Five riverside walks to head to this weekend
There's nothing quite as relaxing as a walk along a river in Australia. The fresh air, the river breeze and the sounds of nature.We’re all discovering the joys of walking (thanks partly due to a certain epidemic) and rambling along a river bank is particularly restful, given the water’s random trajectories and the peacefulness of plant, bird and animal life. Feel like heading out to find a great riverside trail? Try these five for size.
Wiradjuri Trail, Wagga Wagga, NSW
There’s much to see and do in southern NSW’s biggest city (Wagga has a thriving population of around 70,000) and this 42km walk is a great way to get your bearings. If 42km is too far, consider the northern section along the Murrumbidgee River. There are river gums, water views, birdlife and perhaps most surprisingly, a sandy beach with adjacent parkland good for a picnic and a swim. Doggies and mountain bikes are welcome.
Noosa River, Noosa, Queensland
Life in Noosa is pretty relaxed with its warm weather, beaches, restaurants and shops and despite its popularity, the town’s development has left plenty of open spaces. From bustling Hastings Street you can walk out to the river mouth along the main beach, then back into town along secluded coves and mangrove swamps while metres away pleasure craft ply the narrow channel between sandbars. Take the ferry upriver to Noosaville, walk its broad banks and maybe hire a BBQ boat to explore the canals and ogle homes of the rich and famous.
Yarra Trail, Melbourne, Victoria
We all know the joke: Melbourne’s Yarra River is said to flow upside down because it looks as if the mud is at the top. Okay, the Yarra is a bit brown but it flows through a pleasant mix of inner-city chic and rustic scenery once you’re in the ‘burbs. The Main Yarra Trail is a daunting 33km riverside walk from Templestowe to the city but the good news is you can park the car anywhere upstream and follow it into Southbank. Wander past rowing sheds, billabongs, the MCG and stop for a drink before jumping on a tram and heading back to your starting point.
Clarence Foreshore Trail, Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart’s city centre is charming, but for a different view of Australia’s southernmost capital try this 16.7km trail on the north side of the Derwent River. The Clarence Foreshore Trail starts at Geilston Bay in the north and winds around coves and points to Howrah Beach with side trips to attractions like the Kangaroo Bluff historic fort. The views along this walk back to Hobart’s wharves and Mount Wellington are spectacular.
Katarapko Trail, Murray River, South Australia
You seem a long way from Adelaide on this trail near Berri and the three-hour drive towards the Victorian border opens up some wide-open vistas. The Murray is ever-present and a good way to stop and see it is in the Murray River National Park. The Katarapko Trail is a bracing 10.4km walk starting on the outskirts of Berri, plus there are other newly-laid pathways. Wander the floodplains and creeks, see the birdlife and living sculptures of the red gums in this beautiful, semi-arid river-fed environment.
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