Best Things to Do in Riverland SA: Stay & Play at the Murray
The best things to do in Riverland SA for a family holiday or romantic getaway. Where to stay, eat and play in this historic region on the Murray River.
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. However, there has been a shift as we explore family-friendly destinations closer to home. Case in point: Riverland, South Australia.
The Riverland region embodies the spirit of nature running free and uninhibited in South Australia's east, where Australia’s longest river, the Murray River, weaves its way through the landscape, complemented by towering cliffs, meandering creeks and expansive floodplains.
Ready to spend some time in this picturesque region packed with fresh country air, awe-inspiring nature, and friendly people? Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Riverland SA, where the good times flow and regional hospitality shines.
Best Things to Do in Riverland SA: Explore
Murray River Trails Walking Tour
The best way to fully immerse yourself in the region? By foot. One of the Great Walks of Australia, the Murray River Trails offers a four-day, three-night guided hike that will see you encounter diverse wildlife and learn about the area. The walking tour is fully catered 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.
Renmark, South Australia
River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve Tours
Located 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.
Tours begin at Arnold Park, Mannum
Loxton Historical Village
Step back in time at the Loxton Historical Village - a living museum whisking you back to the late 1800s and into the 1950s. Wander through fully furnished buildings adorned with captivating artifacts showcasing 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.
Allen Hosking Drive, Loxton
Canoe Adventures Sunrise Tours
Is there anything more serene than experiencing nature at sunrise, before the rest of the world wakes up? 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. No fitness is required for this non-strenuous exercise, with two hours of slow-paced paddling.
Tours leave from the Berri region
Best Things to Do in Riverland SA: Eat & Drink
Banrock Station Wines
Combining great wine and sustainability, Banrock Station Wines is home to thriving vineyards and wildlife-filled wetlands. The wetlands are home to native trees, plants and shrubs, creating a safe habitat for species and removing carbon from the atmosphere.
Continuing the ethos into the vineyard, Banrock Station produces a core range of vegan-friendly wines, along with pink Moscato and rosé. Visit the Wine and Wetland Centre for a tasting, a picnic on the deck, a guided trail or kayak tour, birdwatching or a delicious lunch!
Holmes Road, Kingston on Murray, South Australia
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.
Indulge in dishes celebrating South Australian and local produce, from casual bites at Nanya or fine dining at Temperance to the Main Bar with family-friendly ambience and traditional front bar meals. With views of the Murray River and the bustling street below, this is one of the best places to linger longer over a meal in the Riverland region.
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 from brandy to gin, rum, vodka and whisky – each an ode to the local region. Keen to learn more? Take a distillery tour or enjoy a guided tasting of the range.
Corner of Renmark Avenue and Twenty Third Street, Renmark
Eleni's Restaurant at Mallee Estate Wines
Eleni's is a cherished foodie gem, offering a celebratory taste of Greece in the heart of Riverland's Mallee Estate. It's all about hearty dishes bursting with traditional flavours and prepared with love. From dips and mezze plates to classic Greek mains, each dish is crafted to perfection, complemented by house wines, an extensive drinks menu, and friendly service.
Whether you're seeking a casual lunch or a memorable dinner experience, Eleni's promises a delightful culinary journey amidst the picturesque setting of Riverland's vineyards.
20055 Renmark Avenue, Renmark South
Arrosto
What was once an old fire station has been transformed into a lively cafe and roastery by local entrepreneurs Callum and Lauren Benda. Arrosto Coffee is a cafe and licensed cellar door, featuring specialty coffees, local Woolshed Brewery Firehouse Coffee Stout on tap, and their own Firewater Coffee Liqueur.
Indulge in coffee, cakes, and gourmet breakfast options like their famous breakfast burgers or granola pots filled with seasonal fruits. It's easy to see why this is a local favourite; the perfect morning pitstop in Riverland SA.
152 Eighteenth Street, Renmark
Riverland Wine Centre
The Riverland Wine Centre is a hub dedicated to showcasing 35 of the best wineries from the Riverland region. Visitors explore and taste local wines, learn about the region's winemaking heritage, and purchase their favourite bottles directly from the producers.
Located in a picturesque setting, it serves as a gateway to experiencing the rich flavours and stories of Riverland wines. Sample a few drops, before indulging in a seasonal produce platter at the onsite cafe.
8 Pike Creek Road, Lyrup
Nui's Thai Kitchen
Explore the authentic flavours of Thailand at Nui's Thai Kitchen, where generous portions of wholesome, traditional dishes await. This tasty restaurant offers dine-in and takeaway services in a licensed restaurant setting. Indulge in their weekly specials, such as the slow-cooked beef cheek in red curry sauce. Yellow prawn curry, chicken Khao Soi, Tom Yum noodle salads, and slow-cooked lamb shoulder in a Panang curry sauce with tempura fried betel leaves often frequent the fresh and flavoursome menu.
Don't miss it - a real hidden gem of the Riverland region.
35 Renmark Avenue, Renmark
Best Things to Do in Riverland SA: Stay
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.
Book your stay with The Frames
Book your stay with Booking.com
Lot 7, Panorama Court, Paringa
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 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.
Book your stay with The River Vista
19324 Sturt Highway, Monash
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 six self-contained units for couples or besties, this accommodations promise style and comfort.
With options to upgrade to golf course packages, the villas boast 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.
Guests must be over 21 years old
Book your stay with Waikerie Golf Club
Book your stay with Booking.com
22 Dunlop Road, Sunlands
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 weekend escape away from the city, this is one of those special places that allow you to reconnect with the beauty of nature.
Book your stay with Byrne Vineyards via Stayz
Book your stay with Booking.com
365 Murraylands Road, Morgan
Echo Holiday Parks - Renmark
If you have a couple of children in tow or prefer to keep it relaxed, 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.
Book your stay with Echo Holiday Parks
Book your stay with Booking.com
101 Sturt Highway, Renmark, Riverland
That's it for our roundup of the best things to do in Riverland SA! Looking for more travel inspo? Check out our guide to SA’s seafood capital, Port Lincoln or where to stay and play in Goolwa.
