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 line 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 grew from irrigating the Murray River to 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.
ADULT – $30.00
CHILDREN – $10.00 (3 – 18 YEARS)
CONCESSION – $25.00
FAMILY – $75.00 (2 adults & 3 children)
Passengers accompanying handicapped persons are free of charge.
The P.S. Industry is also open for inspection:
Monday to Friday 9.00 am to 4.30 pm
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays 10.00am to 2.00pm
A gold coin donation would be most appreciated – children and school groups free of charge.
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 you can learn about the areas past 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:
Adults $7.00, Concession $5.00, Student $3.00.Family (2Adults & 2 children)$15.00 Coach groups $5.00 per person (subject to change)
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 for lunch from Thursday to Sunday 12-2 pm, and for dinner on Friday and Saturday 6-8.30pm. Brunch available on Sunday only 9.30-11 am. Ruston's is closed 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.
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, with Murray Cod, Pelicans, a houseboat and paddle steamer, and a local legend, "Possum", 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 major town downriver is Loxton. Here you have supermarkets to get supplies as well as seeing the local delights.
The Loxton Historical Village is located right beside the river. It showcases early life in the area, how farming grew and the equipment used.
You can wander through the buildings inside the Historic Village.
Opening times
Open Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Closed Mondays except for public holidays, Good Friday and Christmas Eve and Day.
Entry 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
Group Entry (10+people) - $8.00 each
(4 years and under free entry - excludes education/group visits)
Membership
$12 per year (per adult) - Unlimited entry
There is ample parking and 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.
A Kangaroo that has come down to the river for a drink.
From amazing sunsets and sunrises over water to the wildlife that come 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, 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.
The silos from the street front.
More fantastic artwork on the back of the silos.
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 of things to see and do in the area, including Adelaide City's Free Activities, Adelaide's Botanic Gardens South Australia and the Fleurieu Peninsula.
