Australia's Murray River stretches approximately 2,520 kilometres from the Australian Alps to the Southern Ocean, forming the natural border between New South Wales and Victoria before entering South Australia and turning south for its final 500 kilometres to the sea. It is part of the Murray-Darling Basin, the fourth longest river system in the world by length. The navigable portion for paddlers typically begins at Hume Dam, around 16 kilometres east of Albury on the NSW-Victorian border, though a popular alternative launch point is Bringenbrong Bridge near Khancoban at the base of the Snowy Mountains — note that paddlers starting here must portage around Hume Dam. The official start of the Massive Murray Paddle event is at Yarrawonga in Victoria.

The river's flow is generally gentle along most of its length, making it accessible to paddlers of moderate experience. The lower Murray near Wentworth is considered particularly suitable for beginners, as it is free from rapids. Paddlers should monitor water levels before setting out: on the Murray River, optimal levels are between 1.4 and 2.4 metres, with conditions below 1.2 metres too shallow and above 2.7 metres considered dangerous. Awareness of boat traffic and weather is also essential.

The river passes through a variety of landscapes, including the ochre-coloured limestone cliffs at Big Bend, irrigated orchards and native riverbank vegetation in the Riverland, and river red gum forests. Wildlife encounters are frequent, particularly in quieter backwater sections. The Katarapko section within Murray River National Park in South Australia offers a network of creek channels and billabongs through floodplain forest, providing access to areas unreachable on foot. Further downstream, the river enters Lake Alexandrina and ultimately the Coorong, a vast coastal lagoon system of significant waterbird habitat.

Key towns along the route — including Renmark, Berri, Loxton, Morgan, and Mildura — offer resupply opportunities, and canoe and kayak hire is available at several river towns. Some operators provide guided tours with riverside camping. Designated canoe trails exist in multiple sections, including the Lower Murray Canoe Trail from Tailem Bend toward Wellington and the Swan Reach Loop Trail. PDF maps and a NPWS GPS-enabled app are available for navigation. September through to early summer is noted as a favourable paddling period.