Paddlesteams On The Murray:
The Murray River is Australia's longest river and its river system one of the most expansive systems in the world.
The unique nature of the river system is the reason why the region's wetlands and National Parks are home to abundant wildlife, including rare and protected species of birds and native fauna.
The colourful history of the river's colonial past and the leisure activities that today are associated with the river and its surround all come together when you take a leisurely cruise on the Murray River, particularly if the vessel you choose to make such a voyage is an old paddlesteamer. Some
operate on
day or half day trips, others offer on-board accommodation and ply the river on multiple day journeys.
River cruisers operate out of the following South Au
stralian
towns: Mannum, SA - PS Murray Princess (3, 4 and 7 night cruises); Murray Expedition (2 and 5 night cruises, 40 passengers max); PS Marion (1897 - afternoon, dinner and overnight cruises); Goolwa SA; Murray Bridge SA; Waikerie SA
.
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Aboriginal culture: The Murray is rich in Aboriginal culture. The Aboriginal communities on the river maintain an intimate and detailed knowledge of the land, its wildlife, seasons and climate. Rock art and scarred red gums from which canoes were fashioned from the tree's bark, still remain. Visitors can view these special places by themselves or with the aid of guided tours led by the region's indigenous people who provide insight into a culture older than antiquity.
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Goolwa: Goolwa was once a thriving Riverport but now the boats carry just tourists and its historic buildings have been restored as art galleries, cafes and B&B's. With both fresh and salt water, Goolwa is a mecca for the keen fisherman and boating enthusiasts as a starting point for a day or multi-day trip into the Coorong National Park or the Lake Alexandrina area.
On Sundays, Wednesdays and school holidays the historic Cockle Train still rolls in and out of the grand old wharf area.
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Houseboats on The Murray: One of the most popular ways to cruise the Murray is to hire a houseboat. Offering both accommodation and transport, these purpose built vessels give travellers the freedom to explore the river or simply relax. At day's end you can moor near a sandy beach, cook your catch and enjoy a campfire sunset. Catering for 2 to 12 people, houseboats are available to suit every taste or budget and can be driven by anyone with a motor vehicle licence. Many are lucuriously appointed, complete with sun decks, entertainments systems, modern kitchens, bathrooms and even spas. Full tuition is provided prior to departure, along with information on river conditions, mooring spots, boating rules and river etiquette.
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Riverland Food & Wine Trail: The Riverland region, which surrounds the River Murray from Blanchetown, through Renmark to the Victorian border, is a place where citrus fruits and stone fruits are grown in lush fields, where the mighty Murray River courses through deep limestone canyons, and where world class wines are grown alongside wetlands filled with wildlife. The Riverland Wine Region accounts for around half of South Australia’s total crush and around one quarter of Australia’s production. In recent years the Riverland's boutique wine industry has blossomed. This abundance has made The Riverlands a great place to go and savour the produce, be it from roadside stalls wine cellars and dairies, or processing factories.
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National Parks: hidden from the highways are a number of National Parks which allow visitors to savour the solitude of the vast Mallee wilderness, encounter rare wildlife, or admire glorious displays of wildflowers in Spring. The National Parks afford opprtunities for cajmping, bushwalking or touring by canoe or 4-wheel drive. The key nature reserves are:
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