Riverland SA: Where To Stay & Play Along South Australia's Murray River
The Riverland region is open for business. From glamping to star gazing and organic wines, the reasons to visit the Murray River are endless.
Planning a family holiday? For many of us, our first instinct is to reach for our credit card to book flights to a far-flung destination overseas. However, if a couple of years of closed borders taught us anything, it’s that there are plenty of family-friendly destinations much closer to home. Case in point: Riverland, South Australia.
The Riverland region is where the spirit of nature runs free and uninhibited in South Australia's east, where Australia’s longest river, the mighty Murray River, weaves its way through the landscape, complemented by towering cliffs, meandering creeks and expansive floodplains.
The region was faced with a once-in-a-generation flood in late 2022. With the flooding catastrophe now behind them, the area has well and truly bounced back and is open for business, welcoming travellers with open arms.
By taking the road less travelled and heading to the Riverland SA region this summer, not only will you enjoy a holiday packed with fresh country air, awe-inspiring nature, friendly people and fresh produce, you’ll also play a part in allowing this community to continue to rebuild and thrive.
Ready to spend some time in this picturesque region? Here’s where to stay and play along South Australia’s Murray River, where the good times flow.
Things to do in Riverland SA: Stay
The Villas at Waikerie Golf Club
Unwind in unparalleled luxury at The Villas, Waikerie Golf Club's on site accommodation redefining opulence in the Riverland. Sleeping up to 12 guests in the architecturally designed main villa with 6 bedrooms and open plan living, plus an offering of six self-contained units for couples or besties, this accommodations promise style and comfort. With options to upgrade to golf course packages, each villa boasts ensuites, plush bedding, well-equipped kitchens, rain showers and expansive decking with golf course views. Indulge in a stress-free retreat with abundant dining options, adventure, and relaxation just moments away.
Rooms from $250 per night. Guests must be over 21 years old
22 Dunlop Road, Sunlands
The Frames
Planning a romantic getaway? Look no further than The Frames. Offering award-winning, six-star luxury accommodation this magnificent spot is perched on the banks of the Murray River. Here, you can enjoy an afternoon spent in the pool, hydrotherapy spa or infra-red sauna or venture a little further by adding one of the resort’s popular experiences to your itinerary, such as a wetland and wildlife safari, gondola sunset cruise or flavour safari. It's one of the most stunning accommodation options in Riverland SA.
From $1,400 per night
Lot 7, Panorama Court, Paringa, South Australia
Byrne Vineyards Eco Suites
Experience the magnificent surrounds of the Murray River wetlands without compromising on creature comforts by booking a night or two at the Byrne Vineyards Eco Suites. Each suite offers an unrivalled glamping experience, allowing you to take in the starry sky from the comfort of your king-size bed. Ideal for a romantic escape away from the city, or with plenty of room for the family, this is one of those special places that allow you to reconnect with the beauty of nature.
From $386 per night
365 Murraylands Road, Morgan
Riverbend Caravan Park
If you have a couple of children in tow, consider the Riverbend Caravan Park. This local institution is right on the river at Renmark and has plenty of options from powered sites to riverfront and premium cabins. It’s the perfect place to base yourself for a weekend of adventures, with a jumping pillow, basketball ring and playground on site to keep the kids happy too.
From $47 per night for a powered site
101 Sturt Highway, Renmark, Riverland
The River Vista
Curated with high-end finishes and purposeful interiors, The River Vista offers guests an unprecedented, romantic and utterly magical Riverland experience. Sitting high above the Murray River on glowing ochre sandstone cliffs, a spectacular vista of the region floods the horizon. Quiet and ultra-secluded, your only companionship will be a couple of kangaroos, a solitary pelican and a plethora of golden panoramic skies. Enjoy the neutral, light filled interiors met with expansive, natural landscapes. Indulge in a delicious grazing platter with locally made gin or wine. Sit under the bright, starry sky, cosy up in the sunken cliffside fire pit. Soak in the freestanding, stone bathtub and fall away into a deep sleep in the most delicious, pure linen.
From $500 - $750 a night, 2-night minimum stay
19324 Sturt Highway, Monash
Things to do in Riverland SA: Explore
Loxton Historical Village
For those who love stepping back in time, the Loxton Historical Village is a living museum, whisking you back to the late 1800s and into the 1950s. Wander through 45 fully furnished buildings, adorned with captivating artifacts showcasing the pioneers' daily lives. Explore vintage vehicles, hop aboard the steam train, and relive school days at antique desks. Let the kids enjoy old-school games, and immerse yourself in the charm of bygone eras in the General Store, hairdresser, Saddlery, and carpenter's workshops.
Entry starting from $6
Scenic Drive, Loxton
River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve Tours
Located just 90 minutes from Adelaide is Australia’s first international dark sky reserve. Sign up for a tour experience and you’ll venture to one of the darkest places on Earth where there is virtually no light pollution. After enjoying a sunset dinner, an astronomer will guide the way to this awe-inspiring Murray River clifftop. Guests will also receive a guided tour of Ngaut Ngaut Archaeological Cultural Site where local Aboriginal people are described as the world’s first astronomers.
From $100 for astronomy only session
Tours begin at Arnold Park, Mannum
Murray River Trails Walking Tour
The best way to fully immerse yourself in the region? By foot. Murray River Trails offers an easy four day, three night guided hike that will see you encounter diverse wildlife (picture: birdlife and kangaroos) along the way while learning about the area. The walking tour is fully catered (inclusive of food and wine) and includes accommodation on a luxurious houseboat each night - complete with a spa and pool deck.
Walking not your thing? Consider one of Murray River Trails’ houseboat holidays or outback river safaris instead. An iconic Riverland SA experience, and a once-in-a-lifetime Australian experience to boot.
From $2,800 per person, twin share
Renmark, South Australia
Canoe Adventures Sunrise Tours
Is there anything more serene than experiencing nature at sunrise, before the rest of the world wakes up? Situated in the Riverlands, Canoe Adventures runs regular sunrise tours where guests paddle down the Murray River through a network of wetlands and national park waterways. The early morning wake-up call will be worth it once you see the sun peering over the horizon and light reflecting off the glassy waters. The tour takes three hours all up with two of those hours spent paddling. No fitness is required for this non-strenuous exercise.
From $105 per person
Tours leave from the Berry region
Things to do in Riverland SA: Eat & Drink
Hotel Renmark
Sitting pretty on the banks of the Murray River, Hotel Renmark - a heritage-listed Art Deco gem - stands as the first British Empire community-owned hotel since 1897. Steeped in history, the hotel continues to this day to bring the community of Renmark together. For a tasty feast, visitors can indulge in local and South Australian dishes, from casual bites at Nanya to fine dining at Temperance, while the Main Bar offers family-friendly ambiance with traditional front bar meals. With views of the Murray River and the bustling street below, this is one of the best places to be in Riverland SA.
Murray Avenue, Renmark
Twenty Third Street Distillery
It would be remiss to visit the Riverland region without stopping for a tipple or two. Twenty Third Street Distillery creates an array of award-winning spirits including everything from brandy to gin, rum, vodka and whisky – with each created as an ode to the local region. Keen to learn more? Take a tour of the distillery or enjoy a guided tasting of the range.
Corner of Renmark Avenue and Twenty Third Street, Renmark
Salena Estate & Cucina 837
Salena Estate is a family-owned and run producer of organic wine, made using the philosophy of ‘minimal intervention’. Due to the area’s abundant sunshine, they are able to produce a wide array of wines from rosé to crisp whites, sparkling and reds. If you’re hungry, stop by Salena Estates' Italian restaurant: Cucina 837. Here, you’ll find a selection of Italian favourites made using the freshest produce around. It's one of the tastiest spots to wine and dine in Riverland SA.
837 Bookpurnong Road, Bookpurnong, Riverland
Keen to experience more of South Australia? Check out our guide to SA’s seafood capital, Port Lincoln or round-up of where to stay and play in Goolwa. If you don’t have time on your side, there are plenty of dreamy day trips to experience just a stone’s throw from Adelaide.
