Murraylands & Riverland

Houseboat, Murraylands, SA.  Photo credit:  Adam Bruzzone/South Australian Tourism Commission

Murraylands & Riverland

The mighty Murray has been a lifeline for settlers since the 19th Century.  Today, you’ll find a world of adventure in it, on it and near it.

 

 

Exploring Murray River & Riverland

The Murray is Australia’s longest river and it’s alive with activity. You’ll find places to jet-ski, knee board, water ski, kayak, canoe, swim and more:

Cruise
The magnificent 19th Century PS Murray Princess is Australia’s largest paddlewheeler. The PS Marion is one of the last operational wood-fired paddle steamers.

You can cruise the Murray for up to 7 days on either boat, which operate out of Mannum. Book with Captain Cook Cruises.

Hire a houseboat
The SA stretch of the Murray has plenty of houseboat hire companies to choose from. You’ll need a standard driver’s licence to hire. Everything aside from food is provided, including tuition in piloting your houseboat.

A copy of The Murray River Pilot, Murray River Charts, and/or SA Waters Atlas and Guide are worthwhile purchases if you want to get the most out of exploring the Murray River. They contain charts and maps for the river and are available in Visitor Information Centres.

Fishing
Local bait shops will help you out but callop are easy to catch. Catfish and the Murray cod are protected. Carp is considered a pest. If you catch it you’re asked not to throw it back but dispose of it. Again, your bait shop is the best bet for ensuring you follow local procedures.

Murray River National Park
The park’s three areas, Katarapko, Lyrup Flats and Bulyong Island, cover over 13,000 hectares of land that’s ideal for bird (parrots, emus, pelicans, and kingfishers) and western grey kangaroo watching.

Danggali Conservation Park
This vast semi-arid park shares its eastern border with Victoria. Its remoteness gives it a real wilderness feel, which makes it popular with campers, but you’ll have to bring any provisions.

In 1977 the park was made Australia’s first Biosphere Reserve to protect its dense mallee scrub, and the wildlife that lives within it. You’ll spot red and western grey kangaroos as well as many bird species.

Monarto Zoo
When father and son Ted and Phillip Lawton established their animal sanctuary in 1979 it was closed to the public. Today you’re free to stroll around – and the tours are always informative.

You’ll find a combination of native and world species, including the largest giraffe herd in Australia. 70km (43m) from Adelaide.

You’ll come across plenty of animal and plant reserves and sanctuaries while you’re exploring the Murray River and Riverland. Some of the more notable ones are:

  • Saunders Gorge Sanctuary
  • Loch Luna Game Reserve
  • Moorok Game Reserve
  • Birds of Australia Gluepot Reserve
  • Swanport Wetlands
  • Banrock Station Wines & Wetland Centre
  • Mulga Sanctuary & Wildlife Park (on the outskirts of Murray Bridge, about 100km from central Adelaide)
  • Ruston’s Rose Garden
  • Bella Lavender Estate

 

Find accommodation in South Australia
Hire a car in South Australia

 

Eat, drink and be merry

 

Almost a third of Oz’s wine grapes are produced in Riverland. Follow the Riverland Wine and Food Trail map (which you can pick up at any local visitor centre) and you’ll be guided round the very best wineries and food events in the area.

Must visits:

Berri Estates is the biggest winery and distillery in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll find it in Glossop, on the Old Sturt Highway.

The weekly Riverland Farmers’ Market is a delicious riot of international and local foods. It’s held in Berri every Saturday morning.

At the annual Chefs of the Murray event apprentice chefs are mentored by a guest chef – building the pool of talent in the area. It’s held every October in Renmark.

It’s not a cheap meal – and you’ll have to book in advance here, but it’s an unforgettable experience.

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