Stretching over 2,500 kilometres from the Snowy Mountains in New South Wales to the Southern Ocean near Goolwa, the Murray River is Australia’s longest river. This ancient river, around 130 million years old, is steeped in Aboriginal history, culture, and heritage. It has significantly shaped the landscape, economy, and culture of the regions it flows through, including the Mid Murray.

For over 40,000 years, Aboriginal peoples, including the Ngarrindjeri and First Peoples of the Murray River and Mallee Region, have maintained a profound connection with the river. The Murray River supported their rich cultural and spiritual lives, with communities developing intricate knowledge of the river’s ecology and sustainable land management practices. Today, the Murray River remains central to the heritage and identity of the Aboriginal peoples in the Mid Murray.

European exploration of the South Australian section of the Murray River began in the early 1800s, leading to rapid settlements along its banks. By the 1850s, the river had become a vital trade route with paddle steamers transporting goods and agricultural products like wool and wheat.

The importance of the river for navigation declined with the expansion of railways in the late 19th Century, but its agricultural significance grew, especially after the Federation Drought. The 1914 River Murray Waters Agreement led to the construction of locks, weirs, and barrages, crucial for navigation and irrigation.

The Murray River remains crucial for South Australia’s water supply, with Adelaide relying heavily on it. However, increased irrigation and water use upstream have led to significant environmental challenges, including salinity issues. These problems became prominent during the Millennium Drought, highlighting the need for better basin-wide management.

Today, the Murray River supports agriculture, tourism, and ecosystems in South Australia. Its management involves complex interstate agreements and environmental considerations to balance the needs of various water users while maintaining the river’s health for future generations.