Which river forms the border between New South Wales and Victoria?

The Murray rises in the Australian Alps near Mount Kosciuszko and flows west through the Riverina and Sunraysia regions before turning south through South Australia to the sea near Goolwa. The border follows the southern bank of the river, so the water itself lies in New South Wales.

Towns along the river include Albury and Wodonga, Echuca and Moama, Swan Hill and Mildura. Paddle steamers once carried wool and goods along it, and some still operate for tourists today.

A vital water source

The Murray is the heart of the Murray-Darling Basin, which supplies water for much of Australia's farming. Dams such as the Hume Reservoir store water for irrigation, and managing its flow is a major environmental issue.

The river's mouth near Goolwa often needs dredging to stay open to the sea, especially in dry years when less water reaches South Australia.

Did You Know?

The Aboriginal Ngarrindjeri people call the river Murrundi.