Discover Mathoura

Mathoura offers several different themes for a stay: trails along Gulpa Creek, birdwatching and walks exploring the town’s history. If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip, these interests can help you decide how you’d like to spend your time in the area. Nature activities include walking and cycling, as well as birdwatching and canoeing; the history offerings focus on the timber industry and traces of early settlers.

Forest trails, birds and creek activities

From Mathoura, the Gulpa Creek Forest walks at Crane’s Bridge offer a flat, easy 5 km trail or a ride of the same distance along Gulpa Creek. The route is in Murray Valley Regional Park, which adjoins Murray Valley National Park. Whether on foot or by bike, both options cover the same specific distance but differ in how you get around. Check current park alerts before your trip.

Gulpa Creek is also a good place for birdwatching. At the Reed Beds Bird Hide in Mathoura, you can look out for red-rumped parrots, superb fairy-wrens and purple swamphens. An easy walk along the boardwalk leads to the bird hide. If you have particular species in mind, you can look for the birds mentioned at the hide; Gulpa Creek is also a good place for birdwatching.

The Reed Beds Bird Hide has a paved car park with an accessible parking space and bus parking. As parking facilities may change, check the latest visitor information before you go.

Gulpa Creek is also suitable for canoeing or kayaking. Before your trip, check both current park alerts and water conditions for these activities.

The timber industry and settlement history

The Mathoura Timber Heritage Walk is free and self-guided. Ten information panels explain the history of Mathoura’s river red gum timber industry. They are mounted on river red gum posts and located on the grounds of the Timbercutter restaurant and in the Picnic Point area. The walk therefore focuses on the timber industry.

The Mathoura Heritage Trail is also self-guided, but focuses on early settlers. It traces their footsteps and leads to historic landmarks in the town of Mathoura. The two history experiences therefore have different focuses: the Timber Heritage Walk covers the timber industry, while the Heritage Trail focuses on early settlers and historic places. If you’re choosing a walk based on your interests, this comparison of themes can help you decide.

Maps and travel information

The Mathoura Visitor and Business Centre offers maps and brochures. There, you can get information about key local attractions and travel in the Murray region. This gives you information to find your way around both local destinations and the wider region. Use the maps and brochures to include the nature and history experiences mentioned above in your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Sawtell, Caves Beach, Erowal Bay, Sunshine Bay, Cedar Creek, Griffith City, Murrumbateman, Eulomogo

For the broader travel overview: New South Wales.