Australia's mighty Murray River winds its way through the heart of the Murraylands, carving out steep sandstone cliffs that turn deep orange at sunset; winding past giant red gums and weeping willows; and spilling its banks to create wide, wild lagoons. And there are plenty of ways to take it all in. You can paddle a canoe through quiet backwaters; charter your own houseboat, from budget to budget-breaking luxury; take a five-night cruise on the PS Murray Princess and the Proud Mary; or take a short day trip out from the historic river ports of Mannum and Murray Bridge. You can water ski, swim and fish, or sprawl out with a good book on the banks. But there’s more to the Murraylands than just water. An hour’s drive from Adelaide, travel the world of wildlife at Monarto Zoological Park, where giraffes, lions, rhinoceros, zebra, antelope and cheetahs roam freely in an outstanding bushland setting. The 1000 hectares open-range sanctuary has long been at the forefront of international breeding programs for rare and endangered species, and you can see them all on a safari-bus, walking tour or even by camel. Lose yourself and find rare birds, flora and fauna on a bushwalking journey through the Ngarkat Group of Conservation Parks. These four adjoining parks, deep in South Australia's Mallee, cover a combined area of 270,000 hectares and are home to a spectacular array of animals including echidnas, pygmy-possums and the endangered Mallee fowl. Great walking trails will also lead you to historic ruins and ancient Aboriginal sites. Watch the sun slip away over the Murray River as you enjoy a three-course, alfresco meal on a Big Bend by Night Eco Tour, just outside Swan Reach. Then climb aboard a comfy wagon to see kangaroos, hairy-nosed wombats and other native animals as they go about their nightly business. The majestic Big Bend cliffs are the tallest cliffs on the Murray River and are nearly 20 million years old. Explore Australia's paddleboat history at the Mannum Dock Museum, home to the lovingly-restored, 100-year-old PS Marion. The intriguing museum can be found on the banks of the Murray River in Mannum – the birthplace of paddle-steamers on Australia's greatest waterway and now a bustling riverside town. Indulge in a five-night cruise aboard the PS Murray Princess or take a nature cruise on the MV Proud Mary. Join the Murray River Run – staying in great country hotels as you journey right along South Australia's strip of the river. Relax in super-luxury aboard the River Dream Boatel, bring your own chef along with Odyssey Charter Cruises, or take a dozen mates away to fish and enjoy a few beers around your houseboat barbecue. There's a Murray River cruise to suit every taste and budget – most within an hour’s drive of Adelaide. |
Visitor
Information
Centres
Mannum
6 Randell Street, Mannum
Telephone + 61 8 8569 1303
Murray Bridge
3 South Terrace, Murray Bridge
Telephone +61 8 8539 1142
Mallee Tourist and Heritage Centre
Railway Terrace, South Pinnaroo
Telephone +61 8 8577 8644
Tailem Bend
Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend
Telephone +61 8 8572 4277 |
