Top river spots to visit this winter

Wake up in luxury to the soothing calls of waterbirds and watch the fog rise over the water from the comfort of your toasty bed. Or if you’d prefer, stoke the fire pit after dark and gaze in awe at the spectacular starry display above.

The colder months are a magical time on the Murray River, made even better when you can soak it all up right on your doorstep in a riverfront holiday home. With so many stunning riverfront properties now reopened after the 2022-23 flood, and towns and attractions returned to normal, now is the perfect time to plan your river escape.

Whether you’re a seasoned river visitor, or a newbie looking for a unique getaway, read on for the best places to discover your own magical Murray getaway.

 

Close to the action

Want to be close to the action and attractions? The riverside town of Mannum has everything you need.

Steeped in river history, you can take a cruise aboard the PS Marion or PW Mayflower and step back in time at the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre, or stroll the main street and admire the heritage buildings while grabbing coffee or a bite to eat and exploring the local shops.

 

Wake up to the beauty of the river at 80 River Lane, or Hermann Gass Reserve at 139 Purnong Road, and still be close to town.

For something more active, challenge yourself to a round of golf, explore the picturesque Hermann Gass Bird Sanctuary or discover the Mannum Waterfalls.

Base yourself in the heart of Mannum at 14 Randall Street, at one of the many riverfront homes on River Lane, just minutes away at 139 Purnong Road (overlooking Hermann Gass Reserve), or a short ferry ride away at 17 Khartoum Road.

The beautiful Mannum Waters, located just a little further out of town, is a great option for families and groups looking for a quieter escape or planning to bring the boat. With a private jetty and room for 14 guests, 52 Marina Way is a winner, or shake things up at the Pina Colada Shack.

Further downstream, Sunnyside offers riverfront comfort just a stone’s throw from bustling Murray Bridge. Walk across the historic bridge, say “hi” to the Bunyip, or drive a little further on for adventure at the Monarto Safari Park. Or base yourself at Wellington and soak up the peace of the Lower Lakes, while being a short drive from the action at The Bend Motorsport Park and the Langhorne Creek Wine Region.

 

Country hospitality

Enjoy country hospitality right along the river with a meal at one of the cosy pubs and cafes. Blanchetown, Morgan, Swan Reach and Mannum have plenty of places to tempt the tastebuds, or find a hidden gem like the Bowhill General Store. Bigger centres including Murray Bridge and Tailem Bend also have great venues.

 

Ultimate entertainers

Holidays are better with friends – and there are stacks of riverfront homes made for entertaining.

Get the whole gang together at 141 Providence Drive in Bowhill – there’s room for 23 guests. For an unforgettable stay, 2823 Purnong Road at Caurnamont is a favourite for groups, with a sensational outdoor area. Find a kitchen fit for a professional chef at 22 Beaumonts Road at Beaumonts, or combine ultimate river frontage and comfort at Edgewater Oasis (Morgan).

Need something bigger? Aruma River Resort is ideal for groups where you can hire multiple homes – you’ll all be close by, and there’s a tennis court, basketball court, pool and spacious river frontage.

 

The quiet life

Escape the hustle and bustle and truly relax in a riverfront oasis. While we love the summer river lifestyle, an added bonus of discovering the Murray in winter and early spring is beating the peak holiday crowds.

Put the boat in at Caurnamont, Blanchetown or Bowhill and take in the spectacular scenery, or throw in a line and catch dinner. Don’t have a boat? Jump aboard the Caurnamont ferry and cruise across the river and back.

Discover the beauty and serenity of the river at Younghusband with your own private riverfront beach at 731 East Front Road and a large flat expanse of riverfront at 17 Pellaring Lane – both perfect for launching canoes.

 

Reach for the stars

Want to see something truly magical? The Milky Way in all its stellar glory is an incredible sight – and the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve in winter is the best place to see it.

For your own private sky show, rug up and look up from the lawns at 115 Providence Drive in Bowhill (also a great mid-size entertainer), Bella on the River in Swan Reach (dog-friendly and a short walk from the Swan Reach Hotel), 203 Wongulla Ramp Road in Wongulla, or at Wongulla Heights.

 

Warm up fireside

Gather around the firepit and toast marshmallows with the kids or toast the adults with a glass of red (pick up a local drop on a day trip to nearby Langhorne Creek Wine Region).

You can get the best of both worlds with riverfront properties with their own private firepits at 103 Rob Loxton Road (Walker Flat), 150 Page Drive (Blanchetown), 9/33 Paisley Island (Blanchetown) and several at Aruma River Resort.

 

There’s no better place to unwind than by the Murray, so get the friends or family together, pack the jackets (and the fishing rods, toasting forks and canoes!) and head to the river for a holiday to remember.