Need a midweek reset?

A trip to our Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region will reward you with time to slow down and disconnect along our country’s greatest waterway – something city life struggles to compete with.

Bring along some good company (we can all think of somebody who deserves a break) and give yourselves a few nights to fall in love with our laid-back rhythm.

Staying along the Murray River is best done with the help of our friends at River Shack Rentals.

Owners Dave and Wendy Hartley can show you how to live like a local. They share a lifetime of experience between each other helping families, friend groups and couples find their ideal riverfront accommodation.

What we love most about the properties they manage, is you have so many choices! A quick search on their website, or chat with their team will help you find the accommodation style, location, convenience to attractions, river accessibility and even some pet friendly options that suit you.

So, the next time you’re up for a getaway, you’ll know where to book.

Just imagine lazing around on your own private deck overlooking sprawling lawns, towering trees speckled with birdlife and some of the most magnificent river scenery – it’s the kind of natural therapy you don’t have to sacrifice your comfort for.

Just bring along lawn games, kayaks, some books, the tipple you fancy and your in-house entertainment is sorted! A lot of the rentals even have their own boat moorings and private jetties too, so you’re encouraged to bring your own boat too (or hire one here) for some on-river action.

Being mid-week, you’ll also have the run of the booking schedule with more affordable nightly rates.

Above: 76 River Lane, Mannum (property shown in video)

Above: 19 River Reserve Road, Swan Reach

The real gem though, is the little riverside towns these properties are located in.

There’s so much to see and do within walking, cycling or day trip distance, but don’t let that put you in a rush – our region in less than an hour’s drive from Adelaide, so planning your return can even be done at the last minute.

And if you’re not one for crowds, a mid-week adventure will allow you to experience a lot of these places more closely with your group during the quiet time.

If it’s history that gets your attention, expect to be captivated for hours making your way through the Mannum Dock Museum which showcases our rich river history through interactive exhibits, photographs and displays over two levels.

Above: Mannum Dock Museum

And there’s more outside… by the river you can find the heritage listed Randell Dry Dock, Key’s Beam Engine and an area displaying old blacksmith tools. And most impressive of all, are the heritage-listed PS Marion and PW Mayflower which take passengers on short cruises regularly throughout the year.

For more, check out the Swan Reach Museum, Shell Hill Reserve (Cambrai) and The Round House (Murray Bridge).

From birdwatching at the Hermann Gass Reserve, sightseeing on a riverside trail (on foot, bike or kayak), to a scenic river cruise with Four Knots Murray River Cruises or getting amongst the wildlife at Monarto Safari Park , it’s all waiting for you.

Above: Four Knots Murray River Cruise

Above: Monarto Safari Park

If there’s one thing you can’t miss, it’s stargazing within the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve. We have some of the darkest skies in the world, and you can look up at your own leisure from the deck of your River Shack Rentals stay (find properties within the reserve here), or set aside an evening tour with Juggle House Experiences who can create an unforgettable itinerary for you.

Juggle House Experiences

When it comes to dining in or taking away, the Bowhill General Store, Mannum Motel/Café Mannum, Swan Reach Hotel and Bridgeport Hotel all offer magnificent river views and a menu proud to embrace local produce.

Bowhill General Store

Treat yourself to some time away from it all and start planning your next visit by searching through River Shack Rental’s properties here, or use the interactive property map to filter by location.