River Experiences
There’s nothing like getting on the river and going with the flow. A houseboat holiday is a great way of seeing parts of the river you couldn’t get to with a car and it can be surprisingly affordable. If you’d prefer to have someone else navigate, the region has plenty of cruising options, including the river’s biggest, most beautiful lady, the Murray Princess. For the more adventurous, there’s jetskiing, canoeing and kayaking too.
HOUSEBOATING
Arguably the best way to experience the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong is on the water. A driver’s licence is all that’s required to rent a houseboat and the rental company will provide you with an induction to your houseboat and its special features.
Imagine lounging on the sundeck as you cruise along the Murray River, passing ancient ochre cliffs, towering gum trees and abundant bird life. Or finding a quiet section of riverbank, stoking up the BBQ and feasting on the fish you’ve caught earlier that day as the sun sets over the water. It’s the ideal way to spend time with family and friends, to relax and rejuvenate and to experience the changing scenery of the Murray River.
From couples to groups of up to 12 people, houseboating is suitable for people of all ages and is great value for money. Just about everything you need, including linen, is provided – so all you need to pack is food, drinks, a few good books and your favourite CDs and DVDs.
Catering for all tastes and budgets, today’s houseboats are spacious, well-appointed and easy to drive – tuition is provided by licensed operators before you set out and as long as you are over 18 years of age and hold a full driver’s licence, you’re on your way.
CRUISES
Cruising the river is a magic experience and there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to get out on the river in vessels both large and small.
Some cruises have an educational element and will provide visitors with an insight into the river’s backwaters and ecology, while marvelling at the birdlife that follows the boat as you cruise. Consider a short trip or evening dinner cruise on a fully restored, century old paddle steamer.
Luxury vessels with on-board chefs and live entertainment await those who wish to stay on a little longer with multi-day cruises. For those wishing to explore the South Australian length of the Murray River, consider a high speed cruise with hotel accommodation or, for the slightly more adventurous, a guided tour via jet ski !
However you go, the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong will not disappoint!
PADDLE STEAMERS
Paddle steamers and paddle boats have been on the Murray River and in the Murray-Darling Basin since 1853, when William Randell launched the first steamer, the P.S. Mary Ann, near Mannum. Today the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong is home to several of these historic vessels, all lovingly restored to their former glory thanks to many dedicated volunteers. Get a real feel for this bygone romantic steam era by taking a cruise on one of these majestic vessels. You can find them at Mannum, Murray Bridge and Goolwa.
CANOEING
There’s nothing like getting out on the water and truly experiencing the Murray River at its finest. One of the best ways to do this is to hire a canoe or a kayak and paddle! Head down the mainstream Mighty Murray River and marvel at the ever-changing landscape as you glide. Make sure you explore the backwaters and lagoons too, where you will be rewarded with prolific bird life. The Herman Gass bird sanctuary just out of Mannum is a popular spot for canoers or you can venture on the “Canoe the Rec Trail” course.
For those more inclined to a sea experience, canoeing the Coorong is certainly one to add to your list. Stretching more than 140 kilometres, the Coorong National Park protects a string of spectacular saltwater lagoons which are sheltered from the Southern Ocean by the sweeping, rolling sand dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula. The best way to explore these waterways is by kayak or canoe, allowing an intimate experience with the wildlife of the Coorong without impacting the natural ecology.