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MURRAYLANDS
The
Murraylands stretch along the Murray River system from Swan Reach in
the north to Wellington which is near the Murray mouth.
The River is nearing the end of its journey here, fringed with hugh
gum trees and ringing to the calls of the native Australian birds who
live in and around them.
TAKE TO THE WATER
In testimony to our dependence on water, at Ngaut Ngaut (pronounced Naught Naught) Conservation Park, you can see archaeological sites that reveal the continued presence of Indigenous people for the last 8,000 years in an area now managed by The Aboriginal custodians.
The land is not much changed. Step into the old-growth mallee that spreads across 3000 acres at Yookamurra Sanctuary and wait quietly there to catch a glimpse of the protected rare native animals that make this place their home. Hire a kayak or book an eco-cruise and as you travel at the river’s pace, you guide will tell the tales of the backwaters.
Sample a houseboat holiday and select from strictly functional to floating palace. Mannum, in the heart of the Riverlands is the ideal place to choose your home away from home, have a lesson in handling the vessel and then drift away at your own pace.
Or step aboard the PS Marion and picture yourself living and working in the days of the river trade. Mannum is where it all began when famous paddleboat builders, the Randell brothers launched their first vessel, the Mary Ann, in 1853. Today the paddle steamers Proud Mary and Murray Princess both ply the waters here.
TOP SECRETS
•
Take a safari tour at Monarto Zoological Park
• Enjoy a river-boat cruise
• Try bird watching for the elusive mallee fowl and other species
• Experience water sports along the river
FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
•
Big River Fishing Competition – February
• Mannum, Houseboat Open Day – May
• Mindarie Picnic Races – September
• Pinnaroo State Sheepdog Trails – October
• Murray Bridge, Big River Golf Challenge – October
• Wellington, Strawberry Fair – October
MURRAYLANDS SELF – DRIVE TOUR
DAY 1
Travel to Murray Bridge along the South Eastern Freeway and spend two or three hours exploring the Monarto Zoological Park, a 1000 hectare biopark situated in mallee country. The park is open daily, runs guided safari bus tours and has a marvellous visitor centre. Spend some time exploring and touring in and around Murray Bridge before heading for Mannum.
DAY 2
Call into the Mannum Visitor Information Centre for more detailed information abut what the region offers and then stroll around Mannum; there are delightful old buildings, antique and bric-a-brac shops. Have lunch at the Swan Reach Hotel from which you will enjoy excellent river views. Take the ferry across the river and then travel the road toward Sedan and the Yookamurra Earth Sanctuary, which is devoted to the preservation of rare and endangered native Australian animals such as numbats, woylies, boodies and bilbies. You can stay overnight here and take a night or dawn walk.
DAY 3
Return
to Adelaide via Sedan and Cambrai, regional centres of this intensive
farming district. The Marne Weir marks the start of the Marne River
Valley scenic drive to Shell Hill, where there is a fascinating deposit
of oyster shells believed to be over five million years old.