MRLC 2023 Visitor's Guide

3 MURRAY RIVER, LAKES AND COORONG | THEMURRAYRIVER.COM Family Adventures 4 Group Activities 6 Events 7 Cruising Our Waterways 8 Close Up Encounters 12 Road Trips 14 Region Map 18 Town Facilities Chart, Useful Links 21 Regional Neighbours 23 Food and Wine 25 Caravan and Camping 30 Accommodation 32 Dark Sky Reserve 34 Contents 7 Come and explore nature’s playground. Our region has some of the most diverse experiences in Australia, meaning you can be mountain-biking one day, water-skiing the next, stargazing at night and maybe even petting a rhino in between. Your overnight stay might include sleeping on a houseboat, overlooking the historic twin bridges or even waking up to hear the rumble of supercars from pit lane. For those looking to relax it could include lazy days with views of the river, lakes or Coorong in a luxury holiday home, floating pod accommodation or even glamping in a private wetland. All of this (and more) is possible here. Our waterways begin in the lower Murray near Swan Reach. This stretch boasts some of the river’s widest expanses and most spectacular ochre cliff faces. Not to mention, we’re home the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve – arguably the best place in the world to see the stars. From here, we follow the Mighty Murray Way towards Mannum and Murray Bridge, two of our larger river towns. Both have huge riverfront recreation areas with restaurants and show off our rich paddle steamer history. These idyllic spots are home to major events, playgrounds, skate parks, walking trails and offer a great place to soak up river life. In Murray Bridge you can host a function at Bridges Event Centre, stay at the six-storey Bridgeport Hotel overlooking the riverfront and take a quick trip to Monarto Safari Park to visit the lemurs and lions. South towards the Lower Lakes is the Murray Mouth and Coorong – one of the most unique environments in the world. Along the way, you’ll go through Tailem Bend, now firmly on the map thanks to The Bend Motorsport Park. Further south, you’ll start catching glimpses of Lake Albert and Lake Alexandrina, as they begin to open up to the Coorong National Park. The lakeside town of Meningie is set right on Lake Albert and known for spectacular sunsets and fresh seafood. On the other side of the Coorong, you can travel through Lake Alexandrina towns (such as Milang and Clayton Bay) on your way to Goolwa, where the Murray meets the sea. But make sure you plan some time to stop off in one of South Australia’s best wine regions – Langhorne Creek – for a day of gastronomic delights and vineyard views! Otherwise, if you’re headed towards the Mallee, stop off for an evening lightshow at the Karoonda Silos, or explore the Mallee Tourist and Heritage Centre. Our region has some of the most diverse experiences in Australia. Murray River, Lakes and Coorong 08 8535 7170 | tourism@rdamr.com.au Welcome to water, wine and our dark sky Acknowledgment of Country The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong tourism industry acknowledges our First Nations people as the traditional owners and occupants of land and waters in South Australia. We pay respects to Elders past, present and emerging. The 2023 Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Visitor Guide is produced by the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong Tourism Alliance (MRLCTA). All information contained in this publication is correct at the time of printing November 2022. All advertisements are accepted on the basis their content is accurate and they are in no way misleading or otherwise contrary to the Trade Practices Act 1985, or the Fair Trade Act (SA). MRLCTA does not accept any liability to any person claiming they have been misled or deceived by any material produced herein. Images© South Australian Tourism Commission, John Montesi, Sputnik, David Sievers, Michael Waterhouse, Handpicked Festival, Jacob Jennings Photography, and Dave Hartley. Bridgeport Hotel SA Wooden Boat Festival, Goolwa