MURRAY RIVER
Australia's longest river, the Murray rambles along the New South Wales-Victoria border for 2600km before meeting the sea in South Australia's Encounter Bay. The river became an essential transportation artery in the late 19th century, its waters plied by giant freight-toting paddlesteamers. But extensive rail and road networks rendered these boats obsolete by the end of the 1930s and they have since been reincarnated as tourist attractions. Today the river feeds a productive agriculture of vegetables through a complex irrigation system. It's also a favorite spot for picnicking, water sports, and fishing, drawing travelers for a day or a week of relaxation along the grand old Murray's banks.