All the reasons your next group getaway should be here with us…
We’ve got our own natural playground for grown-ups.
Exploring is best done in the company of friends – and we know the perfect group getaways to take you out of a stressful city and in to our backyard, the perfect patch for fun outdoors and the adventurous at heart.
From the Murray River, to the Coorong and lakes in between, we’ve got our own natural playground for grown-ups, or really anyone who loves water and nature. Even better, is that we’ve got some cracking Instaworthy moments along our stretch that you’ll want to share with your pals (especially those decided not to join!).
It’s a photographers dream, and a ‘grammers paradise, so make sure you clear your ‘cloud’ and get ready to discover some new experiences with us.
(Of course you can choose your own water or land-based activity down our way – but, because we know you’re all busy, we’ve pulled together a few ideas of what you and your pals can get up to over this way.)
Take a read, message your mates and start planning…
Above: view from the seond story deck of a River Shack Rentals luxury home at Bowhill. Image by Jennings Media.
If there’s one thing to throw on your bucket list, it’s waking up to the magical views of the mighty Murray River. If you’re anything like me, then a day getting grubby outdoors is best matched with a night in luxury, and we have plenty of premium group homes, right on the banks of the River where you can wash down and enjoy a wine (or two).
A lot of these cool group holiday homes used to be small riverside rust-buckets, but most have now been transformed into idyllic getaways with dream-worthy outdoor kitchens, lush lawns, two-storey decks and everything you could ever need to soak up the day and night’s adventures (think kayaks, mountain bikes, pool tables, pizza ovens and more).
Why not explore a few of the EPIC premium homes available from the team at River Shack Rentals and pick your dream stay (these places sleep up to 22 people, so no need to cull the invite list!).
Alternatively, if you want to float your way down the river – with you and your pals sharing the captain’s title, then a houseboat holiday might be more what you’re after.
On our region’s houseboats, you can have the best of both worlds: an ever-changing 360-degree scenery of the great-outdoors, while you’re still living in luxury on board houseboats with top level jacuzzis.
Ahem – yes please (just imagine the photos you could snap from here, just don’t drop your phone in the spa!).
If this sort of getaway sounds more like your perfect pals’ getaway – have a chat with our region’s biggest houseboat fleet owners Unforgettable Houseboats – they’ve been in the game for decades and can tee you and your mates up with the perfect vessel and some tips on where to cruise to.
Above: a group enjoying their houseboat holiday aboard an Unforgettable Houseboat. Image by Jennings Media.
What a better way to start the day than sitting down for a barista-brewed coffee and a chef-prepared breakfast. Like most people, I’m damn fond of a great cup of coffee in the morning, and when I find a place that serves it up just right, they can take all my money before 11am! So, if there’s one place I’d recommend, it’s locally-renowned haunt The Davery Establishment in Murray Bridge. The bonus of this place is they’re open early from 7am, so early birds can pack more into their day. But if you have the time, sit back and dine in.
As you talk about your upcoming plans during your stay, you’ll notice the funky retro flair throughout the furnishing and décor, but there’s more than meets the eye at this café – this space is a buzzing creative hub.
Feeling like some retail therapy? Once breakfast is sorted, a few steps to next door is where you’ll find a funky little fashion, homewares, giftshop and florist.
Above: friends enjoying brunch at The Davery Establishment. Image by Jennings Media.
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of an adrenaline pumping experience shared with your favourite friends (also most likely to be your favourite competitors. Stay with me here…).
If you’re searching for an experience that’ll knock your socks off and create lasting memories, strap yourself in, because we know a place that’ll set you from impressed to blown away in a matter of moments (and you might be able to tick something off your bucket list while you’re there).
Others will agree The Bend Motorsport Park is worth the visit – and it ranks as one of the best experiences on our local list.
Channel your inner race car driver as you speed down the world-class track.
Crank up the banter a notch as you cheer on some friendly competition amongst your group of friends – either in the luxury car experiences, or the wild (and increasingly popular) go-kart track. Otherwise, if you love watching the pros at work, plan your trip around their next race event, where you can book in to stay on site at The Bend (luxury rooms or stay in the cabin park) and have a first-class seat as the cars speed by your front window!
Above: getting ready to race each other on the karts at The Bend Motorsport Park. Image by Jennings Media.
But of course, I promised you nature, and in our region – it’s our natural beauty that really is the hero. The South Australian bush boasts fantastic scenery and a mix of delightful furry, scaly, and feathered creatures. There’s plenty of off-road stretches to get lost in, but we reckon you’ll have a nicer time being carted around (literally) by the Big Bend by Night team. These guys will take you in their vintage carts (even offering nocturnal tours) to see mobs of native animals – and helping you avoid ending up taking a wrong-step into a lagoon.
Above: a tour group watching the Big Bend by Night team talk about sheep shearing. Image by Jennings Media.
Some of your favourite Australian bush animals can be seen at this riverside family farm near Swan Reach. You’ll get to experience some pretty incredible experiences – including placing bets on the colourful sheep racing and cuddling baby kangaroos.
Make sure to bring your camera along to capture your discoveries, (and our hint – make sure you stay LATE enough to capture sunset across from the farm towards the glowing Big Bend cliffs – it’s like nothing you can ever imagine and one of the Murray River’s most iconic scenes).
Above: the Big Bend Cliffs on the Murray River at Swan Reach. Image by Jennings Media.
Or, if you’d prefer an immersive water-based experience (AND you love eating seafood like me), you better head the crew down to the Coorong. Coorong Wild Seafood’s ‘Catch and Eat’ fishing tour is one of the wildest and most beautiful – and you can be one of the first people to test it out.
Don’t worry if you’re not a fishing expert – you’ll get a private workshop on how to catch, fillet, prepare and eat your own Coorong Mullet from the region’s very own ‘wild man of the Coorong’.
An absolute institution of the Coorong waters is Glen Hill (one of the owners and fisherman for Coorong Wild Seafood, also your hilariously candid tour guide). Glen was made famous for his appearance in high vis waders on Master Chef a few years back and is now on a first-name basis with world-renowned chefs like Simon Bryant and Maggie Beer for his gentle catching techniques. He and wife Tracey are offering up this exceptional experience – so add this one to the itinerary too!
Above: a group watching Coorong Wild Seafood’s Glen Hill out fishing at the Coorong National Park . Image by Jennings Media.
While there is so much to see and do in our region, and no shortage of opportunities to get you up and moving, there’s always a chance to have a more relaxed day. The perfect place to mix this up, is amongst the lush vineyards of our much-loved cellar doors.
You’ll feel the sense of escape as soon as you arrive in the Langhorne Creek Wine Region.
It’s now known as SA’s best emerging region amongst many wine lovers, and once you’ve spent some time here, you’ll understand why. The award-winning wines, delicious share platters, rich history, beautiful buildings and warm hospitality are guaranteed to win you over and start planning a longer stay next time. Heading towards Langhorne Creek from Adelaide, one of the first and most iconic wineries you’ll see is Bremerton. It’s beautifully restored historic barn now acts as its cellar door, and the lush lawns are filled with games and cushions to laze the day away (hint: if you like trying new foods, you HAVE to test out their gourmet pizza range, my favourite is the gorgonzola and pancetta dish – wow!).
Above: a group trying a tasty luncheon platter and gourmet pizza at the Bremerton cellar door. Image by Jennings Media.
Seriously, you’ll wish you knew about the Langhorne Creek Wine Region sooner.
Even better, is that you don’t need to rope in a designated driver if you get in touch with the team at Juggle House Experiences. Tour expert Kelly will organise a wine tour (or other day tours in our region) for groups up to 11 in their Entertainer bus, or for an even bigger mob, you get access to multiple vehicles. Just image how much more fun travelling is on board their super-quirky limo bus (fully-equipped with on board karaoke system).
Above: inside Juggle House’s 11 seater entertainer limousine. Image by Jennings Media.
So where to now? Check the calendar, message your mates and book something in. Whether it’s warm or chilly, this place has untouched beauty to help you forget the city stress and fall back in love with your sense-of-adventure.