Enjoy Nature on the Murray River

Rowing The Murray River From Renmark, South Australia to Waikerie, South Australia

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.

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If you are travelling around Australia, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.

Need A Car?

If you want to book a car, you can try using one of these car rental websites, EconomyBookings.com, DiscoverCars, or Expedia.

Need Accommodation?

Try using these accommodation websites to find a comfortable place to sleep after your day exploring, Booking.com, Agoda and Expedia.

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The Murray River is a photographer’s dream. From the amazing sunrises and sunsets over the water to the abundant wildlife that lines the shores.

Renmark/Paringa

This town was established in 1887 when the settlement grew from irrigating the Murray River to supplying water to the orchards in the area.

P.S. Industry

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.

Please check their website for when cruises are available and pricing.

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 you can learn about the area’s past by visiting the Olivewood Historic Homestead and 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

• Adults $7.00
• Concession $5.00
• Student $3.00
• Family (2Adults & 2 children) $15.00

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.

Ruston’s is open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday 12-2 pm and for dinner on Friday and Saturday 6-8.30 pm. Brunch is available on Sunday only 9.30-11 am. Ruston’s is closed on most Public Holidays, or operating hours may vary.

Bookings are essential.  To book, call (08) 8586 6191.

They also offer takeaway meals available during service hours Thursday – Sunday.

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.

If you love Silo Art, 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 these two-grain silos finished in early 2021 by artist Jack Fran.

These works depict the River Murray at Renmark, with Murray Cod, Pelicans, a houseboat and paddle steamer, and a local legend, “Possum”, David James Jones.

Renmark Paringa Community Museum

The Renmark Paringa Community Museum is right next door to the silos. This community-based museum shows you how life was back in the day through volunteers’ teachings.

Prices

• Adult $5.00
• Under 15 Free

Hours

Mon, Wed, Fri 10.00 – 15.00

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.

Loxton

The next major town downriver is Loxton. Here you have supermarkets to get supplies as well as see the local delights.

Loxton Historical Village

The Loxton Historical Village is located right beside the river. It showcases early life in the area, how farming grew and the equipment used.

Prices

• Adults – $12.00
• Children (5-14 years) – $6.00
• Children under 4 years – Free 
• Pensioner – $10.00
• Family (2 adults, 3 children) – $30.00

Hours

Open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Closed Mondays except for public holidays, Good Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.

There are ample parking, picnic facilities and a walking track in the parklands beside the river.

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.

From amazing sunsets and sunrises over water to the wildlife that come down to the water’s edge to drink.

Moorook South

At Moorook South, you can camp right beside the river in the Recreation Park. You can arrive any time of the day or night, and pay by a Pay and Display machine on site.

There are toilets and a general store with takeaways right across the road.

From this T-Junction part of the river, you get the most beautiful dawns.

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, native fish, frogs, yabbies, spiny daisy, regent parrot 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 visible for miles.

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.

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Links

If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.

Travel Resources

• Flights & Accommodation – You can search for the cheapest flights and accommodation using Booking.com, Skyscanner, Tripadvisor and WayAway, which has 5% cashback.
• Car Hire – Take to the open road with great deals from EconomyBookings.com, RentalCars.com and DiscoverCars.
• Train & Bus Tickets UK & Europe – Use Trainline to plan and book your rail and train travel in the UK and Europe.
• Travel Insurance – is your number one thing to pack when you’re travelling. Cover-More Australia, Cover-More New Zealand, EKTA, Travel Insurance Master and Insubuy are invaluable in keeping you insured during your travels.
• Attractions – buy before you leave home with these great sites, Big Bus Tour, Get Your Guide, GoCity and Viator.
• House Sitting – is a great way to save on accommodation and Trusted Housesitters has house sits all around the world for you to try.
• Photo Editing – is a great way to bring your photos to life and you can try Luminar Neo, which I use.
• Visa Applications – apply online for your visa requirements with iVisa.
• Sim cards – Try Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving travellers access to eSIMs (digital SIM cards).

If you want more, try my Travel Links and Resource page.

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