Table of Contents
Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information presented. We are not liable for any actions taken based on this content. For specific issues or decisions, we recommend seeking professional advice.
Introduction
Rivers are one of the most important natural resources in Australia, and they’re an amazing place to visit. If you have never visited Australia’s rivers before, then it’s time that you did! From the gorgeous and wild Fitzroy River in Queensland to the majestic Murray River in Victoria, these are some of the most incredible places to visit if you want a truly Australian experience. Here are eight rivers all across Australia that will blow your mind.
Fitzroy River (& National Park), Queensland
The Fitzroy River is located in Australia’s tropical north, about a two-hour drive from Rockhampton. This river has been named one of Queensland’s top ten rivers to visit and it has a massive catchment area that covers over 44,000 square kilometers, making it the second-largest catchment area in Queensland.
This river flows through an amazing national park called Lamington National Park which is home to many unique plants and animals. It is also part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and offers some spectacular views along its length including waterfalls like McLeod Falls and Natural Bridge Falls.
You can enjoy swimming spots along this section as well as plenty of opportunities for hiking, canoeing, or even horse riding if you want some more adventure! There are several towns nearby including Canungra (where there is accommodation), and Beechmont (where there is also accommodation) but most people choose to stay at Rainbow Beach which offers all kinds of options but remember not all places have air con so make sure you check first before booking your accommodation because it can get very hot during summer months especially if you plan on exploring further down the river into areas where there hasn’t been much development yet like North Arm where again there are only limited options available right now compared with other places closer by such as Canungra which has many more choices available closer by so do your research beforehand if possible then plan accordingly because most places fill up fast during peak season.
If you’re planning a trip to Fitzroy river or around Rockhampton, be sure to book your accommodation like this accommodation in Rockhampton early so you can get the best price. Some hotels offer deals on airfare and hotel packages, so look into those before booking your flight.
Drysdale River
The Drysdale River is located in the pristine wilderness of Western Australia. The river is accessible by air or car and offers some incredible camping opportunities. Activities include fishing, hiking, swimming, and canoeing. During the dry season, you can even hike through heathlands with beautiful wildflowers blooming all around you.
During the wet season, this area becomes one of Australia’s premier spots for white water rafting, kayaking, and canoeing. There are also several scenic sinkhole caves to explore while you’re there.
The best time to visit is during springtime when temperatures are cooler than in other parts of Australia but not too cold yet. This makes it the perfect time for camping trips as well as wildlife viewing tours where you can see crocodiles basking on riverbanks along with birds such as pelicans diving into the water for fishy snacks before taking off again higher up into nearby trees where their nests lie hidden away from hungry eyes below; however if you want something more secluded then consider booking yourself onto a private tour instead so nobody else will disturb your experience!
Accommodation options include luxury hotels or eco-friendly campsites where guests share facilities such as bathrooms depending on how much money they want to spend when booking their trip. Or if you’re interested in purchasing property in this area, there are plenty of options available for houses for sale in Drysdale, as well as nearby towns like Beechworth and Whitfield.
Barron River
Barron River is a river in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It flows from the Mitchell Plateau to the west coast of Australia where it discharges into Maitland Bay between King Sound, part of the Indian Ocean, and Princess Royal Harbour at Port Walcott. The river was named after Sir A.C. Gregory by his assistant H.J. Wild who explored this area in 1879-1880 when they were looking for permanent water supplies for cattle stations on the King Sound coast.
The Barron River was one of several important rivers discovered by European explorers during expeditions into northern Australia including Captain Cook who sighted it on 22 August 1778 during his second voyage aboard HM Bark Endeavour; Phillip Parker King during his first voyage aboard HM Sloop Mermaid between 1822-1825; and Ludwig Leichhardt (1848).
The best way to explore Barron is by taking advantage of its airport shuttle buses like the airport shuttle in Cairns. These buses are available at all times of day and night, so you can visit whenever you want! There are also several attractions within walking distance of the bus station, including cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat before heading back out into the fresh air again.
Thompson River (NT)
Thompson River is a tributary of the Daly River, which in turn is a tributary of the Katherine River. Thompson River is the longest river in the Northern Territory and it’s also one of its most beautiful.
Thompson River is a popular destination for fishing, canoeing, and camping. You can explore this amazing channel by car or by foot, but if you choose to go by foot, make sure you have plenty of water with you because there aren’t any shops around.
Hawkesbury River, NSW
The Hawkesbury River, located in New South Wales, Australia is a large river that is named after its proximity to the Hawkesbury district. The river was named by Captain Arthur Phillip on the 26th of April 1789 and it subsequently became an important part of early European settlement in Australia.
The Hawkesbury River begins in the hills west of Sydney at Warragamba Dam which was built in 1954 as part of Sydney’s water supply system. It then flows northwest for about 250km before discharging into Broken Bay where it meets Pittwater, which runs towards Sydney Harbour and Port Jackson (Sydney’s main harbor).
Murray River, South Australia, NSW & Victoria
A popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming, the Murray River is also one of Australia’s most beautiful waterways. The river passes through some of Australia’s most picturesque towns including Albury Wodonga and Corowa in NSW; Swan Hill and Echuca in Victoria; and Mannum, Renmark Passport Office, and Berri in South Australia.
Parry Creek Farm, Kimberley Region, WA
Parry Creek Farm, Kimberley Region, WA
This working cattle station is located in the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. It is one of the largest cattle stations in Australia and is owned by the AACo (Australian Agricultural Company). It has been operating since 1883 and currently runs over 60,000 head of Angus beef cattle on more than 200 square miles of land. There are also sheep and goats on this property as well as 3 million wild camels!
Yarra River, Victoria
The Yarra River is a major waterway in Victoria, Australia. The river is approximately 150 kilometers long and has a catchment area of 1,100 square kilometers. It starts in the Yarra Ranges and flows into Port Phillip Bay.
The River’s headwaters are located at an altitude of over 700 meters above sea level on Mount Baw Baw and Mount Toorourrong in Victoria’s Alpine Region. From here it heads eastwards through the upper regions of Gippsland before entering the Bass Strait at Warrnambool where it forms part of an estuary system with many side arms leading down to meet it (including Coliban River).
King George River, WA
The King George River is a tributary of the Fitzroy River in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. It’s a popular fishing spot, but it’s best visited in the dry season as there are no facilities, so bring all your supplies with you. The scenery is spectacular, and it provides outstanding opportunities for hiking and camping.
Tully River and Gorge (Qld)
- Tully River is a tributary of the Herbert River in Far North Queensland.
- It’s part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and contains some of Australia’s most diverse ecosystems.
- The gorge was once home to major archaeological sites, but they have since been destroyed by floods and development. However, there are still many natural features worth seeing here: you can float down the river with an inflatable boat or canoe; explore walking trails that lead through rainforest vegetation; visit small caves along the way; and keep your eyes peeled for cassowaries! If you’re lucky enough to spot one, take note that these birds are known for their sharp claws!
Think of the rivers as your next tourist destination!
Rivers are a great place to visit when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can do so much more than just relax on the riverbank. There are many activities for people of all ages and skill levels, including swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
If you’re planning your next trip to one of these amazing rivers in Australia then make sure you check out our travel tips below:
Conclusion
There are many reasons to visit Australia, but few are as captivating as its rivers. Whether you’re looking for adventure or want to explore untouched nature, these scenic waterways have it all. From the tropical rainforests of Queensland to the red rock canyons of Western Australia, there are plenty of places where you can experience nature at its finest.
Guest Author
Latest posts by Guest Author (see all)
- Self-Manage or Hire an Airbnb Management Company in Brisbane? A Practical Guide - January 27, 2026
- How to Personalise Your Own Funeral - January 8, 2026
- Child Custody Schedules by Age: A Realistic Guide for Australian Parents - November 17, 2025