Great food with a view to match
Plenty of picturesque dining experiences await visitors to the Murray River Lakes & Coorong region. From traditional pub fare to stylish modern cuisine, there’s plenty to tempt the tastebuds. If you’re on the move, pop into one of the great bakeries and sidewalk cafes you’ll find in most of the towns. The region also boasts a proud winemaking tradition in Langhorne Creek, with numerous cellar doors and dining options. There’s even a craft brewery for the beer connoisseurs.
WATERFRONT DINING
Nothing beats a sumptuous dining experience right on the banks of the mighty Murray River. An array of options are available to those searching for fine cuisine with a superb outlook.
Head to Sturt Reserve at Murray Bridge for several waterfront options including the Murray Bridge Community Club and the recently renovated Riverscape Restaurant where you can enjoy views of the bridge over lunch or dinner.
The Meningie Cheese Factory (open Tuesday–Sunday) is one of the best places to eat local seafood – the dining room has fine views of Lake Albert.
Experience the beauty of the Murray from The Pretoria Hotel at Mannum or watch the sun go down from the banks of the river at the Swan Reach Hotel. Spectacular views can also be enjoyed from the dining room at the Riverside Hotel in Tailem Bend.
Café Mannum offers views across the Murray and a superb modern menu featuring local produce.
If you are heading down river and across the lakes, then spoil yourself with some spectacular dining views, including Aquacaf and Hector’s on the Wharf (riverside at Goolwa), or the best little cafe on the beach – Cafe Bombera, overlooking Goolwa Beach.
PUBS, HOTELS & WATERHOLES
There is nothing like a traditional Aussie pub experience. The Murray River Lakes and Coorong offers everything from modern waterfront hotels to quaint historic pubs with a wealth of history and many a yarn to tell.
The Murray Bridge Hotel was established in 1914 and features local produce in their multi award-winning dining room.
The Pretoria at Mannum and the Wellington Hotel feature a huge deck and grassy lawned area perfect to moor your houseboat straight out the front!
An open fire in winter invites you at the Mannum Hotel and on the way to the Adelaide Hills make sure you stop at the Bear Rock Hotel in Palmer, where you can relax under the famous Moreton Bay Fig trees in their extensive Beer Garden.
Enjoy sweeping 180 degree panoramic views of the extensive lagoons at the Swan Reach Hotel as you enjoy a quiet drink cliffside.
Head to the smaller towns of the region where the ‘pub’ is often the local icon. The Sedan Hotel was originally licensed in 1881 and is open seven days a week, while the Cambrai Hotel also features good old fashioned ‘pub grub’ with a focus on live music.
Make sure you check out the waterfront pub options listed separately in ‘Waterfront Dining’.
CAFES
The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong boasts a large and diverse food scene, including some stand-out cafes. They pride themselves on utilising the freshest produce from the region’s abundant food bowl, and creating a memorable cup of java.
In Mannum, take in the stunning views from the outdoor terrace of the Mannum Motel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, coffee and cake, cheese and wine, available all day. Enjoy the stunning photography on display by local artist, Dave Hartley.
Riverscape Cafe in Murray Bridge is on the riverbank at Sturt Reserve, and offers a huge selection of meals and wines. Family friendly, and there is a fenced playground across the road. For a truly diverse and unique menu (and arguably the best coffee in Murray Bridge) check out The Davery. It’s retro and uber-cool.
Goolwa has a huge range of choice for eating – just walk down any street, or along the river’s edge, and pick one. You can’t go wrong.
On your way to or from Adelaide? Stop at Kanmantoo for an authentic Italian experience at Osteria Sanso restaurant. Truly divine offerings from Tony, fresh from his kitchen garden. You will never want to leave.