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There’s some fishy business happening in South Australia right now – but not the kind you’re thinking. Australia’s longest river, the mighty Murray, is currently installing ten underwater ‘fish hotels’ to help restore the population of its namesake Murray cod. This legendary species is officially listed as vulnerable, having lost much of its habitat over the past 100 years. While humans can’t check in for the night, these underwater hotels will soon feature in two incredibly special Murray River experiences – here's how you can get involved.
The Murray cod is a defining species of the Murray-Darling Basin, which stretches across New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, and has held deep significance in Aboriginal Dreamtime stories for centuries. As Australia’s largest freshwater fish, it can grow to more than 100 kilograms and live for more than 100 years. Wild!
Over the last century, Australia's Murray cod population has declined due to factors like blocked migration routes, reduced flooding, and most significantly, the large-scale removal of habitat during the paddle steamer era. Between the 1850s and 1920s, millions of logs were dredged from the riverbed to keep navigation channels open for these boats, removing the submerged forests that once provided shelter, feeding grounds and breeding sites for the Murray cod.
To help restore this lost habitat, Murray River Trails is teaming up with local suppliers and supporters to install ten fish hotels in 2026. These pyramid-shaped underwater homes will measure 2.6 metres wide and almost two metres tall, will be crafted from plantation red gum, and will feature a large central pipe for cod to breed in, along with crevices for shelter and feeding.
All ten fish hotels are set to be installed by spring, just in time for the Murray River’s upcoming safari season, meaning tourists visiting the region can get involved. Visitors embarking on the four-day Murray River Walk or Safari will have the chance to cruise directly above the structures and use side-scan sonar to see how many fish are ‘checking in’. If you’re interested in booking a trip or learning more about the project, you can visit the Murray River Trails website here.