Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), Media Release, 4 April 2023

Murray River campers and river users looking forward to spending time on the Murray downstream of Hume Dam this Easter are reminded to be aware of potentially changed river conditions as a result of the recent floods.

MDBA Executive Director of River Management, Andrew Reynolds said depending on which part of the river you visit, riverbanks may have changed and hidden snags and other debris may be more prevalent.

“This weekend might be the first time visitors have been on the river since flood waters receded, so you are advised to be on the lookout while you’re enjoying the river,” Mr Reynolds said.

“The Bureau of Meteorology’s 8-day forecast also indicates 10-to-50mm of rain will fall over most of the upper Murray catchments in the coming week, which suggests the likelihood of varying river heights and flows in the Hume to Yarrawonga reach.

“While you might expect rain to increase the flow in the river, in fact flows are expected to vary in the days following any rain.

“Visitors along the Murray further downstream will find flows all the way to South Australia are reasonably high for this time of year and will remain steady over the Easter period.”

The MDBA urges everyone to always consider safety when using our rivers and to check the following for up-to-date information:

• Murray River levels and forecasts in the MDBA’s River Murray data site 
• Weather forecasts with the Bureau of Meteorology
• Southern Basin river operations in the MDBA’s River Murray Weekly Report

For more information on how the MDBA considers communities’ recreational needs, see the MDBA river recreation page.