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The Best Things to Do in the Riverland and Murraylands: Where to Stay, Eat and Play
From lazy days by the Murray to country pubs, cellar doors and stays worth making a weekend of, the Riverland and Murraylands are made for slowing down. Here’s where to eat, drink, stay and play.
A few hours from Adelaide, the Riverland and Murraylands unfold along the Murray with ochre cliffs, quiet wetlands, riverside towns and big, open skies. There are long lunches over local wine, slow mornings on the water and plenty of ways to get out into the landscape, from guided walks to sunrise paddles. Whether you’re planning a family escape, a romantic weekend or simply a change of scenery, this is where to stay, eat and play along the Murray.
In This Guide
The Best Family Activities in Riverland and Murraylands
Murray River Trails Walking Tour
For a deeper immersion in the Riverland, Murray River Trails takes walkers through wetlands, wildlife-rich landscapes and some of the Murray’s most striking river country. The four-day, three-night guided hike is paired with a fully catered houseboat each evening, complete with a spa and pool deck, making it rather more comfortable than your average multi-day trek. If walking isn’t your thing, the operator also offers houseboat holidays and outback river safaris.
Where: Murray River Trails, Renmark
Cost: From $3,200
Best For: Couples, nature lovers, adventure, special occasions
Need to Know: Four-day guided walking tour with fully catered houseboat accommodation
Loxton Historical Village
Step back in time at Loxton Historical Village, where more than 45 furnished buildings bring the region’s late-19th-century and early-20th-century history to life. There’s plenty to explore at an easy family pace, from the old schoolhouse and General Store to the saddlery, hairdresser and vintage playground games. A steam train ride adds another layer of nostalgia, making this one for curious little travellers and history-loving grown-ups alike.
Where: Loxton Historical Village, Loxton
Cost: Free
Best For: Families, kids, culture, rainy days
The Best Romantic Experiences in Riverland and Murraylands
River Murray Dark Sky Reserve Tours
When the sun disappears, the Murraylands takes on a different kind of beauty. The River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, around 90 minutes from Adelaide, offers exceptionally clear night skies with minimal light pollution. Guided tour experiences pair a sunset dinner with a walk to a Murray River clifftop and a visit to the Ngaut Ngaut Archaeological Cultural Site, adding a rich sense of place to an evening spent looking skyward.
Where: Tours begin at Arnold Park, Mannum
Cost: From $20
Best For: Couples, unique experiences, special occasions, nature lovers
Need to Know: Includes sunset dinner and a guided tour of Ngaut Ngaut Archaeological Cultural Site
Canoe Adventures Sunrise Tours
There’s something particularly lovely about seeing the Murray before the day properly begins. Canoe Adventures‘ sunrise tours ease through wetlands and national park waterways, with no previous paddling experience required. The pace is deliberately unhurried, leaving plenty of time to take in the reflections, birdlife and first light across the water.
Where: Tours leave from the Berri region
Cost: From $65
Best For: Couples, nature lovers, unique experiences
Need to Know: No fitness experience required; two-hour slow-paced paddle
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The Best Places to Eat and Drink in Riverland and Murraylands
Sammy’s Sando & Espresso Bar
Renmark has a fresh new go-to for locals and road trippers alike. Sammy’s Sando & Espresso Bar serves fresh focaccia, melty sandwiches, and coffee and matcha that’ll make any morning or midday stop worth it. Open weekdays 6 am–2 pm (closed Tuesdays) and weekends 7:30 am–3 pm — it’s the perfect spot for a quick bite on the road or a leisurely local catch-up.
Suburb: Renmark
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Quick bite, Breakfast, Locals
Woolshed Brewery
Set on the banks of the Murray at Murtho, Woolshed Brewery makes a relaxed day of it, with house-brewed beers, hearty food and plenty of room for families to settle in. The historic stone woolshed is the backdrop, while the outdoor areas look across the river and surrounding vineyards. There are lawn games and space for kids to roam, making it an easy stop when you’re exploring the Riverland with the whole family.
Suburb: Murtho
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Pub fare
Best For: Families, Group dining, Waterfront, Outdoor dining
Mallee Fowl Restaurant
Set across eleven acres of bushland just outside Berri, Mallee Fowl Restaurant embraces the easygoing spirit of a country gathering. The menu leans hearty, with steaks, kangaroo and schnitzels alongside local wines and craft beer, while wandering emus and chooks add a little character to the surrounds. Come for dinner, stay for live music under the stars.
Suburb: Monash
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Country-style
Best For: Families, group dining, locals
Need to Know: Hosts live music and events
Hotel Renmark
A local institution since 1897, Hotel Renmark brings together several distinct dining experiences under one roof. There’s casual fare at Nanya, classic pub dining in the Main Bar and Temperance, the hotel’s more refined restaurant, where South Australian produce takes centre stage. It was also named South Australia’s Best Regional Restaurant, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the region’s food scene.
Suburb: Renmark
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Modern Australian
Best For: Families, waterfront dining, group dining, locals
Need to Know: Multiple dining options on site, from casual to fine dining
Twenty Third Street Distillery
Housed in a century-old former winery, Twenty Third Street Distillery is where the Riverland’s produce meets a little more spirit. Its copper stills produce gin, whisky, rum, vodka and brandy, while tastings and tours offer a closer look at what goes into the bottles. Set aside time for a drink and a bite while you’re there.
Suburb: Renmark
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Distillery
Best For: Couples, locals, special occasions
Need to Know: Distillery tours and guided tastings available
Arrosto
Inside Renmark’s former fire station, Arrosto Coffee gives the old building a new morning ritual. Callum Benda roasts coffee on site, with the menu spanning breakfast burgers, granola pots and easygoing cafe fare. There are also a few more unusual local touches, including Firehouse Coffee Stout on tap from Woolshed Brewery and Arrosto’s own Firewater Coffee Liqueur.
Suburb: Renmark
Price Guide: $
Cuisine: Cafe
Best For: Breakfast, brunch, locals
Riverland Wine Centre
If you don’t have time to visit every cellar door, Riverland Wine Centre offers a neat introduction to the region’s wine scene under one roof. More than 35 local wineries are represented, with tastings, bottles to take home and seasonal produce platters served at the onsite cafe. It’s an easy way to get a taste of the region before deciding which vineyards deserve a longer visit.
Suburb: Lyrup
Price Guide: $$
Cuisine: Wine bar
Best For: Wine lovers, couples, group catch-ups
Need to Know: Showcases 35 regional wineries with an onsite cafe
The Best Places to Stay in Riverland and Murraylands
The Frames
Perched above the Murray’s ochre cliffs near Paringa, The Frames is the kind of stay where the landscape does much of the work. Its three adults-only villas each come with their own private pool, hydrotherapy spa or infrared sauna, while experiences such as wetland safaris, sunset gondola cruises and flavour safaris can be added to your stay.
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Location: The Frames, Paringa
Price Guide: Check current rates here
Best For: Couples, honeymoon, luxury, special occasions
The River Vista
Set high above the Murray in Monash, The River Vista is made for slowing down. The cliffside cottage looks across the valley, with a sunken fire pit for evenings outside and a freestanding stone bath for lingering a little longer. Beyond the windows, the only company may be a kangaroo, pelican or two.
Book your stay with The River Vista
Location: The River Vista, Monash
Price Guide: Check current rates here
Best For: Couples, honeymoon, luxury, remote escapes
The Villas at Waikerie Golf Club
For a group getaway with a little more space, The Villas at Waikerie Golf Club offer a six-bedroom main villa sleeping up to 12, alongside six self-contained units designed for couples. Set within the golf course, the accommodation comes with ensuites, well-equipped kitchens and views across the greens, with golf packages available for those keen to make a weekend of it.
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Location: The Villas, Waikerie Golf Club, Sunlands
Price Guide: Check current rates here
Best For: Groups, weekend escapes, golf trips
Need to Know: Guests must be over 21 years old
Bill’s Boathouse
Moored permanently at Riverglen Marina near Murray Bridge, Bill’s Boathouse is a tiny house with an enviable address. Built largely from recycled materials, the sustainable stay sleeps two and comes with a wraparound timber deck, outdoor clawfoot bath and fire pit overlooking the water. Kayaks and fishing gear are provided, while its proximity to Adelaide makes it particularly appealing for a spontaneous midweek escape.
Book your stay with Bill’s Boathouse
Location: Riverglen Marina, White Sands
Price Guide: Check current rates here
Best For: Couples, remote escapes, nature lovers
Need to Know: Sleeps two; kayaks and fishing gear included
Byrne Vineyards Eco Suites
For a night under the stars without giving up the comforts of a proper bed, Byrne Vineyards Eco Suites offers a more polished take on glamping. Think king beds, wetland views and the vines beyond, with the stillness of the Riverland right outside your door. It’s an easy choice for a weekend away from the city.
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Location: Byrne Vineyards Eco Suites, Morgan
Price Guide: Check current rates here
Best For: Couples, nature lovers, weekend escapes
Echo Holiday Parks Renmark
For a relaxed family stay by the water, Echo Holiday Parks Renmark keeps things simple. There are powered sites, riverfront cabins and plenty to keep younger guests occupied, including a jumping pillow, basketball ring and playground. It’s a practical base for spending your days exploring the river before returning to the water’s edge.
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Location: Echo Holiday Parks, Renmark
Price Guide: Check current rates here
Best For: Families, budget-friendly escapes
Need to Know: Jumping pillow, basketball ring and playground on site
Frequently Asked Questions About the Riverland and Murraylands
The regions have a strong spread of food and drink options across its main towns. Renmark alone covers Sammy’s Sando & Espresso Bar for a quick coffee stop, Nui’s Thai Kitchen for home-style Thai food, and Twenty Third Street Distillery for spirits tastings and tours. Hotel Renmark, a local institution since 1897, houses several dining experiences including its fine-dining restaurant Temperance. Further afield, Mallee Fowl Restaurant near Berri serves hearty country-style meals, while Riverland Wine Centre in Lyrup showcases more than 35 regional wineries under one roof.
There are several ways to experience the Murray depending on your pace. Murray River Trails offers a four-day guided walking tour paired with fully catered houseboat stays, while Canoe Adventures runs unhurried sunrise paddling tours through wetlands near Berri, requiring no previous experience. For a different perspective, River Murray Dark Sky Reserve tours near Mannum combine a sunset dinner with a clifftop stargazing experience and a visit to the Ngaut Ngaut Archaeological Cultural Site. Each option suits a different kind of traveller, from active walkers to those after a slower, scenic outing.
Accommodation across the regions range from adults-only luxury to family-friendly stays. The Frames near Paringa offers three private-pool villas set above the Murray’s cliffs, while The River Vista in Monash suits couples after a secluded, cliffside escape. Byrne Vineyards Eco Suites in Morgan offers a polished glamping experience among the vines, and Bill’s Boathouse near Murray Bridge is a sustainable tiny house moored at Riverglen Marina, close enough to Adelaide for a midweek trip. For groups or families, The Villas at Waikerie Golf Club sleeps up to 12 guests.
Yes, the regions have plenty suited to families, particularly around Loxton and Renmark. Loxton Historical Village offers a hands-on, easy-paced look at 19th and early 20th century life, including a steam train ride and vintage playground games. Echo Holiday Parks Renmark provides riverfront cabins and powered sites with a jumping pillow, basketball ring and playground on site. Woolshed Brewery in Murtho also welcomes families, with lawn games and outdoor space for kids to roam. Multi-day tours such as Murray River Trails can suit families too, depending on fitness levels.
Riverland and Murraylands sit within roughly 90 minutes to two and a half hours of Adelaide by car, depending on the town. Mannum, on the Murraylands side, is around 90 minutes away, making it suited to a day trip or overnight stay. Renmark, further along the Murray, is closer to two and a half hours, while Murray Bridge and Monash sit somewhere in between. Most of the route follows the Sturt Highway, passing through smaller river towns, which makes the drive itself an easy and scenic part of the trip.
Riverland and Murraylands offer a mix of nature-based experiences and regional food and wine along the Murray River. Highlights include the multi-day Murray River Trails walking tour near Renmark, River Murray Dark Sky Reserve tours near Mannum, and sunrise paddling with Canoe Adventures near Berri. History lovers can explore Loxton Historical Village, while the food and drink scene spans Twenty Third Street Distillery, Woolshed Brewery, and cellar doors represented at Riverland Wine Centre. The region suits both a family holiday and a quieter romantic getaway, depending on which activities you build your stay around.
Ready for another escape? Keep exploring South Australia with our guides to Goolwa and Port Lincoln.
