The Murray River changes you. Not in a dramatic way, but in the subtle shift that happens when life finally slows down. The noise drops away, the water evens out your breathing, and the riverbanks open up a world that most people never see from the road.
This is where Mildura and the wider Sunraysia region shine. Locals know the best spots to pull up, wander, eat, explore and simply disconnect from the pace of normal life. For houseboaters, these riverbank pockets are where the real magic happens — the secluded sandbars, the quiet bends, the places where time feels different.
Whether you’re exploring in one of our boats from the All Seasons Houseboats Fleet or planning your route using our Itinerary Ideas, here are the hidden places that make a Murray River houseboat holiday unforgettable.
Just fifteen to twenty minutes from where you board your boat at Mildura Marina, the river softens into a wide, calm stretch dotted with clean, accessible sandbars. These spots rarely make the tourist brochures – locals prefer to keep them quiet.
They’re ideal for:
There’s enough space to moor safely without feeling crowded. The banks are gentle, and the water is typically shallow enough for wading and supervised play.
Note: The last opening of the lock is approximately 4.00pm each day. Once you have passed through the lock travel further down stream and find a suitable mooring site for the night. All houseboats are guided through the lock by a crew member from All Seasons Houseboats.
Gol Gol sits just across the river from Mildura, but feels like its own relaxed world. The riverbank here is calm and green, with easy mooring points and access to walking paths.
What travellers love:
The hotel’s outdoor deck overlooks the water, and mooring out front is straightforward. You get excellent food, an easy walk, and a real sense of river life in Sunraysia.
Trentham Estate is one of the most popular winery stops accessible directly from your houseboat. Moor right at the riverbank and step off into one of the region’s most respected cellar doors.
Why this spot matters:
Trentham is ideal for long lunches, milestone celebrations, and trips where food and connection are a priority. It remains one of the most memorable stops for first-timers and returning guests.
A little further downstream, the river twists into peaceful, narrow bends surrounded by bushland and red-gum habitat. This is where the Murray feels truly untouched.
Expect:
Photographers love this stretch. So do families who want quiet swimming areas protected from boat wake. It’s also an ideal overnight stop, with deep silence and dark skies perfect for stargazing.
Merbein Common sits upriver and offers a blend of rugged bushland, wetlands, river gums and open space. It’s a favourite among locals for barbecues, short hikes, and fishing.
Houseboaters stop here because:
It’s a perfect reset point — swim, walk, throw a line in, or simply unwind.
Note: The last opening of the lock is approximately 4.00pm each day. Once you have passed through the lock travel further down stream and find a suitable mooring site for the night. All houseboats are guided through the lock by a crew member from All Seasons Houseboats.
Although not “hidden,” passing through Lock 11 is a highlight every houseboater should experience. You’ll navigate with the support of the lockmaster and watch the river rise or fall beneath your boat. It’s a unique moment you can’t replicate anywhere else in the region.
Nearby riverbanks are dotted with small inlets and quiet mooring opportunities that place you close to:
This spot blends connection with convenience — ideal for families or groups who want a taste of town without losing the river atmosphere.
Note: The last opening of the lock is approximately 4.00pm each day. Once you have passed through the lock travel further down stream and find a suitable mooring site for the night. All houseboats are guided through the lock by a crew member from All Seasons Houseboats.
Psyche Bend offers both a rich heritage story and a peaceful natural setting. The Psyche Bend Pumping Station played a major role in Sunraysia’s early irrigation systems, and the riverbank here remains one of the region’s most intriguing places to explore.
What you’ll find:
It’s a reflective, slower space where history, nature, and the river come together.
The Murray River in Mildura isn’t just about scenery. It’s about what the river gives people when they take time to let it work.
These hidden riverbank locations are where:
They’re places where Everlasting Connections form without trying — moments that happen because the river gives you time, space, and room to breathe.
If you’re ready to explore these spots for yourself, start by choosing the right boat from our houseboat fleet and plan your trip using our itinerary ideas.
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