About an hour towards Swan Hill, Murray Downs hosted the 2024 NSW Open. Cam Smith played there. Lucas Herbert. Geoff Ogilvy. So yeah, it’s a proper course.
The layout opened in 1991 and consistently ranks in Australia’s top 100. Previous Victorian PGA Course of the Year too. What stands out is how different it feels from the surrounding Mallee country. Immaculate fairways, fast greens, river gums everywhere. The 5th hole has a water carry that’ll test your nerve.
Ninety minutes east in Moama, Rich River gives you 36 holes across two courses. The West is tight and tree-lined. The East was redesigned by Peter Thomson and plays more links-style with water on a few holes.
They hosted the 2023 NSW Open and have a covered driving range plus a simulator. There’s even mini golf for the kids, so it works for families where the non-golfers need something to do.
All three courses belong to “Golf on the Murray” which links seven clubs along the river. Members at other clubs might score reciprocal rates, so mention it at the pro shop.
BIG4 Barham Holiday Parks puts you within easy reach of all three courses. Play CluBarham before breakfast, do a day trip to Murray Downs or Rich River, then get back to camp while there’s still light on the river. Not a bad way to spend a few days.
Head about 90 minutes southeast to Echuca-Moama and you’re in the heart of the Perricoota wine region. Granted official wine region status in 1999, this area produces excellent warm-climate varieties – think bold Shiraz, rich Cabernet Sauvignon, and crisp Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
St Anne’s Winery is a cornerstone of the region. The McLean family has been making award-winning wines here for over 40 years. Their cellar door was built using traditional rammed-earth construction and sits overlooking the vines and a small lake – it’s a beautiful spot. Free tastings are available seven days a week, no bookings required. Try their fortified wines if you’re a fan.
Morrisons Riverview Winery combines wine with one of the best lunch spots on the Murray. Perched right on the river’s edge, the first vines were planted in 1993 and the property now has 15 acres under vine producing Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Shiraz. Every seat in the restaurant has river views, and you might be joined by kangaroos grazing among the vines or kookaburras on the deck. There’s also an on-site brewery, 1710 Brew Co, if craft beer’s more your thing.
An hour northwest of Barham, the Swan Hill wine region offers a different experience. Andrew Peace Wines at Piangil (about 40km north of Swan Hill on the Murray Valley Highway) is one of Australia’s largest family-owned wineries. The Peace family has been growing grapes here since 1980, opening their winery in 1996. With over 40 wine styles to taste and beautiful grounds for a picnic, it’s well worth the drive. The cellar door is caravan-friendly with plenty of parking, and dogs are welcome.
If you’d rather leave the car behind, Echuca Moama Winery Tours offers half and full-day tours through the Perricoota region, complete with gourmet local produce and lunch. For something different, combine wine with a paddle steamer cruise – the Wharf to Winery tour takes you down the Murray on the historic PS Canberra before a two-course lunch and tastings at Morrisons.
The Green Pedal Winery E-Bike Tour is another option for the active – cycle scenic trails to St Anne’s Winery for tastings, cheese platters and river views.
Big4 Barham Holiday Park is located in the friendly riverside town of Barham , in the heart of New South Wales’ Riverina region.
Barham is a quiet, welcoming town — perfect for holidaymakers looking to unwind, slow down, and reconnect with nature.
With plenty of things to see and do nearby, including swimming, kayaking, cycling along the Murray River, exploring national parks, and sampling local wines and gourmet produce, Barham offers a relaxing yet enriching escape.
