Murray River

infoMurray River Info

The Murray River commences it's journey from the Kosciusko National Park (home to Australia's highest mountain; Mount Kosciusko) and travels for a distance of over 2750kms. It's path forms a significant part of the New South Wales and Victoria border before making it's way into South Australia and exiting into the Southern Ocean near Goolwa.

Much of the land has been enriched by the Murray and has produced a good fruit and wine growing area. The Riverland area has many small towns that you can visit along the Murray.

To the south of the area is Murray Bridge, which along with a selection of accommodation also offers Dundee's Wildlife Park and Monarto Zoological Park. You can also take river cruises along the Murray from here. Just east of Murray Bridge is Tailem Bend, which has a pretty recreation of a pioneer village at Old Tailem Town. You can also take cruises from here across to Jervois near the beautiful hamlet of Wellington.

Heading north from Murray Bridge you will come across Mannum which is where the first riverboat was made in the whole of Australia. The boat also made the first paddle steamer trip along the Murray. There is a floating museum where you can find out the history of the area. You should also visit the fabulous Cascade Waterfalls at Reedy Creek (only during the winter), as well as the waterbirds along the Purnong Road Bird Sanctuary. North again is Morgan where there is a large car ferry which takes you across the Murray. There is also an interesting museum.

East from Morgan towards Waikerie you will pass beautiful Swan Reach, which has magnificent scenery. There is a great lookout from the town where you can see Big Bend and the fabulous Yellow Cliffs. Although there are plenty of pelicans at Swan Reach, birdlife is at its maximum at Waikerie, which aptly matches its name (meaning 'anything that flies' in Aboriginal). Waikerie is also a large citrus producing area. East of Waikerie is the pretty town of Berri, which is named after the Aboriginal 'berri berri' which means 'bend in the river'. From Berri you can get into the Murray River National Park, at Katarapko Creek, where you can go bushwalking, canoeing as well as camping. You should also visit the Willabalangaloo Reserve which offers some great walking trails, as well as a museum.

You can travel both south and north from Berri. Heading south you get to Loxton which hosts a very attractive Historical Village which you can visit. There is also a winery here as well as the popular activity of canoeing. Heading north from Berri you will get to Renmark where you can join one of the river cruises along the Murray, or visit one of its vineyards to taste the delicious wines. You should also go to the Chowilla Regional Reserve where you can camp, canoe, bushwalk and just enjoy the beautiful scenery. Nearby is also Barmera which is situated on the edge of Lake Bonney. The lake offers sandy beaches, swimming and other watersports. There is also a nudist beach at Pelican Point. To find out about the history and feel a touch of heritage visit Napper's Old Accommodation and the Overland Corner Hotel. There are also a couple of good nature reserves here called Kingston-on-Murray and Moorook.



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