There are two things you want from a Murray River holiday: great watersports and delicious pub meals. Lucky for you, our South Australian stretch of the river does it best.

Whether you’re chasing thrills on the water or tucking into a pub meal, our slice of SA is packed with experiences that you’ll remember long after the day is done.

The Murray is a playground for watersport lovers. On its wide and glassy stretches, you’ll spot water skiers and wakeboarders carving up the wake (maybe even an e-foil board or two!).

Wondering what on earth an e-foil is? Keen to try it? Freedom Boat Hire have you covered with gear and lessons, so you can dive straight into the action.

If you prefer a more leisurely pace, kayaking and canoeing are perfect ways to explore the river’s quieter nooks. Drift through secluded backwaters and lagoons, where birdlife thrives. Test out Hermann Gass bird sanctuary in Mannum – it’s a must for nature lovers – a peaceful escape filled with feathered locals and picturesque views.

For a bird’s-eye perspective, helicopter rides with Barossa Helicopters and skydiving with Skydiving SA give the ultimate adrenaline rush. Freefalling at 220km/h is a bucket-list moment you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

After a day on the water, a hearty pub meal is the best way to recharge.

In Mannum, the riverfront Pretoria Hotel is a crowd favourite. With its expansive deck overlooking the Murray and a lawn perfect for houseboat or speedboat mooring, it’s a laid-back spot to enjoy a classic pub meal. Whether it’s a cold beer and chips or a hearty steak, the view makes everything taste better.

Further up river, the Swan Reach Hotel perches atop cliffs with breathtaking panoramas of lagoons and surrounding countryside. Pair the scenery with their signature Aussie pub dishes, and you’ve got the perfect blend of flavour and tranquillity.

Down the southern end of the Murray (just before it meets Lakes Alexandrina and Albert), the Wellington Hotel stands out. Like the Pretoria, it boasts easy boat access, making it a convenient pause on your journey. The friendly service and fresh, local ingredients on the menu make this a memorable stop with spectacular views that make you feel like you’re sitting on top of the water.

Also worth noting are the Bridgeport Hotel and the Murray Bridge Hotel. The Bridgeport Hotel boasts a stunning riverfront location with its dining terrace overlooking the historic twin bridge. The Murray Bridge Hotel provides classic pub fare with a menu of counter meals and chef’s specials.

For the ultimate Murray River experience, consider hiring a houseboat through Unforgettable Houseboats or Houseboat Hirers Association. This allows you to combine your watersport adventures with pub-hopping along the river. Many pubs, like the Pretoria and Wellington offer mooring facilities, making it easy to stop for a meal during your journey.

Alternatively, you could join a river cruise that combines sightseeing with dining. Cruises like one with the PS Marion offer evening dinner options on fully restored, century-old paddle steamers, providing a unique blend of history, scenery, and culinary delights. Otherwise, the multi-award winning Proud Mary also provides lunch cruises from Mannum.

If you have the time, then make the most of the long summer days and take the 20-minute trip out to the Langhorne Creek Wine Region to indulge in a wine and cheese tasting at Kimbolton Wines, premium wine tasting at Bleasdale, gourmet lunch at Lake Breeze, pizza afternoon at Bremerton Wines, or even a beer paddle tasting at the newly opened Little Pete Brewing site.

Otherwise if you love the river, you should venture into the Coorong National Park where you can 4×4, fish, and play all day long. There are excellent campsites at 42 Mile Crossing and Tea Tree campgrounds, where kangaroos will often make an appearance.

We also recommend Monarto Safari Park and Shell V-Power Motorsport Park for premium unforgettable experiences that will break up your time on the river too.

Explore our other blogs here, and plan your full itinerary today.