A 3-day itinerary in Woomargama National Park

The river is not the only natural wonder of the Murray region – from mountains to the lakes, an unchartered nature trip awaits. Head to the hills in rugged Woomargama National Park to find sky-high views, cycle along the sparkling waters of Lake Hume and go for a dip on sandy shores.

Morning 

Provisioning for your weekend away has never felt so fresh. Rise early and call into the Albury Wodonga Farmers Market to pick up a loaf of baked sourdough and a bunch of ingredients to cook beside your roaring campfire tonight. This is a great way to tap into the fabric of this vibrant border community and meet some of the region’s friendly locals as they showcase their hard-grown work (don’t miss one of Six Spicy Spoons’ mouth-watering curry pastes or zucchini relish from Homemade by Annie). 

Produce at the Albury-Wodonga Farmers Market - Credit: Pia Frei

Afternoon  

Once you've stocked up for your mountain escape, wind through the bush for an hour until you arrive at Woomargama National Park. As the scenery becomes increasingly greener, you’ll get a visceral sense of how far removed from the big smoke you are. This is the largest protected chunk of forest west of the Great Dividing Range, and has been cared for by the Wiradjuri people for millennia.  

Woomargama National Park, Wantagong

The park takes its name from the local word for the native wild cherry that grows here, woomargama, and has also been dubbed ‘the Border’s Kakadu’ due to its sprawling size and rich, diverse ecosystems. Plenty of special creatures make their homes here, including koalas, the eastern pygmy-possum, the greater long-eared bat and the southern bell frog – keep your eyes peeled for these locals as you set out for your first expedition. 

To get an idea of Woomargama’s scale and beauty, head up to Norths Lookout  – you’ll need a 4WD to access the track, but it will be worth the journey. From the natural granite platform on top, you’ll be treated to a 180-degree view of the Murray Valley, Snowy Mountains and Riverina district. Devour your market treats and snap a selfie of an unforgettable picnic 1000m above sea level, and don’t forget to pack a pair of binoculars, majestic birds of prey are known to glide about the mountain ridges here. 

Evening 

Set up camp for the evening at the Tin Mines campground, a picturesque spot straddling Basin Creek surrounded by cream-flowered swamp gums. This land was once mined, and interesting remnants of the historic heritage remain – a sluice hole, dredge holes, water races and pieces of equipment. You’ll need a 4WD to access this little slice of bush, but it’s also located on the Hume and Hovell Walking Track, so you can access it on foot if you are keen on tackling part of this massive hike. 

Morning 

No phone alarms are needed here as your wake-up call will likely be the lively chatter of gang-gang cockatoos! After a cool bathe in the creek, it’s time to head back toward the river for an adventure on two wheels. 

The High Country Rail Trail is a super popular 80km route that stretches from Albury Wodonga to Shelley in Victoria, offering cyclists a scenic journey through an iconic landscape. If you’re coming from Woomargama National Park, you can join the trail from either end – or opt for a cruisier section by starting at Sandy Creek Bridge, which soars for 600m over sparkling Lake Hume and has gorgeous views of the high country.  

High Country Rail Trail - Credit: Wodonga Council

Afternoon  

With its pastel-hued mid-century architecture, the sweet little town of Tallangatta – which was moved west in 1956 due to the expansion of the Hume Weir – is incredibly photogenic, as is the old town, 8km away. Hit the local bakery and stuff your bike basket with snacks for a lakeside feast. If you don’t have two wheels of your own, Eating Travel in Albury offers e-bike rental and picnic lunches if you book in advance. 

Eating Travel e-bike Hire - Credit: Travis Cartwright, Noelle Quinn | Eating Travel

Post bike session, make your way to the Thirsty Devil Brewery back in Albury for a hearty feed and some local brews. The spicy devil wings here go down a treat with their aromatic IPA or malty, Irish-style Red Ale. Run by three locals, this relaxed venue also offers a range of wines, ciders and sophisticated cocktails, plus a selection of burgers and share plates. Check out their socials for upcoming live music and guest food trucks.  

Evening 

After a phenomenal day of exploring, make tracks to Lake Hume Discovery Park for the night, where you can sling a tent, park your van or snooze in a cabin overlooking the dreamy lake. Go for a late afternoon swim in the pool – or perhaps a soak in the spa – then brew a cup of tea, set up your camp chairs on the sandy lake shore and watch the golden sunset light up the mountain range on the other side of the water.

Lake Hume Discovery Park, Albury - Credit: Discovery Parks NSW

Morning 

Make this morning’s wake-up call an icy plunge in serene Lake Hume from the park’s onsite beach. The belly of this waterway holds more than six times as much water as Sydney Harbour, and there’s a bounty of activities to try your hand at – from waterskiing and fishing to stand-up paddleboarding. Just a 15-minute drive across the lake will take you to Kurrajong Gap Lookout, where you can soak up unforgettable views of Lake Hume, the Lake Hume Dam Wall, the twin cities of Albury and Wodonga, and the endless rolling hills.  

Kayaking on Lake Hume, Albury - Credit: Albury City Council & Destination Riverina Murray

Afternoon 

Head back to Albury for lunch – The River Deck offers quintessential views of the Murray River, along with a modern Australian menu that makes the most of incredible local produce. After you’re fed and satisfied, make your last experience in the Murray another scenic one, and head to Morgan’s Lookout in Culcairn. Not only was this huge granite boulder a hiding spot for Mad Dan Morgan, a notorious bushranger of the 1860s, but the steep rocky outcrop also offers 360-degree views of rolling green countryside. 

The River Deck, Albury