It was located in the north of the state, adjoining the Murray River, which forms Victoria's border with New South Wales.

It included the towns of Shepparton, Echuca, Cobram, Yarrawonga, Boort and Bridgewater.

It was first held by John McEwen, who briefly served as Prime Minister after the disappearance of Harold Holt, and subsequently became the inaugural Deputy Prime Minister under John Gorton.

Murray was in the hands of either the Liberal or National parties for its entire existence.

At the time of its abolition, it was the third-safest coalition-held seat in Australia, with a 20-point swing required for Labor to win it.