Overview
Road trippers have returned to the freeways, exploring rural Victoria's best towns and natural landscapes. And one of these towns has got to be Cobram which straddles the twists and turns of the Murray River.
When visiting this area, you've got the option to really relax or go full hog and have a proper adventure. Hike up around the local forest, take to the water with some wakeboarding or jet skiing (whether you're a pro or total rookie), or slow right down and immerse yourself in the local wildlife and culture.
We've teamed up with our Victorian road trip partner RACV to bring you a selection of incredible ways to experience Cobram and the surrounding region.
And don't forget: if you're planning on having a drink, make sure there's a designated driver to keep you safe on your travels.
Emily Godfrey, Visit Victoria
SWIM AT ONE OF THE LARGEST INLAND BEACHES IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
Cobram is home to what locals claim is one of the longest inland beaches in Australia, Thompson's Beach. Sit on the sandy shore with a book for the day, dipping in and out of the water periodically, or jump in a canoe and let the current slowly take you downstream. You can easily spend an entire day here, being as lazy or active as you like.
It's a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, making it a truly special spot for experiencing the area's culture. The local animals don't mind it either, and if you look up into the river red gums lining the shore you can catch a goanna or koala sunning themselves.
Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria
TEE OFF AT ONE OF THE REGION'S MANY GOLD COURSES
You don't need to swim in the river or go hiking in forests to experience some active fun in Cobram. If you'd rather work on your swing, the region is known for having some damn good golf clubs.
You've got the Cobram Barooga Golf Club, the nearby Tocumwal Golf Club, Black Bull Golf Club at Yarrawonga and Numurkah Golf and Bowls Club. Each of these is a winner for golfers with a range of experience. Either plan your visit around one of the region's golf tournaments or pop by during quieter periods for more relaxed play.
SEE THE BIG STRAWBERRY AND GO STRAWBERRY PICKING
It's hard to pinpoint exactly why, but Aussies really do love big public sculptures of random fruits and animals. It's a thing – especially for seasoned road trippers. So, when driving near Cobram, you have to stop by The Big Strawberry. Yeah, it's great for the requisite happy snap for your 'Big Things' photo album, but you can also do some good old fashioned strawberry picking.
Grab a bucket and take to the fields during a sunny day in Cobram. Grab as many as you like, either for jam making back home or just enough to keep you going for the next leg of your road trip around northern Victoria.
And if you can't be bothered doing the work, you can grab a strawberry ice cream or jars of preserves from the cafe and store.
Rob Blackburn, Visit Victoria
EXPLORE A HIDDEN DESERT OASIS FULL OF CACTI
Rural Victoria offers up a whole lot of unexpected things to do – including a visit to Australia's largest cactus garden. Spend an arvo in Cactus Country's Mexican inspired garden and see a different, less Australiana landscape. Walk down some of the eight different paths spread across 12 acres, snapping pictures within this desert oasis, before diving into margaritas, nachos, and homemade cactus ice cream.
You can also take in the views of the cactus fields and surrounding area from the elevated lookout dome. See how many of the 1000+ plant varieties you can spot, from the smallest of succulents to the largest of the cacti. You'll feel completely transported when exploring Cactus Country.
Darren Donlen
EXPLORE THE DIVERSE TERRAIN OF COBRAM REGIONAL PARK
When heading up this way, you must stop by the well-preserved Cobram Regional Park. If you're short on time, you can drive up to a few lookouts and walk along the shorter trails but we recommend you take your time here. Within Cobram Regional Park, you can hike along the Murray River, stopping to swim in and camp by several inland beaches. This is true escapism.
You can also visit the Quinn Island Wetlands Sanctuary. This forty-hectare island was formed by a bend in the Murray River and is a waterbird haven. A trail winds its way through river red gum and silver wattle forest, and from a bird hide you can spot a huge range of native birds and animals — especially after some heavy rain. You'll feel like you're in an epic David Attenborough documentary when you walk around the area.
Emily Godfrey, Visit Victoria
EXPERIENCE THE MIGHTY MURRAY RIVER UP CLOSE
Cobram's unique cultural identity is directly linked to the Murray River. Locals have always lived off the surrounding lands which have been fed by the river, but these waters do more than just help the farmers. They also make Cobram a massive water sports destination.
Go fishing along the banks, spend the day paddle boarding or get behind a power boat for some water skiing. You don't have to be a water sport pro to enjoy all this, either.
There are several companies that offer water skiing lessons for total newbies, and you can easily join a guided canoe tour of the local waterway. There are also some romantic sunset cruises for those wanting to slow down. Everyone and anyone can enjoy a long day on the Murray.
Robert Blackburn, Visit Victoria
LEARN THE LOCAL HISTORY AND ENJOY A TRADITIONAL FARMERS' LUNCH
The Byramine Homestead is ideal for road trippers wanting to take in some regional history. Learn about the early pioneering days which helped make Cobram what it is today before having a morning tea in the picturesque gardens.
There's also a brewery and cider house on site and a restaurant with paddock-to-plate meals (try the Ploughman's) so you can spend a few more hours drinking and snacking within this historic setting. Take a long rest here before heading back to your hotel, caravan park or tent for the night.
ADMIRE THE MURRAY IN COMFORT AT THE RACV COBRAM RESORT
When on a long road trip, you really want to stay somewhere that immerses you in the local area. And the RACV Cobram Resort does just that. Positioned along the Murray River, the property features a range of self-contained cabins where you and your crew can relax amongst the wildlife — or, sit out on your private balcony, pour yourself a glass of wine, and escape it all.
Either spend the whole day making the most of the resort's facilities (there's a pool, tennis courts and a spa to enjoy in the colder months) or use it as a base to explore more of the region. At RACV Cobram Resort, you can take in the sights, scents, and sounds of the Australian countryside in pure comfort.
Planning a road trip? Get RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance before you head off.
Top images: Visit Victoria