Murray River

The meandering Murray River is an ever-changing landscape of ochre-coloured cliffs, wetlands and floodplain forests. Together with delicious produce and a host of water-based activities there is so much to explore.

Wide channels lined with cliffs, willows and gum trees give way to wetlands and waterways that are perfect for exploring on a cruise, a backwater expedition or four wheel drive touring by land.

Take a luxury houseboat holiday, paddle a canoe, water ski or just relax and be immersed in nature along Australia's greatest waterway the Murray River. Explore the wetlands, wildlife, and water activities that embrace this amazing river system. Look for more than 300 species of waterbirds at a combination of spectacular nationally and internationally listed conservation reserves.

Closer to the river's mouth, experience Australia's largest inland paddle steamer, the P.S. Murray Princess, Monarto Safari Park's 1,0000 hectare open range safari park and the Murray River's tallest cliffs at Big Bend.

Best way to travel to the Murray River

Murray Bridge is the river’s closest point to Adelaide and is only a one-hour drive from Adelaide. Renmark, the major town where the river enters South Australia is about a three-hour drive from Adelaide. There are coaches from Adelaide to many river towns. Renmark and Waikerie have airports suitable for private charters.

Best way to Travel round the region

A hire vehicle is recommended to explore the towns and surrounding areas and to follow the ‘Mighty Murray Way’ road trip. Another great way to explore the river is on a luxurious houseboat, or by taking a cruise aboard the PS Murray Princess or Proud Mary Cruise.

Must See & Do

Driving the Murray River

Banrock Station Wine and Wetland centre on the banks of the Murray River has been restored to a native wetland and woodland. It is an ideal setting to enjoy an outstanding wine, food and nature experience. Visitors can go for walks around wetlands and enjoy a light lunch with a glass of Banrock Station wine on the deck.

Big Bend by Night at Swan Reach offers visitors the chance to see kangaroos, wombats, bats and owls in the wild on unique spotlighting tours on the banks of the Murray River. Guests are driven around the family farm in a purpose built covered wagon to enjoy a real Australian wildlife experience.

Gluepot Reserve near Waikerie is a birdwatcher's paradise and covers almost 55,000 hectares. The reserve has 190 bird species recorded, including 17 that are nationally threatened and there are walking trails and bird hides that provide magnificent viewing for bird watchers.

With one of the largest river systems in the world South Australia is home to more than 150 houseboats including fully equipped and five-star luxury. Anyone over the age of 18 with a current driver’s licence can hire one and will be given full instructions. Unforgettable Houseboats vary in size and fit out, sleeping from two to 12 people.

Monarto Safai Park, a short 50-minute drive from Adelaide is the world's largest open-range zoo where Africa's most spectacular animals roam and visitors can have a 'behind the scenes' experience'. A shuttle bus takes visitors to wildlife viewing platforms to see giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, and lions. Take the walk of the brave with the Lions 360 tour. An underground tunnel takes visitors into an enclosure in the heart of the 10-hectare lion habitat.

Experience the grandeur of the Murray River on an historic paddle steamer. The PS Murray Princess is an authentic paddle-wheeler with the character and charm of yesteryear. With five passenger decks they offer 3-to-7-night cruises. The Proud Mary also offer extended and lunch cruises.

The Murray River is an important habitat for a huge variety of native birds, fish and animals with curious names such as numbats, woylies, boodies and bilbies. Chowilla Regional Reserve and Murray River National Park are home to vast wetlands with abundant birdlife, plants and animals.

Discover the Murray River on a 4-day 3-night guided Murray River Trails. Walk alongside creeks, wetlands and river with accommodation provided on a modern houseboat that meets you at your walking destination. The guides provide interpretation of Aboriginal culture, local history, nature and birdwatching.

Join the guides on a tour of Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Site and journey through the ancestral home of the Nganguraku People. Climb the boardwalk as it meanders up the cliffs to view the majesty of the Murray River. Minimum of 10 people to operate, not available Sundays and total fire ban days.

Twenty Third Street Distillery is a century-old distillery reignited with new creative passion. See the copper stills, brought from cobwebbed disuse back to burnished glory. A guided tour and tasting will open your mind and your senses to new dimensions. Products include gin, vodka, whisky and brandy.

The Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery is located on the banks of the Murray River in historic 100 year old shearing sheds. With its rich history, stunning riverfront location, ciders and an award winning range of beers, it is a great place to relax while enjoying the view. Brewery tours by appointment.