Murray River Travel Guide
Travel to Murray River - Cruise the Mighty Murray
- Ratings:
- 5 out of 5 (1 votes)
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
For thousands of years, many Aboriginal peoples have relied on the Murray River's abundance and traded along the river in canoes cut and crafted from the red river gums that line the river's edge. Rock art and scarred canoe trees remain along the length of the Murray River - fascinating reminders of a culture in perfect harmony with the land and its creatures.
South Australia's stretch of the Murray River is tranquil and relaxed. Enjoy the sleepy waters, the backwater bends filled with wildlife, and the rich history preserved in welcoming river towns.
In the 19th century the river opened the region to settlers, trade and communication, and provided irrigation for the agricultural industries that soon flourished. Paddle steamers plied its full length, carrying wool, wheat and goods to and from the settlements along the Murray's banks, sometimes as far as the Darling junction.
Then came irrigation. Introduced to the Riverland in 1887 by Canadian George Chaffey, it transformed the northern section of the Murray into a lush paradise. Today the Murray River meanders through South Australia's heartland to the sea giving its modern day explorers unforgettable encounters with abundant wildlife, historic towns, rich vineyards and orchards.
Attractions in Murray River
The river environments are home to waders and waterbirds, and the drier Mallee has its own unique species. There are about 320 species in the region, and they are joined by tens of thousands of migratory wader birds and waterfowl. Each spring, these birds fly tens of thousands of kilometres from Siberia, North Asia and the Arctic Circle to South Australia's waterways.
By day, you can usually spot heron, darters and egrets feeding along the river's edges. Also look out for Yellow-billed Spoonbills, Grey Teal ducks, cormorants and pelicans.
Visit Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve near Waikerie to explore 14 walking trails. It's home to 18 nationally threatened species of bird. Another must for birdwatchers is Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre, with bird hides set among the carefully restored wetlands. You'll spot native water birds that are returning to nest there.
Swanport Wetlands has several hides and extensive boardwalks, Rocky Gully Wetland is just out of Murray Bridge, and the Hermann L Gass Bird Sanctuary is almost in the heart of Mannum, next to the Mannum Caravan Park.
Jolly Goodfellow's Birding or the Bookmark Guides can take you on a dinghy, walking and bird watching tours.
Visit Ngarkat Conservation Park or Karte Conservation Park and look out for birds, Western Grey Kangaroos, emus and wallabies. At night, sit tight along the riverbank for Feathertail Gliders, possums and Fat-tailed Dunnarts. Or take a tour with Big Bend By Night and spot wombats, kangaroos and other native wildlife as they come out to feed.
Activities in Murray River
One of the best way to explore the river is to take a cruise, depending on your time available options vary from a short morning cruise from the Murray Bridge, hire your own houseboat for a few days or board a cruise on the PS Murray Princess that operates three, four or seven day cruises or on the MV Expedition, which operates two, three and five night cruises that have a strong ecotourism flavour. These tours are a good way to learn more about the river environment and include guided side trips to secluded lagoons, national parks and indigenous sites.
You'll find great canoeing trails right along the length of the Murray River - from The Coorong and Lake Alexandrina to the northern reaches in the Riverland.
Relaxing
If you want to take life at a slower pace, fishing on the Murray would have to be one of the most relaxing activities. Whether you're a keen angler or an enthusiastic amateur, there's a million ideal fishing spots along the Murray River.
Getting Around
Cruise, walk, cycle, whatever you want there are so many ways to enjoy the river.
Murray River Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?