Need a wellbeing break? We’ve got the perfect place…
Feeling stressed or worn out? Need to reset your mind and body? Come do it along the water with us.
It’s time to stop, breathe and clear your mind. And we know the perfect place.
For our generation, there’s never been a more important time to consider your personal wellbeing, whether it be mental or physical. If you’re anything like me – then time away from work, household tasks, and the daily grind of life might be just what you need.
Of course organising time away can be a challenge in itself – so we’ve made it easier for you with some of our favourite wellness getaways.
Relax your senses along the Murray Mouth
Goolwa is once of the most tranquil places to visit if you need to relax your mind. Whether it’s exploring the Sunday farmer’s market, taking a stroll along the riverfront walkway, or dipping your toes in the sand at Sugar’s Beach – there are endless opportunities to just slow down and reset your mind and body.
One new experience, which perfectly taps in to our need to relax, is the fully hosted, premium getaway packages at River’s End Retreat. This magnificent historic setting along the Goolwa river wharf, provides yoga retreats, family reconnects, foodie experiences and more. And the best part? You don’t need to lift a finger, with experienced owners Trudy and Jamie looking after everything you need.
Above: Beautiful inside and out. Enjoy spectacular facilities and views from River’s End Retreat.
The retreat has 5 spacious guest rooms with en-suites, and all facilities are exclusive for guests, meaning that you don’t need to deal with crowds, strangers, or sharing your space. Trudy is a passionate cook, and Jamie has more than 35 years working in the industry, so he knows exactly how to cater for groups looking to escape their everyday lives.
[The added bonus, is you get to hang out with their two pet alpacas, which are often seen walking the streets of Goolwa!]
Above: Fancy hanging out with these guys!? You might find them going for a walk down the main street of Goolwa.
If hosted accommodation isn’t for you though, why not test out one of the immaculate holiday homes on Hindmarsh Island. This will get you even closer to the magnificent Murray Mouth and provide some of the most beautiful natural views over the Murray River that you’ll ever experience.
Fall asleep in nature, wake up on the water
A houseboat holiday, with some of your favourite people, will create memories that stay with you for life. Not only are you literally living on top of the water each day, but the world that surrounds you on board, offers some of the most peaceful views and sounds you’ll experience.
The luxury houseboats are just the start of your relaxing on-river experience. Whether it’s with the region’s biggest fleet at Unforgettable, or one of the other vessels departing towns like Mannum or Murray Bridge, you’ll be breathing easier as soon as you arrive.
Above: Sit back and enjoy sweeping views of the river from all sides of your houseboat as you cruise through our stretch of river.
One of our favourite things to do while you’re on a houseboat holiday is to get out and paddle. Whether by kayak, canoe or stand up board, a paddle on the water each morning of your holiday can provide a daily dose of medicine for the soul. If you’re lucky enough to do this, make sure you paddle in to some of the backwaters (inaccessible by boat). Here – you’ll see rare birds, listen to the tiny ripples of water in your wake and smell the beauty of our magnificent Murray River at its best.
Above: @kelsgepp makes the most of her paddling time on the Murray River.
Plus, if you can’t be bothered cooking, why not drop in to some of our favourite little refreshment stops, like the newly renovated Bowhill General Store. This gem of a spot is fast-becoming one of the most popular places to sit, eat, drink and chill out – with it’s lush lawns, open-plan deck and riverfront location – you can’t help but relax here.
Above: Brett and Tania from @bessiebusandus have experienced dreamy mornings along the riverfront at Bowhill.
Now, if picking a designated driver for your on-water experience doesn’t appeal to you, why don’t you look at a stationary on-water holiday instead with Alexia on the Murray in Murray Bridge. This brilliantly restored, retro houseboat has the perfect touches for a group getaway – providing all the best parts of a houseboat holiday, without the hassle of driving anywhere.
Above: Relaxation starts as soon as you step onboard of the Alexia.
Or, if you really want to stay dry, check out Riverview Rise Retreats just outside of Mannum. This luxury getaway offers in house catering, massages and is perfect for couples who need to getaway and reconnect with NO interruptions. You can even sneak in a short river cruise with the team from Four Knots, who will take you on a guided tour to some of the River’s best kept secrets.
Move your body and calm your mind
Is there anything better than getting out for a stroll in the sunshine? Even if it’s simply for a daytrip to escape the city!
One of the most popular ways to support your mental and physical wellness is to get outdoors and move. Whether that’s by walking, running, cycling, yoga, Pilates, kayaking or skiing – this region has it all, and you can dive in to as few or as many as you like while you’re here.
Our region is only 45 minutes from Adelaide and well-known for its year-round mild weather, which means you can get out and stretch those legs and limbs during all seasons.
Walks along the waterfront are some of our favourites, and you can’t go wrong following trails such as Murray Bridge’s Sturt Reserve or levee bank stretches; Meningie’s Pelican Path; Goolwa’s Encounter Trail or Mannum’s waterfall hike.
Above: Stretch your legs along the picturesque, family-friendly Sturt Reserve in Murray Bridge.
Some other inland trails include Jack’s Point Observatory in the Coorong National Park and Kinchina Conservation Park to Rocky Gully on the edge of Murray Bridge. Or if you’re keen for something completely different, pay the entry fee into Monarto Safari Park and meander past herds of giraffes, a new baby rhino, bustling meerkat families and cheeky chimps.
Above: Kinchina Conservation Park is fast being a popular spot for mountain bikers.
There’s also a great cycling option you can take with a guided tour through Langhorne Creek too, if the combination of bikes and wine sounds more like your thing.
I need a wellbeing break! What now?
If any of these options appeal to you, it’s time to make an investment in your personal wellbeing and escape reality for a few days. Find out more about the sights, sounds and places to stay, that will relax your mind and refresh your body right here.
Above: The Coorong is one of the most magnificent places to relax your mind, and move your body – just like @unforgettableadventures did earlier this year.