THE Murray River has been revealed as one of National Geographic’s Best of the World Destinations for 2025.
Developed in close consultation with National Geographic’s travel team and international editors, the annual Best of the World Destinations identified the brand’s list of “the most exciting, meaningful and one-of-a-kind travel experiences” for the upcoming year.
Judges said the 2025 list includes “a blend of both surprising up-and-coming destinations and timeless locations that have something new and exciting to offer, from a new rock climbing haven in India to Stockholm’s new and lesser-known island-hopping trail”.
They placed the Murray River among 25 top locations across the globe, suggesting that visitors “cruise through the agrarian heart of Australia”.
The third longest navigable river in the world – behind only the Amazon and the Nile – the Murray River stretches 2700 kilometres from
the mountains of the Great Dividing Range through New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, ending at the Murray Mouth near Goolwa, where it flows out to the sea.
The main towns in the Murray River valley are Albury, Wodonga, Echuca, Swan Hill, Mildura, Renmark and Murray Bridge.
Judges said the recognition of one of National Geographic’s Best of the World Destinations for 2025 shines a spotlight on the river’s “extraordinary natural beauty, diverse landscapes and the unique experiences it offers”.
“The Murray River provides both residents and visitors with an abundance of recreational and lifestyle activities,” they said.
“The river is a natural treasure that forms part of the community’s identity, offering everything from houseboat holidays and water sports to tranquil retreats and local wine tastings.”
Murray Regional Tourism chief executive Cameron Sutton said the “incredible honour” was something that was not taken lightly.
“Our inclusion highlights the beauty and uniqueness of the Murray River region and presents it to a global audience,” he said.
“We are in great company among some of the other top destinations in the world.
“The Murray connects us all, no matter the location, there’s a certain magic that cannot be described, it must be experienced.”
The recognition comes off the back of biggest tourism campaign in Mildura’s history to rebrand the region as Tropical North Victoria.
Delivered in a tongue-in-check manner, the campaign points out that Mildura has more sunny days than the Sunshine Coast, highlights Mildura’s dining, arts and leisure experiences and encourages travellers to spoil themselves in a place that hasn’t been spoiled.
Other locations named in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2025 list are: Haida Gwaii, British Columbia; Boise, Idaho; Ocala National Forest, Florida; Los Angeles, California; Barbados; Cerrado, Brazil; Antigua, Guatemala; Guadalajara, Mexico; Cork, Ireland; Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden; Outer Hebrides, Scotland; Greenland; Brasov, Romania; Cenobitic Monasteries, Italy; Abu Dhabi, UAE; Tunisia; Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa; Senegal; Suru Valley, India; Raja Ampat, Indonesia; Bangkok, Thailand; Kanazawa, Japan; Eastern and Oriental Express, Malaysia; and Northland, New Zealand.
