The 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 southward for its final 500 kilometres to the sea. As part of the Murray-Darling Basin — the fourth longest river system in the world — it drains a catchment that is largely arid or semi-arid, receiving an average annual rainfall of just 425 mm across the basin. The river ultimately empties into Lake Alexandrina and the Coorong wetlands before reaching the coast.

The character of the river varies considerably along its length. The upper reaches near the Australian Alps involve more challenging terrain, while the lower sections — particularly around Wentworth and through South Australia — are free from rapids and well-suited to beginners. The river is flanked by ochre-coloured cliffs at locations such as Big Bend, and passes through flooded red gum forests at Barmah, backwater lagoons, and extensive wetlands. Birdlife is abundant throughout, and the Gunbower Island area offers opportunities to spot native species. The Murbko Loop Trail, accessible off the main river channel, passes through two lagoons with notable birdlife and involves two portages of approximately 250 metres each.

Key access points and hire operations are concentrated around Albury-Wodonga in the upper-mid section, where canoe and kayak hire services have operated since the early 1990s. Further downstream, the Lower Murray Canoe Trail runs from Tailem Bend toward Wellington and is divided into four sections designed for varying skill and fitness levels. The Pomanda Point loop departs from Wellington and enters Lake Alexandrina.

Water levels are an important safety consideration. Optimal paddling levels on the Murray River are between 1.4 and 2.4 metres; below 1.2 metres the river becomes too shallow, and above 2.7 metres conditions are considered dangerous. Paddlers are advised to check current levels and flow rates before setting out. September is noted as a good time to begin paddling the river. Maps are available as PDFs and through the NPWS app, which provides GPS-enabled navigation for designated canoe trails.