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There is so much for the visitor to see and do. The romantic history of the river, is recaptured in museums, and restored paddle steamers. There are all water sports imaginable, from water skiing to canoeing. If there is one word that describes South Australia's In sheer volume, the citrus fruits, grapes and vegetables that are produced along the Murray are big. And so are the Riverland people. No
ordinary people could have carved a niche out of semi arid country against the incredible
odds that had to be surmounted last century. The river that gives it life has many moods sometimes lethargic, sometimes swift flowing, sometimes dangerous. But it always inspires. But you haven't tasted pleasure until you've spent some time on a River Murray houseboat! You should explore the Riverland. You will quickly get a taste for its rich diversity and want to come back, again and again. A lifeline for many and the ultimate escape for others, the River Murray offers endless options for exploration and enjoyment. Australia's major waterway binds together three very different areas within this region - Ending in the sea at Goolwa, South Australia, stretching through the Adelaide Hills to the Victorian border. The River Murray passes through the Murray Mallee, which takes its name from the hardy mallee tree that covers this region. A combination of determination and hard work has transformed this land into viable agriculture. Such efforts generated a strong community spirit with persists today. Wildlife and water sports, houseboats and heritage trails make up some of the key attractions to the region. Every major town has houseboats for hire, waiting to be taken up or down-river on voyages of discovery. For the boat owner, there are marina facilities where boats can be moored while a restaurant meal is enjoyed or the landscape explored. Turn the corner, and you step back into the early years of paddle steamers and pioneering ventures. The tranquility of the Australian outback is a well known fact and a nowhere can it be more pronounced than in the Mid Murraylands. The region is welcoming and uncomplicated to the independent traveler with its wide range of unique natural features and services. Once you are placed in this central region of peace and freedom with nature it’s hard to imagine that Adelaide is only 1 ½ hours distant, or that mainstream tourism can be accessed in all directions within a very short time. The region is commonly known as the Murray Plains and has had 3 distinct phases of human occupation, being; the Aboriginal Native, British Pastoralists 1840’s and Germanic Close settlement 1870’s to date. Although this is an ancient land its present shallow soil and flora known as Mallee is only a relatively recent development from the Pleistocene period of the last 10,000 years following the recession of sea levels. Calcareous fossils are discernible throughout the entire region. Sit back and savour the atmosphere - sunlight dancing on the water where a fishing line bobs; the call of parrots and kookaburras overhead; the reflection of gum trees and orange cliffs and glorious sunsets and silence. Sheep and cattle drovers followed in the wake of Captain Sturt's 1830 exploration and today the Murraylands has successful beef, sheep and dairying industries. The region's position between Adelaide and Victoria also makes it a thoroughfare - for goods and traveler's. The 1850s gold rush days saw Police Commissioner Tolmer's Gold Escort transporting the precious mined metal between the Victorian goldfields and Adelaide. Railways and roads have forged even stronger links between the state borders. For those who value a landscape of changing colours, a taste of pioneer history and the charms of The Murray, this region offers a unique experience. The Aboriginal People Most of this region was the province of the NGAIAWANG Tribe who numbered approximately 1200 prior to the arrival of Europeans in the 1830’s. Natural land forms designated boundaries between neighboring tribes such as the NGANGURUKU south of the beautiful Marne Valley and the PERAMANGK and NGADJURI west and northwest along the Barossa Ranges. Tribal occupation of the region is believed to exceed 27,000 years with the NGAIAWANG being the last who replaced an earlier Tribe of the so called TARTANGA 7,000 years ago. How To Get There The Murraylands and Riverland tourism regions are easily accessible, within one to three hours drive by freeway or national highway from Adelaide. There are daily coach and bus services from Adelaide and from eastern Australia on the Sturt or Dukes highways. Distance from GPO: Approx. 100 kms Climate The climate is generally Mediterranean with hot dry summers, an average of 28C, and mild winters, averaging 15C. Average rainfall is 24mm. The land itself is semi-arid and the region's north east has desert like conditions. Shopping Hours Shops generally open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12 noon though some, especially those catering for tourists, have extended hours. Most shops close on public holidays. Phone Codes The region generally falls within the (0885) phone district. From outside Australia dial 61 885 followed by the particular number. There are numerous tours available. Visitors should contact the local tourist information centres and see the regional guide and other publications by the South Australian Tourism Commission. For information about houseboat holidays collect the Houseboat Holiday Brochure. Houseboats are available for hire at most towns along the river from Murray Bridge to Paringa. A current boat or car diver's license is required. For details contact regional tourist information centres, individual operators or the SA Travel Centre, phone (08) 8212 1505. Hire car is recommended means of transport River Murray - variety of freshwater activities Part of the largest river system in Australia. The Murray is home to six main species of fish, catfish, silver perch, European perch or Redfin, golden perch or Callop, European Carp and Murray Cod. Amateur fishers can use a rod and line or handline, shrimp traps, hand nets and yabbie pots anywhere except near locks. Yabbie pots and shrimp nets set near commercial fishing reaches must be set from the bank or shore and attached by a line. Murray cod can grow up to two metres in length and are protected. European carp is regarded as a noxious fish and must not be returned to the water alive or transported live. The Coorong provides mullet, salmon, trout, mulloway and flounder. Public boat ramps and countless ideal casting off spots make the region a delight for fishing. Wineries Four out every ten glasses of Australian wine come from the Riverland. Most wineries have cellar door outlets for tasting and sales. Maps showing winery locations are in a special section of this Guide. Full details are published in the South Australian Wine And Food Touring Guide obtainable from the SA Travel Centre, phone (08) 8212 1505. National Parks Brookfield Conservation Park The Coorong Murray River National Park |
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The River Murray flows
through the centre of lower Southern Australia, breathing life into the land around it -
it is part of one of the 
