The Murray River Forty million years ago, through the forces of water and geophysical uplifting, the valley that cradles Australia's greatest river began to take shape. It is a river whose character encompasses environmental beauty, rich in heritage and history, busy townships and major regional centres, rewarding tourism and recreation possibilities, and a continuing bounty of produce.

Beginning as a gurgling alpine spring on the flanks of Australia's highest mountain, Mt. Kusciusko, gathering force to travel 2756 klms - first to the north-west, and then in a wide arc to the south, where finally mature and slow, it empties into the sea south-east of Adelaide. By then it has linked three southern states, and an unending diverse, yet always definitely Australian landscape. It is truly a remarkable living river.

FACTS
* The Murray is the third longest navigable river in the world, after the Amazon and the Nile.
* Total lenghth - 2756 kilometres
* It spans three states - Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia.
* The river has 4 major dams, 16 storage weirs and 15 navigable locks.
* Is the major domestic water supply for over 1.5 million households.
* 30% of the annual flow is used for irrigation.
* Along with its tributaries, the Murray is part of the third largest water catchment on earth.
* Aboriginal occupation goes back 30,000 years.
* For half a century from 1953 the Murray was a virtual water highway.
* The worlds largest canoe race is held each year on the Murray.
* The Murry has the worlds largest redgum forest and ibis rookery on its banks.
* The Murray is a mecca for golfers with 37 golf courses along its banks.