Have you heard the news? The Murray River has been named one of the 25 Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2025 by National Geographic!

As Australia’s longest river – and the third longest navigable river in the world – it stretches an impressive 2,508km across southeastern Australia.

It’s one of our region’s natural wonders, offering endless ways to experience its beauty – from houseboat holidays to multi-day cruises and river shack retreats.

We’ve listed our top six ways to enjoy the river, with tips for exploring the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve and Coorong National Park along the way.

One of the best ways you can experience the river is by spending the week at your own river shack. We’re talking private jetties, secluded stretches of water, and wine on the deck while the sun sets over the golden cliffs.

River Shack Rentals offer river shacks ranging from comfortable and cosy cottages to luxury holiday homes along some of the best stretches of the Murray River from Morgan to Wellington. Many can fit up to 15 people so friend groups and multiple families can stay together.

You can launch the boat at Caurnamont, Blanchetown or Bowhill and take in the spectacular scenery, or even throw in a line to catch dinner.

Our stretch of the river is dotted with river shacks, but we’re also spoilt for floating getaways, ideal for a self-contained escape.

Some local favourites include Bill’s Boathouse, The Floathouse, Cristal, Hex’d on Murray, and Arkimedes – all making for a great romantic weekend away with your partner, or better yet… a solo retreat to rest and recharge.

Even though they’re only an hour from Adelaide (located in the Riverglen Marina, just near Murray Bridge), you’ll feel a world away from reality.

As the largest inland paddle-wheeler in the Southern Hemisphere, the Murray Princess is an absolute icon of river cruising.

You can choose from three to seven-night cruises, relaxing on the deck with panoramic river views and joining their team for on-shore adventures. They regularly dock the Princess to visit Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park for a First Nations cultural heritage tour, and Sunnydale Station for a nocturnal wildlife tour and bush tucker breakfast with Big Bend by Night.

For a shorter day trip, the PS Marion and PW Mayflower depart from Mannum and run lunch cruises to give you a taste of the Mid Murray’s rich maritime history.

The Proud Mary runs 2 and 5 night cruises that operate year-round, and each cruise includes all meals, en-suite accommodations, and daily nature excursions.

With only 18 cabins, you’ll enjoy personalised service and the chance to connect with your crewmates.

Take the wheel and board a houseboat – where every bend reveals breathtaking scenery of ancient cliffs, lush banks, and vibrant wildlife.

With spacious living areas and modern amenities from Unforgettable Houseboats, you can enjoy fishing, swimming, or simply lounging on deck. The sunsets over the water are nothing short of spectacular, providing the perfect backdrop for evening gatherings with friends and family.

The freedom to explore at your own pace allows for spontaneous visits to riverside towns or peaceful stargazing at night.

Take the rare opportunity to experience aerial views of the Murray with a Barossa Helicopters tour. Their new tour runs out to Swan Reach, flying over the river and through the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. It’s breathtaking to see the magnitude of the reserve, even if you don’t get to fly at night.

The experience runs for four hours, stopping into the Swan Reach Hotel for a pub feed you won’t forget. You’ll get fantastic river views from sky and land, because it’s perched right in front of the ferry crossing.

Follow the river to its end in the Coorong National Park for all things fishing, 4×4, and camping. The untouched coastline, wild natural bush and glassy lakes is a favourite with visitors looking for adventure.

Try your hand at fishing, 4WDing, canoeing, wildlife photography or hiking here – the opportunities are as endless as the blue skies and postcard views surrounding you.

So what are you waiting for? This is your sign to start planning your next adventure! Send this to your travel buddy and let the journey begin.