Australia's Murray River stretches approximately 2,520 kilometres from the Australian Alps to the Southern Ocean, forming a natural border between New South Wales and Victoria before entering South Australia and turning south for its final 500 kilometres. The Murray-Darling Basin, of which it is the centrepiece, is the fourth longest river system in the world by length, though its annual discharge is comparatively modest given that much of the catchment is arid or semi-arid, with average annual rainfall across the basin of around 425mm.

The navigable portion of the river begins at Hume Dam, approximately 16 kilometres east of Albury on the NSW-Victorian border. An alternative starting point is Bringenbrong Bridge near Khancoban at the base of the Snowy Mountains, though paddlers using this route must carry their craft around Hume Dam. Those wishing to start in Victoria often launch at Yarrawonga, the official start of the Massive Murray Paddle. The river ends at the Murray Mouth, where it enters the Southern Ocean in South Australia.

The character of the river varies considerably along its length. The upper sections near the alpine headwaters involve more challenging conditions, while the lower Murray — particularly around Wentworth and downstream — is free from rapids and well-suited to beginners. Optimal water levels for the Murray River are between 1.4m and 2.4m; below 1.2m conditions become too shallow, and above 2.7m they are considered dangerous. Paddlers should check water levels and flow rates before setting out.

In South Australia, the Riverland sections between Renmark, Berri, Loxton, and Morgan pass through limestone cliffs, irrigated orchards, and native riverbank vegetation. The Katarapko section within Murray River National Park offers a network of creek channels and billabongs through river red gum forest, providing access to floodplain areas unreachable on foot. Further downstream, the Lower Murray Canoe Trail runs from Tailem Bend toward Wellington with multiple sections suited to different skill and fitness levels. The river ultimately flows into the Coorong, a coastal lagoon system of significant ecological importance for waterbirds.

September through to the warmer months is generally considered the best period for paddling. Canoe and kayak hire is available at several river towns including Renmark and Albury-Wodonga, and some operators offer guided tours with riverside camping. Paddlers undertaking extended journeys should be aware of boat traffic, weather conditions, and the need to resupply at river towns along the route.