Murray River, South Australia

I’ve often said that I’d really like to ‘Do the Murray’ from its source in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales all the way down to the mouth on the South Australian coast. It was on our travels from Renmark and downriver that I suddenly realised that we already have done it. Not in one trip, but in many sections and in some places many times over. There is one exception though, we’ve been to Goolwa a few times, we’ve never actually visited the actual Murray mouth. Looks like we’ll have to put that one on the bucket list.

Renmark, Riverland

Of our favourite places, Renmark is a delight. The river here is getting lazy with wide sweeping bends and a good spot close to town is the Discovery Park, Renmark Riverfront. With an abundance of birds and stunning river sunsets this is a good park for a spoil and to tour the area. There’s plenty to do here, fishing, boating, the grand Hotel Renmark, the rose gardens, AlmondCo for locally grown nuts (nuts and roses grow so well in this climate), and a few minutes down the road there’s the river town of Berri to explore. There’s also plenty of freedom camping spots to enjoy along the river.

Moorook

The small town of Moorook provides a well-tended lawn area beside the river for freedom campers. There is a small fee for this piece of paradise that also has a rose garden and flushing toilets. Sip your morning coffee whilst watching the fish jumping in the river.

Morgan

We always seem to be in hurry when we visit Morgan, this town has loads of river history and it has a ferry crossing. There are a lot of ferry crossings on SA’s Murray River. The service is prompt, interesting and a vital part of the National highway system, so they are free.

Mannum

Mannum is a town that I’d like to spend more time in. The river is very wide here and popular with houseboats. I can vouch for The Pretoria Hotel with its river view deck and the passing parade of watercraft. Mannum too has plenty of river trade history to soak up and more paddlesteamers. There are two basic free camps on the other side of the river. One each side of the ferry landing.

Meningie

Meningie is on Lake Albert close to the mouth of the Murray. There is a pleasant caravan park right on the lake shore, so you don’t have to go far to bait your hook. This is a laid back holiday spot with loads of bird life.