Follow the journey of Australia's longest river
The Murray River flows more than 2500 kilometres from the Snowy Mountains to the Southern Ocean in South Australia. Discover the Mighty Murray Way and follow the laid back rhythm of one of the world's longest rivers. Uncover the lifeblood of industry, nature and lifestyle that is the Murray River.
Through its changing landscapes from the Riverland to the Murray Mouth, discover stunning scenery and see how life has evolved along the river in the past two hundred years – from shearing sheds to microbreweries, to riverboats and cruises with our guide to the best things to see and do along the Might Murray Way. Download the Mighty Murray Way road trip map and hit the road.
Download map
Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery, Murtho
A quick trip from Renmark, the Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery is located in the historic 100 year-old shearing sheds of Wilkadene Station. Its rich history, stunning riverfront location and beautiful gardens make it the perfect place to kick back and relax, bottle of local brew in-hand. Settle in for the afternoon with a River Time Session Pale or something stronger like the Firehouse Coffee Stout - made with Riverland roasted coffee - and drink in the spectacular views and friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There's also wine to choose from or a range of Hard Lemonade, Rude Ruby and ciders.
Monash Adventure Park
If you're travelling with little ones in tow, Monash Adventure Park just outside Berri is the perfect pit stop for everyone to stretch their legs. Grab some supplies from Aggie's Fruit Stall and pick up some snacks at Almondco before sprawling out on the lush lawns and letting the kids run wild on the playground's leaning towers, rope bridge, wave bridge, flying fox and slides. Afterwards, big kids can quench their thirst; a refreshing G&T awaits just down the road at Renmark's Twenty Third Street Distillery and local fortified wines are primed for tasting at 919 Wines.
The Village, Loxton
Ever wanted to travel back in time? Take a trip back to the past and experience what life was like for the pioneers of the region at Loxton's The Village. Perfect for family exploration, uncover the stories of the region's early settlers with sheep shearing demonstrations, tractor parades, and live demonstrations at the bakery and blacksmith shop, before heading to the child-friendly Pioneer Playground. Once you've worked up an appetite, indulge in the region's vast variety of produce from its iconic citrus farms or sip your way through award-winning wines at Salena Estate before unwinding in your very own luxury apartment at the Loxton Courthouse for the night.
Lake Bonney, Barmera
Pull up at the tortured trees of Lake Bonney, which have been photographer favourites for decades with evening skies acting as the perfect backdrop for a sunset spectacular. In fact, you'll be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque spot watch the sun disappear after a day on the road. One of South Australia's most popular aquatic playgrounds, beyond the impressive light shows this watery wonderland is a magnet for swimmers, water skiers and boaters. Take a break from the road and set up camp at Discovery Parks Lake Bonney to spend a few days lounging lake-side, a local Twenty Third Street gin in hand.
Banrock Station, Kingston on Murray
Next, set your coordinates for Banrock station and get ready to wine and dine surrounded by a wetland brimming with wildlife. Nestled in an internationally recognised wetland system just minutes from Barmera, Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre is the perfect spot sit back and sip some of the region's best wine with a panoramic backdrop of wetlands and vineyards. Step outside the cellar door and stroll down scenic walking trails, enjoy a spot of bird watching and discover native wildlife. If you're feeling peckish, head down the road and enjoy a regional food experience showcasing the diverse flavours the Riverland has to offer at Flavours of the Riverland.
Overland Corner Hotel
Built in 1859 and believed to be the oldest hotel in the region, this iconic watering hole was once a popular resting place for drovers and passengers of paddle boats and stage coaches. Now, the historic Overland Hotel is a favourite long-lunch destination for locals and blissed-out holiday makers on the Riverland with a menu showcasing local produce and an extensive beer collection. A stone's throw from the Murray River from where the steamers used to dock, the National Trust site is adorned with impressive memorabilia and offers history tours where you'll learn about the bushrangers who once frequented the bar and maybe even meet the resident ghost, Captain Moonlight.
Rivergum Cruises, Waikerie
Swap the car for a cruise along river and explore some of the most picturesque locations along the might Murray with Rivergum Cruises. Casting off from Waikerie, wind the clock back to river time and glide through tranquil wetlands brimming with birdlife, past bending red ochre limestone cliffs and native gum and Mallee trees on the picturesque banks. Back on land, there's lots to explore in Waikerie. Affectionately known as the town where the sun shines year-round and surrounded by groves of fruit trees, it's the perfect place to sample the local stone fruit, ginger beer, delicate preserves, olive oil and wild dukkah at Illalangi Gourmet Foods.
Monarto Safari Park
Next stop: Africa. Well, close enough. Don your best khaki kit and set-off on an African safari at Monarto Safari Park. Watch lions, cheetahs and zebras roam over a 1,500 hectare open-range sanctuary, all from the comfort (and safety) of a shuttle bus. Take your sense of adventure to the next level with the Lions 360 Experience and enter a giant tooth and claw-proof cage, where you'll watch lions stalking above you from a preys-eye view!
The Bend, Tailem Bend
Ready to switch to the fast lane? Dialling up the pace on your road trip, the Bend Motorsport Park is one of the most significant developments in Australian motorsport history and the perfect pitstop on the Mighty Murray Way. A state of the art, world-class motorsport facility, The Bend delivers an exhilarating experience for competitors, enthusiasts and spectators alike. As well as a host of heart-stopping experiences and events, the Bend Motorsport Park also features bar and restaurant facilities, a 4 star Rydges Pit Lane Hotel and conference and function rooms.
Wharf Precinct, Goolwa
Toast to an epic road trip with one of Australia's official best whiskeys at the final destination along the Might Murray Way. Arrive in Goolwa, a historic river port where the Murray mouth and Southern Ocean meet, and head straight for the wharf precinct where award-winning whiskeys await at Fleurieu Distillery. Sitting in prime position on the Goolwa Wharf and recently named Champion Australian Whisky at the Australian Distilled Spirit Awards, grab a bottle of their single malts - Fountain of Youth or Message in a Bottle - for the ultimate memento to your road trip. Afterwards, cruise along the last stretch of the Murray to the river mouth and across into the Coorong National Park with Cruise the Coorong or Spirit of the Coorong. Stop for two guided walks, explore stunning secluded beaches, dig into a delicious lunch and learn about the Coorong's rich Aboriginal history.
