Ports of the Murray River

A key driver for tourism investment and growth

First conceived in 2010, the Ports of the Murray River (POMR) Strategic Initiative started as a regional change strategy managed by Regional Development Victoria(RDV). The strategy represented a series of projects in the Loddon Mallee region that had the ability to contribute to a change of perception and to reposition the Murray River in the Australian psyche.

The strategy quickly expanded to cover all of the riverside communities within the Murray tourism region – from Albury Wodonga in the east to Wentworth Mildura in the west. The project’s geographic boundary has recently expanded to include the whole of the Murray River, linking with South Australia to grow the overall visitor experience.

Project vision:

To stimulate investment and visitation by showcasing and authenticating the importance of the Ports of the Murray and the role the Murray River played in opening up inland Australia.

Achieving the vision:

Through the initial investigation, 9 core port experiences have been identified which will form the basis for the first phase of infrastructure investment and product development.

The nine key visitor ports are:

  1. Mt. Kosciuszko Snowy Mountains Scheme – Modern Civil Engineering wonder of the world
  2. Wodonga – Bonegilla Migrant Experience
  3. Corowa – Birth place of Federation
  4. Echuca Moama – Historic Port of Echuca
  5. Swan Hill – Heartbeat of the Murray
  6. Wentworth – Junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers
  7. Renmark – Oldest River Settlement
  8. Mannum – Birthplace of the Australian Paddle Steamer
  9. Goolwa – Mouth of the Murray

Each of the nine locations has a rich and authentic story, forming a strong base to build the POMR experience.

Many of the individual experiences have been successful in attracting significant infrastructure investment. Local governments have invested in these projects, with support from both State and Federal grants programs. Funding in the order of $28 million has already been secured to implement POMR infrastructure projects.

A brochure has been developed to provide more detailed information about the project investment opportunities. Please contact, CEO MRT, [email protected] (03) 5480 7110,  if you would like to discuss the project.

Download the brochure