviving buildings.

The River Captains' Cottage, built around 1870, has been home to many riverboat captains over the years.

Across from these two buildings is River Captains Reach, an area of the river that was once lined with landings and moorings for the busy riverboat trade.

Moama was originally called “Maidens Punt” after James Maiden, who operated a punt service across the river. You can see the spot where the punt originally operated.

You can also see a plaque and the remains of Maidens Inn. Maiden built the Inn in 1846 to provide accommodation and lodgings for people waiting to cross the river.

We then drove to Francis Street to see the Moama Court House. This lovely Classical-style Victorian-era courthouse was built in the 1880s and is still in use today.

Torrumbarry Weir and Interpretive Centre

The Torrumbarry Weir is located approximately 40 kilometres from Moama on the Victorian side of the River.

The Torrumbarry Weir is one of the fourteen weirs and locks built to control the waters of the Murray following the 1915 formal River Murray Agreement.

The original Torrumbarry Weir was completed in 1924. In 1992, leaks were discovered in the weir, and after a thorough engineering investigation, it was decided to replace it. 

Work began in June 1994 on the new $36 million weir construction, and it was completed and operational by August 1996. 

You can wander across the weir and see the original Lock 26, which is still used today.

The Torrumbarry Weir Interpretive Centre is open daily from 8.00 am to 4.00 pm. 

Inside are a range of exhibits that explain the history of the weir, the ecology of the Murray River, and the importance of water management in the area.  These exhibits are designed to be educational and engaging for visitors of all ages.