MRLC 2023 Visitor's Guide

MURRAY RIVER, LAKES AND COORONG | THEMURRAYRIVER.COM 14 Everyone loves a road trip, and with a region full of adventure, history and sights, you need to spend a few days with us. Swan Reach Grab a bite to eat at the Swan Reach Hotel. Stay a night here to see the breathtaking River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. It’s the first of its kind in Australia and only the 16th in the world. For a culturally enriching experience, book a guided tour of the Ngaut Ngaut Conversation Park, located between Swan Reach and Nildottie. The traditional owners will teach you about the history and stories of this area and the Nganguraku people. Karoonda A detour to Karoonda will be well worth the trip. The award-winning silo art, including a night time illumination show, has brought this Mallee town global attention. There’s also a great new space-themed playground for kids nearby if you have the little ones with you. Otherwise, if you’re more interested in history, drop into Pioneer Park. Bowhill Head to Bowhill where you can stop for a coffee with a view. The Bowhill General Store is known for its impressive outdoor dining area which overlooks the cliff face and glassy Murray River below. In the warmer days you’ll find yourself watching the water-skiers whiz past showing off their best moves, or one of the local paddlesteamers cruising past. Mannum Next you’ll come to the dual ferry crossing at Mannum (which is a great way to view the river). Mannum is the home of PS Marion and PW Mayflower . Both of these beautifully restored paddle vessels allow you to experience the nostalgia of historic maritime experiences. Plus, if you like to hike, then you’ll love Mannum Waterfalls. This popular bush walking destination follows along Reedy Creek right up to the falls. Murray Bridge Driving south from Mannum will land you in Murray Bridge. A quick walk into the town will greet you with shops and cafés. Or to take in the local history, spend time at the restored Round House, overlooking the twin bridges and offering a 180-degree panoramic view of the river. Here you can take a history tour (bookings essential), or just wander around the gardens yourself – it’s open to the public. Across the road you’ll find the award- winning Bridgeport Hotel. The modern interior will blow you away, so head inside and see it for yourself (or stay the night and wake up with river views). Extend your stroll down to Sturt Reserve where you’ll pass the rowing club, grass tennis courts, waterfront café, iconic views and the ‘dreaded’ bunyip. Keep following the tracks through wetlands to Long Island Reserve, or visit the Swanport Wetlands where you can stroll along boardwalks or watch the birds from custom-built viewing hides. Plus, you can’t leave without adding Monarto Safari Park to your itinerary (and meet the new lemur family). Tailem Bend Tailem Bend has put itself on the map with its world-class The Bend Motorsport Park. Between the impressive race circuit, rally, offroad tracks, 4WD adventure park, new drag way and karting course, you can spend an adrenalin-fueled day here. It’s also got a bar and restaurant, plus showroom of some of the world’s most incredible cars on display. Stay the night here in the Rydges Pit Lane Hotel, or Big 4 Holiday Park. Nearby Tailem Bend is Wellington East and the much-loved Pangarinda Botanic Garden. If you love native flowers – this is a must-see. Meningie Further down is the gorgeous lakeside town of Meningie. Here you can step out onto the jetty and get a close-up view of Lake Albert’s magnificent scenery. If you have time, finish your trip a down south in the Coorong National Park (if you’re in a 4WD, explore the tracks amongst the Coorong). The Raukkan Aboriginal community is a beautiful spot to visit. Here you can learn about the home of famed Ngarrindjeri man David Uniapon, visit the church on the $50 note, take in Coorong views on the new walking trail, or spend time on the nature playground. If you have the time, drop in to visit the famed Coonalpyn silo art and grab some waffles, or if you’re heading further south swing past Tintinara’s Lake Indawarra. Explore by road R O A D T R I P S Karoonda Silos Our top historic landmarks: MannumDock Discovery Centre Pioneer Park, Karoonda Church on $50 note, Raukkan Port Milang RailwayMuseum Point Malcolm Lighthouse, Narrung The Round House, Murray Bridge PrintingMuseum, Pinnaroo Redgumpress,BleasdaleVineyard Point Malcolm Lighthouse