If you’re one of the lucky ones who scored a River Revival Voucher, don’t let it burn a hole in your pocket (start spending)!
The summer floods means our river environment is looking gorgeous right now, so winter is actually the perfect time to book and redeem that voucher, helping to inject life and much-needed funds into our Murray River, Lakes and Coorong.
Round two vouchers have been made available for both experiences and accommodation ($100 experience/accommodation, $200 accommodation) and the big one which many have been waiting for, $750 towards a houseboat/guided tour.
While these vouchers can only be used on participating operators and providers, we’ve explored the list, and it’s impressive! It includes the best of the best when it comes to quality experiences and accommodation, all unique to our river region.
To help you find the perfect local business to spend your voucher on, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourites.
Be picked up at your doorstep by Juggle House Experiences, who will take you on the trip of a lifetime. With a foot in the door with the latest happening places, their tours can be catered to your interests and needs. The 10-seater ‘Entertainer’ is the chauffeured vehicle of choice, a spacious Mercedes limousine, fully equipped with television screens, club lounge leather seating, licensed bar facilities and karaoke.
Spirit of the Coorong operates various cruises to the Murray Mouth and into the wetland wilderness of the Coorong National Park. Visit the area where both Storm Boy movies were filmed, and explore the places of great beauty and tranquillity. Recognised for spectacular sand-dune surrounds and internationally significant as a migratory water and waterfowl refuge, enjoy the captain’s commentary on the Ngarrindjeri and European history, ecology and bird life.
Also showcasing the Coorong is Coorong Wildside Tours. Exploring the lagoons and sandhills by boat and foot, you’ll receive a range of informative, educational and fun ecotours. As well as the signature Seabirds and Seals Tour, there are number of other tours and activities that engage you with flora, fauna and fish.
Jump aboard a traditional paddle wheeler with Captain Proud Cruises. Relax aboard the historic vessel, while being served delicious food and refreshment in the dining room or open deck areas. Listen out for the captain who provides an informative commentary as you cruise.
Four Knots Cruises offers the ultimate short river cruise experience. Your friendly skipper and crew will look after you, expect morning/afternoon tea or lunch, with a range of local produce on offer. The panoramic windows make you feel part of the river environment.
Other experiences include Freedom Boat Hire, Mannum Dock Discovery Centre, and Reedy Creek Retreat (BBQ Boat).
Far from a traditional hotel stay is Coorong Life, a space where you can get back to nature. A creative sanctuary where dreams can be realised. No chocolates on your pillow, no dinner reservations, no traffic, no deadlines, just more peace of mind …. and more pelicans, emus, kangaroos and nature. A unique stay.
Proudly overlooking the Murray River is the newly developed Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge. The place to eat, drink, play and stay. With high-quality guest rooms, outstanding SA food and drink, and vibrant entertainment, don’t leave without experiencing the infinity swimming pool and bar.
Reedy Creek Retreat offers luxury glamping tent experiences, set on 89 acres, overlooking the river. Off grid, between 2 and 4 guests will enjoy the modern tents, complete with air conditioning, smart TV and private BBQ. Now that’s our kind of camping!
Ark-imedes, affectionately known as The Ark, is a luxury floating home on the Murray River. Offering a unique combination of serenity, relaxation and nature, The Ark is an ideal getaway to refresh and revitalise. Built for two, this piece of paradise is perfect for a romantic getaway or just a break from the hustle and bustle.
Get on Hex’d on Murray and lose yourself, floating among the willow trees, wildlife and river magic. The 360-degree deck and movable furniture give you options to enjoy, whatever the season. Open and curtains and doors and let the river breeze flow through, then close the curtains the retreat into your own piece of seclusion.
Bill’s Boathouse is a beautiful, sustainable boathouse moored permanently on the Murray River. The completely self-contained, modern floating eco pod makes for a stylish getaway for couples looking to relax. Unwind on the sun chairs, soak in the outdoor bath, and be mesmerised sitting around the firepit.
The Proud Mary is a purpose-built riverboat, designed to provide a restful and relaxing haven. With just 18 cabins on board, you’ll receive the best of personal service. Cruises operate 365 days of the year, and include all meals, ensuite accommodation and daily nature-based shore excursions.
Discover the beauty of a river cruise with a three, four or seven day adventure onboard the authentic paddle wheeler the Murray Princess. Enjoy nature walks and eco-tours, see wildlife, discover the maze of backwaters, creeks and lagoons. All cruises include meals, accommodation, entertainment, and coach transfers from Adelaide.
Situated in the historic town of Mannum is the Mannum Motel. Offering comfortable and spacious rooms – some with river views – the Motel is perfect for those travelling for children, particularly in the Family Rooms. Boasting the fully licensed Café Mannum, you can enjoy a casual meal or coffee with spectacular views of the river through floor to ceiling windows.
Nestled in the heart of the Mallee is the Karoonda Tourist Park. The ideal destination for a stopover or short stay, the park offers modern Jayco and eco-cabins, and powered sites. It’s home to the national award-winning Karoonda Silo Art, where you can experience day and night – paint by day and permanent projection by night.
There’s a long list of other accommodation options:
‘Cristal’ floating accommodation – River Shack Rentals
14 Randell Street Mannum– River Shack Rentals
4 Pelican Court Mypolonga – River Shack Rentals
66 Riverlane – River Shack Rentals
Apartment 1/9 Riverlane – River Shack Rentals
Apartment 2 9 Riverlane – River Shack Rentals
Apartment 3/9 Riverlane – River Shack Rentals
Apartment 4/9 Riverlane Mannum – River Shack Rentals
Aruma Shack 7 – Aruma River Resort – River Shack Rentals
BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park
Boathouse – Birks Harbour
Coorong Island Retreat
Coorong Waterfront Retreat
Harbour Mannum
Indulgence – Aruma river resort – River Shack Rentals
Motel Riverbend
Olley’s Place
River Life – Holiday Home with Secluded Riverbank
Riverview House Younghusband
Riverview Rise Retreats
River Shack Rentals
River Wren Houseboats
The Executive – Aruma River Resort – River Shack Rentals
Willowdene – Aruma River Resort – River Shack Rentals
Waterfront Holiday Park
Wellington Hotel
Wongulla Heights – 36 Shells Hill Rd
The release of the generous $750 voucher has been highly anticipated. Those lucky enough to receive one can spend it on a houseboat or guided tour, with a minimum spend of $1500.
Indulge and discover the mighty Murray and pamper yourself onboard one of Australia’s most accredited and luxurious houseboats – Unforgettable Houseboats. Expect pure luxury with king and queen bedrooms, cocktail bars, gourmet kitchens, and heated jacuzzis.
Wow Houseboats certainly have the wow factor. A 12-birth houseboat with two levels of luxury boasts stylish features that will ensure a memorable holiday. The spacious fully enclosed upstairs lounge features a 360-degree view.
You’ll be loving life on Love Life Houseboats, boasting a luxurious, modern, open-planned houseboat. Three large bedrooms with ensuite, plus room for guests in the front lounge, plus gourmet kitchen, coffee maker and extra bar fridge.
White Houseboats for Ultimate Houseboat Holidays offers different options, from the magnificent River Breez Houseboat with ceiling to floor windows to Absolute Bliss with five queen bedrooms. Plus the Flat White, Whitewater, and Dreamweaver, you’ll certainly find the right option for you.
Other houseboat options include Magic Houseboat, Moon Dance Houseboat Hire and New Horizons Houseboat.
To assist you to easily find experiences, accommodation, houseboats or guided tours, you can filter the available operators (based on your voucher value) through the website.
Vouchers need to be redeemed within the relevant booking period, for travel between 23 June 2023 to 30 November 2023.