The Riverland is synonymous with outdoor Australian culture where memories are made on the of banks the picturesque Murray River. For 362 kilometres the river and its delicate ecosystem meanders from the New South Wales and Victorian borders into South Australia and down into the Indian Ocean. Here’s a guide to experiencing the best of the Murray River with our top things to do in the Riverland. Book your South Australian Murray River escape on Search and Stay, whether you prefer a rustic riverfront cottage or a luxury holiday home to relax at the end of the day, Search and Stay has holiday accommodation on the Murray River to suit your desired holiday.
RIVERLAND PRODUCE AND BEVERAGES
Mallee Estate Wines
The Riverland is abundant in grains, fruits, vegetables, grapes and nuts. It’s famed for its citrus and is the third largest growing region in Australia. From oranges, grapefruits, tangelos, limes, mandarins and lemons to coffee and olive oil, taste the Flavours of the Riverland at a tasting café and provedore. Alternatively, purchase local, seasonal fruits from one of the region's many road-side fruit stalls like the colourful Aggies Fresh Fruit Stall. From the fertile soils of the Riverland, Twenty Third Street Distillery produce an innovative array of spirits using the local citrus and flora under the roof of Renmark’s century-old landmark. Stop in for a gin flight, blending class or distillery tour. If beer’s more your style, head for Woolshed Brewing for a local brew, wine down at Caudo Vineyard just outside Waikerie or head to Loxton's Salena Estate where an award-winning drop and lunch at the on-site restaurant Cucina 837 awaits. Complete your tasting tour with a stop-off at Mallee Estate, where the Markeas family will cook up a greek feast at their restaurant Eleni's, while you enjoy a local drop while lounging in their opulent barrel room. Be sure to check out the region's other food and drink options. Search Search and Stay for Murray River holiday accommodation where if you don't want to go out for a meal, you can enjoy all the local South Australian produce in the comfort of a cozy kitchen.
4. STARGAZING IN THE RIVERLAND
Although only a two-hour drive to the Riverland from Adelaide, the night sky is one of the darkest and best places to see the stars. It’s a wholesome experience that people in bustling cities can only dream or read about, but with the fresh river air and accompanying birdsong, this late-night entertainment is a program highlight! View South Australia's guide to stargazing in South Australia for more information. Search Search and Stay for farm stay holiday accommodation near the Murray River, somewhere with wide open spaces and little artificial light.
5. KAYAK OR CANOE THE MURRAY RIVER
Kayaking the Murray River
The Riverland is home to numerous backwaters, creeks and lagoons which are best explored by canoe or kayak. Weave your way into the narrow wetlands and take picnic supplies for a tranquil waterfront lunch where kangaroos, emus, koalas, goannas and birds will be your only company. For the intrepid, go on a self-guided 'canoe camping' expedition with Canoe Adventures or jump on a sunset kayak tour with Canoe the Riverland to spend more time in nature learning about the river’s biodiversity. Search Search and Stay for farm stay holiday accommodation near the Murray River, somewhere with wide open spaces and little artificial light.
6. BIRD WATCHING
Birdlife in the Riverland
Birdsong is the beating heart of the Riverland thanks to its network of national parks and protected wetlands. The Murray River is blessed with a stunning variety of unique bird life with over 200 species in the area. For the serious twitcher, study the Waikerie Bird Watcher’s trail to know where to spot White-plumed Honeyeaters, Rainbow Bee-eaters, Fairy-Wren or Red-capped Robins, just to name a few. Banrock Station Wetlands has a boardwalk which offers brilliant viewing of bird hides situated along the way; a great way to see birdlife for those who are unlikely to travel the world on a quest to become a professional twitcher!
7. FISHING IN THE MURRAY RIVER
Wilkadene, Riverland
Fishing in the Murray River can be a rewarding experience with the lure of a metre Murray Cod. Catching the largest native freshwater fish may be exciting but to help protect the population number and increase their regeneration, it’s required to release without the hook immediately after you catch. Other fish include callop, catfish, redfin and trout. If you catch a carp, do not return it to the water as they are a pest to the ecosystem. Cast a line from one of the jetties, or simply base yourself on the banks of the mighty Murray! Check out South Australia's guide to fishing in South Australia.
LIVE LIKE A LOCAL
Riverland locals will tell you their corner of South Australia is paradise, and we can’t argue with that. So, live like a local and experience this watery wonderland through their eyes and cozy up at your very own riverside home. Shack up in style. Visit Search and Stay for a riverside shack or holiday house near the Murray River. Soak in fairy-floss sunsets from the porch and gaze at the lagoon’s still reflection as you try to work out where the water ends, and sky begins. For more river-side accommodation check out River Shack Rentals, with properties like the pink shack dotted down the river from Murray Bridge to Renmark.
EXPERIENCE THE MURRAY RIVER WITH A LOCAL
Murray River Walk, Riverland
Speaking of locals, recruiting the expertise and knowledge of a local guide is one of the most immersive ways to discover the magic of the Riverland. With three authentic tour options, the team at Murray River Trails will ensure your experience every facet of life on the river. Set off on a Murray River Safari and spend three days canoeing, bushwalking, bird-watching and creek cruising. Or wander along the banks of the mighty Murray over four days on the Murray River Walk. Covering 40km of pristine Riverland, the guided walking journey reveals a new part of the river each day with your houseboat accommodation cruising to your starting point after your night on the river. You can even customize your own Murray River Escape and take as long as you like to meander along the twists and turns of the river. All three Murray River Trails tour options are eco-certified, so there’s nothing left to do apart from soak in the impressive views and the soul of the Riverland.
BONUS: RIVERLAND SUNRISES AND SUNSETS
Wilkadene, Riverland
The red-ochre cliffs that bend their way along the river are best viewed at sunrise or sunset. When the light hits the cliffs, the limestone turns into towering golden curtains that give way to calm, glassy waters. Flocks of Pelicans are dwarfed by the impressive walls of the golden rock face, but the stillness is only amplified by the sounds of birdlife. Headings Cliff near Paringa (an Aboriginal word meaning “big bend in the river”) is a great place to see the cliffs, but we recommend feeling the imposing cliffs from the waterline by houseboat or kayak.
RELAX IN LUXURY OR RUSTIC
Looking for somewhere waterfront and luxurious try Beautiful Brittania, on Hindmarsh Island.
This is where the old meets the new, with a monument at the island's highest point symbolizing where Captain Charles Sturt and Collet Barker stood when he identified and mapped the Murray Mouth.
Hindmarsh Island is home to the Southern Hemisphere's largest freshwater marina development, including waterfront residences, a large marina, kayaking, windsurfing, tavern, café, playground, tennis courts and a biking and walking trail. Part of the river-bound island, now connected by a bridge from Goolwa, has been incorporated into Coorong National Park because of its important bird habitats. In winter there are whole fields of grazing black swans and in summer there are flocks of Cape Barren geese. The highlight of any visit is to marvel at the Murray Mouth. From Sugars Beach you can see the mouth of the Murray River – where the river meets the sea.
Hindmarsh Island is home to the only island (Lonely Island) within an island (Hindmarsh Island) within an island (Australia) in the southern hemisphere. Lonely Island is located in the centre of a dried-up salt lake, that fills with water in winter.
Book now on Search and Stay your Hindmarsh Island holiday house or South Australian Murray River escape on Search and Stay, whether you prefer a rustic riverfront cottage or a luxury holiday home to relax at the end of the day, Search and Stay has holiday accommodation on the Murray River to suit your desired holiday type.
EXPLORE THE RIVERLAND FURTHER..
Complete your journey by checking out our guide to the full Mighty Murray Way road trip. Enjoy the Riverland throughout all seasons where the winter is mild and the summers warm. Cozy up by campfire or cool off by swinging from the ropes into the mighty Murray.
Content and Image Source: South Australia Tourism Commission and Search and Stay