Spring on the Murrumbidgee🌸
Spring is here and with it comes golden canola fields, lively country festivals, and plenty of reasons to get outdoors. From splashing about in the pool to soaking up sunsets on the river, there’s no better time to explore the Murrumbidgee Trails.
Adventure Flows Where the River Goes
When the days warm up, there are plenty of spots to make a splash. From 4 October, the much-loved Lake Talbot Water Park in Narrandera reopens for the summer season - a favourite for slides, swimming and lazy afternoons by the lake. Families can also enjoy free entry all season long at the Jerilderie, Coleambally, and Darlington Point Aquatic Centres.
Fishing is a favourite pastime along the river. Locals love Whittakers Bend, Bunyip Hole and Alfies Beach while the scenic Rocky Waterholes is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding.
Festivals in Full Bloom
Spring means festival season, with something happening almost every weekend. Things kick off in style with Lap it Up Leeton on 6 September, where more than 150 classic and custom cars cruise down Pine Avenue. Just a week later, the Darlington Point Spring Festival lights up the town on 13 September.
Then, all eyes turn to Narrandera for the Koala Festival on 20-21 September. This two-day celebration puts our furry locals in the spotlight with live music, markets, reptile encounters, kayak adventures, and the annual koala count.
As October arrives, the spotlight shines on Lockhart’s Spirit of the Land Festival (11-12 October) - a vibrant celebration of rural creativity, markets, music, and more. The month also brings the Barellan Good Old Days Festival (3-5 October), celebrating our nation’s pioneer heritage, and the Leeton Moon Fest (5 October) a magical evening under the full moon with mesmerising live performances, light shows, and aromatic food stalls.
Narrandera’s Spring Fair on 1 November is the perfect way to welcome warmer weather with an evening of live music, amusement rides, food vendors, market stalls, kids’ activities, community displays, and more.
Rounding out the festival season, The Rock Christmas Markets (1 November) will feature over 100 stalls, delicious food, kids’ entertainment and a lively community vibe.
Country Shows & Racing
Spring is the perfect time for good old-fashioned country fun. Cheer on the pigs at Darlington Point’s Pig Day Out (20 September) or explore the Lockhart Show (28 September), a local favourite full of rides, exhibits, and community spirit.
Racing fans can dress up for the Jerilderie Gold Cup Races (27 September) or the always-popular Lockhart Picnic Races (3 October), rounding out a season full of country traditions.
Country show enthusiasts will also love the Leeton Show (10 October) and The Rock Show (18 October), where agriculture, livestock competitions and local entertainment take centre stage.
Big Bands in the Bush
The season wouldn’t be complete without toe-tapping live entertainment. Kick off November with the Leeton Outback Band Spectacular on 8 November, featuring stellar performances by the Golden Kangaroos Concert Band, Leeton Town Band, Riverina Concert Band, Hawkesbury District Concert Band, Albury City Band and many more.
Just a few days earlier, the Lion's Club Lockhart Australian Army Band Kapooka performs on 2 November, bringing a powerful brass sound and a touch of pageantry to the region.
Gardens & Nature
Flower lovers won’t want to miss the Jerilderie Flower Show on 24 October, while the Narrandera Town to Country Open Gardens on 26 October opens the gates to some of the district’s most beautiful private gardens. In Lockhart, the Vegetable Plot Tour offers a unique twist with an award-winning children’s musical adventure with a garden theme.
Spring wouldn’t be complete without canola season. For the best views, pack a picnic and head to The Rock Nature Reserve - Kengal Aboriginal Place or Galore Hill Scenic Reserve, where panoramic lookouts, bushranger caves and wildflowers are waiting to be discovered.
See You on the Trails!
This season is all about connection: with nature, with vibrant rural communities, and with the simple joys that make life on the Murrumbidgee so special. Whether you’re discovering a hidden bushwalk, cheering at a country show, or joining in the fun at one of our many spring festivals, every moment is an opportunity to make memories.
Pack your picnic, lace up your walking shoes, and grab your sense of adventure! Spring is calling and the Murrumbidgee Trails are ready to welcome you.