The Murray River, as with many other Australian waterways, is a place for a host of water activities. For visitors to the South Australian section of the Murray, river cruises, particularly on paddle-steamers, are the big thing.
- The largest collection of operating paddle-steamers are to be found on the Murray, although not in South Australia but in Victoria in the historic port town of Echuca. You'd also find paddlewheelers of various sizes in a number of Australian rivers, mostly used for tourist cruises.
In South Australia, two popular Murray River places to visit are the Murray Bridge-Mannum area (particularly for paddle-steamers) in the Lower Murray and the Renmark area in the Upper Murray.
Murray Bridge is an hour by road from Adelaide, Renmark two to three hours.
Lower Murray
At Murray Bridge and Mannum a paddle-steamer cruise is certainly a must. Also consider renting a houseboat to explore areas along the river at your desired pace. Don't forget to drop a fishing line and have a catch of yabbies, cod, callop or redfin.
If exploring the wetlands is more your thing, hire a canoe. Interested in avifauna? Take an eco-birdwatching river cruise.
And there's always water-skiing to enjoy.
On land, there are some Aboriginal sites to explore.
Upper Murray
At Renmark, close to the South Australia-Victoria border, navigate the river in your own rented houseboat; explore creeks, billabongs and wetlands by canoe; go water-skiing.
On land, go on guided moonlight walks to discover the nocturnal world of native animals.
For the golfing enthusiast, take the time to enjoy a game of golf in the area's many courses. And for the winelover, this is wine-tasting heaven with the large number of vineyards and wineries in the area.
Tourist attractions include the Monash Adventure Park, Loxton Historical Village, Olivewood homestead and the Big Orange.
Whether at Murray Bridge or Renmark, it's always a good idea to visit the town's visitor centre for up-to-date information on the area's activities and attractions.
Next page: The Murray River in Victoria
