There are many ways to see the Murray River in South Australia. Depending on the time you have available, you could drive down, stop at lookouts, take a cruise on the P.S. Murray Princess, hire a houseboat, canoe/kayak, or, in my case, my friend and I had inflatable dinghies that we rowed.
Whichever way you enjoy your way along this waterway, you can be sure of seeing nature at its finest.
The Murray River is a photographer's dream. From the amazing sunrises and sunsets over the water to the abundant wildlife that lines its shores.
Wake up to amazing sunrises.
Watch the sunset over the Murray River.
Renmark / Paringa
Your first place to call into is the Information Centre on the riverfront.
This town was established in 1887, when the settlement expanded to irrigate the Murray River and supply water to the orchards in the area.
The P.S. Industry and the Murray River.
Today, you can take a step back into the past by enjoying a one-and-a-half-hour cruise on the first Sunday of the month on a paddle-steamer, the P.S. Industry.
Cruise Times and Prices
To find out when you can take your cruise and pricing, click here.
The P.S. Proud Mary paddling on the Murray River.
You could also enjoy a 2 or 5-night cruise on the Proud Mary paddle-steamer.
Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum
It's also here that you can learn about the area's past by visiting the Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum.
The Olivewood Historic House and Museum.
The barge Argo in front of the museum.
OPENING TIMES
Thursday to Monday, 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment. Phone: (08) 8586 6175 Email: olivewood.renmark@gmail.com
ADMISSION:
Click on their website and scroll down to find the prices.
Eating Out
If you like wine tasting and dining out, you have the choice of the Twenty-third Street Distillery or the Rushton Rose Gardens, where you can take a walk through the gardens.
Enjoy a meal outside the Twenty-third Street Distillery.
Set amongst the Rose Gardens, you can enjoy a meal at Rushton's Rose Gardens.
Ruston's is open seven days a week from 9:30 a.m. The restaurant offers lunch from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. daily, dinner on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The rose garden is also open during these hours.
Bookings are essential. To book, call (08) 8586 6191.
Silo Art Paringa
If you are interested in Silo Art, then you're in luck as the grain silos in Paringa were just finished in early 2021.
One of the newest additions in South Australia is in Paringa, just across the bridge out of Renmark.
There are four artworks on the sides of two grain silos finished in early 2021 by artist Jack Fran.
These works depict the River Murray at Renmark, featuring Murray Cod, Pelicans, a houseboat, a paddle steamer, and a local legend, "Possum", by David James Jones.
Wilabalangal Nature Reserve
For the more adventurous, there are hikes in Wilabalangal Nature Reserve, which is on the road to Berri, with views of the Murray River and wildlife to spot.
The cliffs and lookout at Wilabalangal Nature Reserve as seen from the Murray River.
Loxton
The next significant town downriver is Loxton. Here, you can find supermarkets to purchase supplies as well as explore the local delights.
The Loxton Historical Village is located right beside the river. It showcases early life in the area, the growth of farming, and the equipment used.
You can wander through the buildings inside the Historic Village.
Opening times
Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 am - 4 pm
Closed Mondays except for public holidays, Good Friday and Christmas Eve and Day.
Entry Prices
Click here to check the up-to-date prices.
Murray River National Park
Broken up into areas along the Murray River, the Murray River National Park is where you can get away from civilisation.
From Berri to Kingston on the Murray, the National Park offers you a chance to see Mother Nature at her finest.
A Kangaroo that has come down to the river for a drink.
From amazing sunsets and sunrises over water to the wildlife that comes down to the water's edge to drink.
One of the amazing sunsets you may see.
Waikerie
While you're here, stop off and see the amazing Silo Art on top of the cliffs in Waikerie.
Two artists painted one each, Jimmy DVate and Garry Duncan. The paintings depict the local fauna and flora in the area, including native fish, frogs, yabbies, spiny daisies, regent parrots, and the rain moth.
All four sides have been painted, so it doesn't matter which way to see them by road or river; you can see them for miles.
The silos from the street front.
More fantastic artwork on the back of the silos.
Conclusion
It doesn't matter which way you see this area, known as the Riverland. It's amazing, whether by water or road, with many sights to see and nature around you at every turn.
While you're in the area, check out my other blogs on things to see and do in the area, including Adelaide City's Free Activities, Adelaide's Botanic Gardens, South Australia and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
