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• Getting here & around
• By Road
• Touring

Touring

For those short on time, Murray River day tours are available from Adelaide, and include some time cruising on the river, as well as time to explore the historic river town of Mannum and the surrounding regions enroute.

The best way to explore and experience the majesty of the river is on a self-drive houseboat, or by taking a fully escorted weekend or extended cruise.

A rental car is recommended to explore the towns and surrounding areas.

By Road: Self Drive Itinerary

Discover the Murray River region
 4 day Self Drive Itinerary

Day 1 -  Depart Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway.

Take a short detour into the Adelaide Hills, where the scenic look out at Mt Lofty and the historic German township of Hahndorf are well worth a visit.

Continue down the Freeway to Murray Bridge, and then head north toward Mannum. If you are travelling to the region on a Monday or Friday, meet the “Murray Expedition”  for a 1.5 hour morning tea cruise along the Murray River.

Following the cruise, explore the historic river township of Mannum. Browse in Mannum’s antique and craft stores and then enjoy a picnic at the riverfront reserve.

Following lunch head north to Blanchetown, and spend the afternoon exploring this riverside town where the Murray River’s system of locks and weirs begin. Head to the old bridge for stunning views over Lock 1.

Continue on and spend the night in Waikerie in one of the many B&Bs, or for something different, spend the night aboard the moored Waikerie Murray River Queen where you can wine, dine and sleep!

Day 2 - This morning, take a relaxing walk along the picturesque cliff top walk. For a more extreme adventure, try your hand at gliding at the Waikerie International Soaring Centre - the Waikerie thermals are legendary!

For lunch, visit the award winning Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre near Kingston on Murray and take in the striking views of the wetlands at the cellar door and restaurant. Make sure you go for a walk along their 7km boardwalk, and enjoy close up views of the prolific birdlife.

Waikerie is known as the Citrus Centre of Australia and is surrounded by both citrus and stone fruit orchards, so pick up some fruit at one of the many roadside stalls when in season. However, a word of warning.. don’t stock up too heavily if you are crossing the border as you are unable to take fruit into either New South Wales or Victoria.

At Loxton your first stop should be the Loxton Historical Village. This living history museum features more than 30 buildings from the days of the River’s early settlers. Alternatively, play a round at the local golf course (it’s one of the best in South Australia). Accommodation in this area is diverse and includes bed and breakfasts, riverside caravan parks, hotel, motels and backpacker accommodation.

Day 3 - This morning, take a short drive to Berri, an important fruit growing area and home to the Big Orange. Look out for the local produce outlets selling fresh and dried fruits, chocolates and nuts on the outskirts of the town.

Well known brand, Angas Park, have a retail outlet on Sturt Highway, so be sure to call in and stock up on some of their delicious products.

This section of the Murray River is Australia’s largest wine growing region, laying claim to a staggering one-third of the country’s grape production. Call in to Australia’s largest winery and distillery, Berri Estates, at Glossop, just west of Berri. A cellar door and picnic facilities are available here.

Take a short drive onto Renmark, Australia’s first irrigation settlement. Renmark has a beautiful river front so we suggest a picnic for lunch today.

This afternoon, visit Ruston’s Rose Garden, the largest rose garden in the Southern Hemisphere. The historic Olivewood Homestead is also worth a visit. This is the former home of the Chaffey brothers, the founders of Renmark.

From Renmark its time to start the journey back to Adelaide, making a short stop at Barmera on the shores of Lake Bonney. Swimming, boating, water skiing and fishing are just some of the watersports on offer here, and there’s also an excellent 18 hole golf course. Take a walk through the town and admire the charming 1930’s main street.

Spend the night in one of the many accommodation options.

Day 4 - Today, we suggest you drive back to Adelaide via the famous wine regions of the Barossa and / or Clare Valley.