As our small businesses feel the strain of the river’s high flows, there’s never been a better time to shop local. If you’re looking for an easy way to lend a hand, we’ve got you sorted. Make your next bite count with a food safari along the golden cliffs.

Our last blog dipped its toes into the freeway side of the Murray’s produce, so this time we’re crossing the river and adventuring out into the region for a Coorong Mullet pie, jar of chilli honey and everything in-between…

Before you cross the river for your grand adventure, pick up some cup-holder nibbles from Farm Fresh. Their refreshing fruit salads will help you beat the heat, and can taste even better blended up in a smoothie.

As you head over Murray Bridge’s iconic twin bridges, watch the river as it bends through the picturesque landscape.

Our next stop is Tailem Bend, a small highway town that’s renowned for punching above its weight. It’s been transformed into a bustling hotspot of motorsport action, home to the world-class venue The Bend Motorsport Park.

The main star of the show is the Tailem Bend Bakery’s award-winning Coorong mullet pie. Sink your teeth into our region’s flavours and let them melt in your mouth.

Ask for the pie to-go, because you’ve got plenty of sights to see before the day is done. Take your paper bag, and head out to the Pangarinda Botanic Gardens. Here you can get some fresh air and learn about the native flora that pollinates the honey.

While you’re on a sugar high, get your blood pumping with one of The Bend’s driver experiences. You can thunder down the track and race in either a V8 Mustang, Holden Race Car, Formula 3 open wheel race car, or Porsche GT3 Cup Car.

Booking a suite at the Rydges Pit Lane Hotel means you’ll never be far from the action, especially on weekends when they hold events!

For a change of climate, immerse yourself in Mallee life with a trip to Karoonda. Its local mini mart stocks Woodlane Orchard produce, varying dehydrated meals, soups, snacks and citrus – all grown in Mypolonga.

Of course – you can’t visit Karoonda without stopping by the silos. The incredible silo art makes for a viral-worthy Instagram post, so have your phone in hand ready to fill your camera roll.

Heading back upstream, our adventure leads to Bowhill. For local produce with clifftop views, you can’t beat Bowhill General Store. Explore its range of Paradise Hill Honey, that will tempt your sweet tooth with bursting flavours of lemon, cinnamon and chilli infused local honey.

It offers the unique opportunity to taste the Murray – with 100% Murray River Pink Salt blended into their all-natural Creamed Honey.

We recommend pulling up a chair at the alfresco dining area, so you can dine like a local. Hours will pass you by watching boats float down the river.

After getting a taste of river life, you won’t want to simply eat like a local – you’ll want to live like a local too.  When you rent a river shack from River Shack Rentals, you can make as many trips to Bowhill General Store as your heart desires.

Keep following the river’s bends until you hit Swan Reach Hotel. If you want to meet some of the river’s critters, make their front bars yabbie tank your first point of call.

They offer a specialty Kangaroo Fillet that’s topped with caramelised onion and red current jus for an extra zing.

Find a spot in the beer garden and unwind to the sounds of the riverbank. On a weekend, live music (and plenty of sunshine) will liven up the festivities.

While you’re in town – we recommend a visit to Swan Reach General Store, where you can find local produce from Cooinda Fruits, Costa Brothers, Pete’s Salty Nuts, and Grieger Homestead.

Meet the people behind your produce and drop past the Nildottie food stalls. This small farming community puts their best foot forward when it comes to fruits and vegetables. A quick chat will uncover the hard work and heart-warming stories of these locals, and will remind you why we all need to shop local.

You’ll wrap up your journey in the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. Big Bend lookout puts on a show – day or night. Book a tour with Kel from Juggle House Experiences to stargaze at the lookout and explore the Aboriginal rock carvings at Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park.

We can’t wait to share our regions flavours with you, so start planning your trip and add this blog to your itinerary.

When preparing to travel within or to South Australia, there are some things to consider to keep our State safe.

Some fruit and vegetables, plants and food can’t be brought into SA as they may carry pests or diseases, including fruit fly.

If you are caught with fruit and vegetables that are a risk, the produce will be taken away and you face a fine.

So pack thoughtfully and buy local when you arrive.

Visit www.fruitfly.sa.gov.au or call 1300 666 010 to find out more.