Moama, NSW – Best Things to Do on the Murray River

Moama, NSW – Best Things to Do on the Murray River

Moama is a relaxed and character-filled riverside town on the Murray River in southern New South Wales and is the twin town of Echuca in Victoria, just across the river. Located 224 kilometres north of Melbourne and approximately 781 kilometres southwest of Sydney, Moama is known for its peaceful lagoon walks, colourful water tower art, historic river heritage and excellent wineries.

During our stay in Moama, we explored Horseshoe Lagoon, admired the Water Tower Art, relaxed at Moama Beach and followed the town’s Heritage Trail. We also visited St Anne’s Winery, enjoyed lunch at a local café, wandered through the Moama Botanic Gardens and took a scenic drive out to the Torrumbarry Weir and Interpretive Centre.

Exploring Horsehoe Lagoon

Horseshoe Lagoon is located on the corner of Shaw and Blair Streets and forms part of Moama’s Wetland Reserve. A small car park, picnic tables and shelters make it an easy and enjoyable place to stop. We followed the raised boardwalk that winds through the horseshoe-shaped lagoon and billabong, an area rich with native birdlife, plants, fish and other wildlife. Along the way, interpretive signs explain the vital role wetlands and floodplains play along the Murray River.

The walk eventually leads to the banks of the Murray River, where we continued along the riverside path to the Moama Wharf.

The original Moama Wharf was built in 1879 but could only be accessed by riverboats during high river levels and was eventually abandoned. The current wharf and boardwalk were constructed in 1988 and are now a lovely spot to stroll and enjoy the river views.

Discovering Moama Water Tower Art

Just off the Cobb Highway stands Moama’s striking water tower, painted by internationally acclaimed artist Hiroyasu Tsuri, also known as Twoone. The vibrant mural beautifully blends natural elements with local birdlife and was the second silo completed on the River Country Art Trail. It’s a great photo stop and a standout piece of public art in the region.

Relaxing at Moama Beach

Moama Beach is one of the best places to access the Murray River and is popular for fishing, swimming and relaxing during the warmer months. The area is well set up with BBQs, picnic tables and shelters, making it ideal for a laid-back riverside lunch.

From the beach, you can also see the historic Iron Bridge spanning the Murray River. Built in 1878, this wrought-iron girder bridge stretches 444 metres and was, at the time of construction, the longest bridge crossing the Murray River.

Visitng St Anne’s Winery

St Anne’s 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 is constructed using traditional rammed-earth techniques and overlooks a peaceful lake and vineyard setting.

Free wine tastings are available, with a wide selection of whites, reds, muscats and fortified tawnies on offer. There is also a lovely range of local produce for sale, and you can pre-book a Ploughman’s Platter to enjoy alongside your tasting.

The Bike to Winery Tour in Echuca is a relaxed and scenic way to enjoy the Murray River and local wine without the effort of a long ride. This guided afternoon e-bike tour follows peaceful riverside paths, with stops at Horseshoe Lagoon and Moama Wharf, where you may spot birdlife and passing paddle steamers. The tour finishes at St Anne’s Winery, where you can enjoy a complimentary wine tasting, with the option to pre-order a platter.

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Lunch at the Three Black Sheep Cafe

Three Black Sheep Café is a popular local café on Perricoota Road, open daily from 6:00 am to 2:00 pm. With indoor and outdoor seating, excellent coffee and a breakfast and lunch menu, it’s a great place to refuel. We enjoyed a delicious lunch outside, soaking up the relaxed Moama atmosphere.

Wandering Around the Moama Botanical Gardens

The Moama Botanic Gardens are located within the Moama Recreation Reserve on Perricoota Road. The gardens are themed around the Riverina region and feature native and Indigenous plantings suited to arid and semi-arid Australian landscapes. Highlights include a tranquil billabong, the Settlers Gardens, several sculptures and plenty of shaded seating areas. Nearby is the Adventure Playpark, which offers a large playground, picnic facilities, BBQs and toilets — perfect for families.

Moama Heritage Trail

Moama’s history dates back to the mid-1800s when it was established as a key river crossing point for stock and supplies moving across the Murray River. We drove around town to explore several heritage sites, starting with the Telegraph Station at 60 Chanter Street. Built between the 1840s and 1850s, it is one of Moama’s oldest surviving buildings. Nearby is the River Captains’ Cottage, built around 1870 and once home to many riverboat captains. Across the road is River Captains Reach, an area that was historically lined with landings and moorings during the busy riverboat era.

Moama was originally known as Maidens Punt, named after James Maiden, who operated a punt service across the river. You can still see the location where the punt once operated, along with a plaque and the remains of Maidens Inn, built in 1846 to accommodate travellers waiting to cross the river.

We also visited the Moama Courthouse on Francis Street. This elegant Classical-style Victorian courthouse was built in the 1880s and remains in use today.

Torrumbarry Weir and Interpretive Centre

The Torrumbarry Weir is located approximately 40 kilometres from Moama on the Victorian side of the Murray River and makes for a worthwhile scenic drive.

It is one of fourteen weirs and locks constructed following the 1915 River Murray Agreement to regulate river flows. The original weir was completed in 1924, but after leaks were discovered in 1992, a full replacement was undertaken.

Construction of the new $36 million weir began in June 1994 and was completed in August 1996. Visitors can walk across the weir and see the original Lock 26, which is still in operation today.

The Torrumbarry Weir Interpretive Centre is open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and features engaging exhibits explaining the history of the weir, the ecology of the Murray River and the importance of water management in the region. It’s an educational and informative stop for visitors of all ages.

Discover Moama on the Murray River

Moama is a wonderful riverside destination that blends natural beauty, rich river history and a relaxed country atmosphere. From peaceful walks around Horseshoe Lagoon and heritage buildings along the Murray to colourful public art, wineries and scenic river spots, there’s plenty to see and do at an easy pace. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or including Moama as part of a Murray River road trip, it’s a town that invites you to slow down and enjoy life by the river.

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