Fruits of labour amid an air of relaxation

He can name 15 to 20 businesses in the town that are second generation.

"It just shows you young people keep returning to this area," he said.

"Sure they go away to the cities and get experience but they soon realise what a great place this is to live and work."

Mr Bourke, 72, who has been involved in business and many community organisations at Cobram, can remember when he first arrived in the town as a young boy in 1945.

"It was the end of the war and there were wide open streets with palm trees, it was a sleepy town then but it is a progressive town now," he said.

"There were lots of returned soldiers arriving and settling in the area and migrants from Italy and we all pulled together as a community."

An accomplished golfer and last year's citizen of the year, Mr Bourke was a council member for nine years and involved in many community projects including the drive to get a new bridge, which had been on the back burner for 15 years.

"When a need was identified and gained community approval it wasn't long before the need became a reality," he said.

"For a small country town I think we got a lot done, there's a feeling of progress but you also feel relaxed.

"You know what they say about old man river, well it slows you down and you feel at ease."

Mr Bourke said he has lived by the river most of his life and spent a lot of time boating, but admits he can't swim.

"The river is a great drawcard for tourists and locals love it, especially Thompsons Beach which has a cafe and a stretch of sand," he said.

It's a sentiment echoed by Sun Country on the Murray executive officer, Merran Socha who says there's a "good'' vibe to the area.

"Many don't believe we have a sandy beach until they see it for themselves," she said.

In summer the numbers can swell to more than 10,000 campers along the river.

"Some are high-end campers with boats worth $100,000 and these campers often stay for two to three weeks in big family groups," Ms Socha said.

"The river attracts water skiers and fishermen who enjoy the luxury of having a boat parked right in front of their campsite.

"There are 103 sandy beaches between Yarrawonga and Tocumwal so there's plenty of room for everyone."

Ms Socha said Thompson Beach was reputedly Australia's largest inland beach and a great place to spend some time.

She and her family moved from Coffs Harbour 11 years ago, after living at Vail, Colorado, for many years.

"We immediately felt at home in this area, it's such a great lifestyle and that's what attracts people here," she said.

"I am interested in horse riding and dressage while my husband is interested in sailing and we are both catered for -- there are terrific horse riding facilities and then my husband can go sailing on nearby Lake Mulwala -- you can't do that in too many places.

"The sporting facilities in Cobram are excellent and very affordable ."