The Murray River has always been a favourite holiday destination for Australians, but it has now been recognised by a worldwide audience as one of the 25 best places to travel to in the world for 2025.
National Geographic unveiled its annual ‘Best of the World’ list on Tuesday, October 22, which features a wide range of areas across the globe including iconic cities and natural wonders designed as a menu of options to inspire travellers.
Whilst some entries on the list were as specific as the Cenobitic monasteries in Italy, other entries were cities such as Los Angeles, Abu Dhabi, Bangkok and Northland in New Zealand or countries like Tunisia, Barbados, Greenland and Senegal.
Placing in among these iconic stops was the region’s own pride and joy, the Murray River which National Geographic describes as the “agrarian heart of Australia”.
The ‘Best of the World’ list was compiled through a nomination, research and reporting process by National Geographic’s team of travel experts and international editorial teams.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Cheryl Cook said the achievement of the Murray River making the Best of the World List for 2025 was incredible for the North of the Murray region and the entire Murray region as a whole.
"Whilst our North of the Murray tourism region is only one region located along the mighty Murray River, together, with our Murray tourism partners, we have created a destination that has now been recognised globally," Ms Cook said.
"It's very exciting and we hope the achievements inspire travellers across the globe to see the beauty of the Murray River region and plan a visit to us as part of their 2025 travel plans.
“We are incredibly grateful to receive this recognition and congratulate our tourism partners along the Murray region for complementing the amazing natural experiences of our mighty Murray River."
Federation Council General Manager, Adrian Butler said council's tourism team were ecstatic upon receiving the news that the Murray River had made the Best of the World List for 2025.
"Across our seasonal offerings, water and nature-based activities are always a drawcard for our visitors," Mr Butler said.
"It is what keeps our visitors coming back to the region time and time again. Our team hopes this latest recognition continues to grow our visitor numbers, because our region's offerings, complemented by our unique tourism operators, is one that must be experienced.
“Make sure to put the Murray River on your ‘must visit list’ for 2025!”
The report emphasises that the Murray River is the third-longest navigable river in the world, bested only by global icons, the Amazon and Nile rivers.
The blurb reads: “Australia’s Murray River flows for some 1,500 miles through the nation’s heartland from northeast Victoria to the Great Australian Bight near Adelaide. Board the new PS Australian Star, debuting in June 2025 from Murray River Paddlesteamers for leisurely multi-night cruises out of the Victorian town of Echuca. Itineraries feature riverside barbecues, wine tastings, wildlife spotting, and visits to historic sites.”
Indigo Shire Council Tourism Manager Susannah Doyle said the Murray River is a significant inland waterway for Indigo, the Rutherglen and Wahgunyah communities and wine region.
“The Murray River and Lake Moodemere adjacent to the river, are culturally significant for First Peoples and Traditional Custodians,” Ms Doyle said.
“Embedding First Peoples cultural heritage is a critical part of Reconciliation and Equity.
“Council will shortly complete the Rutherglen Loops, wine/walk/cycle trail, connecting the township and wine region of Rutherglen to the lake and river through the landscapes of the area.
“With the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Listing bid taking shape and Indigo’s participation in the bid, we are excited about global recognition of our heritage and natural assets.”
Murray Regional Tourism chief executive Cameron Sutton was thrilled that the Murray River was featured in the list and emphasised its importance in bringing visitors to the area.
“This is an incredible honour and one we do not take 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.”
To be transported to each destination through spectacular photography and reporting, visit https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/slideshow/best-of-the-world-2025.