Best Things to Do in the Riverland
River cliffs, cellar doors, paddle steamers and houseboats - the Riverland at its very best.
The Riverland is South Australia's slice of the River Murray - a sun-soaked stretch of red-gum forests, towering river cliffs, citrus and almond orchards, and some of the country's most generous cellar doors. It is a region built for slow days on the water and long lunches by the riverbank.
What makes the Riverland special
The river is the thread that ties everything together. You can pilot your own houseboat, paddle a marked canoe trail through flooded red-gums, or simply watch the sun set over cliffs that rank among the tallest in the state. Between the water and the wineries, there is wildlife at every turn - from Ramsar-listed wetlands to internationally significant mallee bird reserves.
How to use this guide
We have pulled together a genuine cross-section of the region - natural icons, family-friendly riverfronts, heritage sites and the food and wine the Riverland does so well. Pick a base, sort out the river, then work your way through the rest at your own pace.
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1
Renmark
Riverland Houseboats
Self-drive houseboats are the signature Riverland holiday - a floating home you pilot at walking pace along the Murray. There is no better way to experience the river, with quiet moorings, swimming off the back deck and a different view every morning.
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2
MorganBig Bend Lookout
A clifftop vantage near Nildottie over the longest stretch of unbroken river cliffs in the southern hemisphere. The scale of the ochre cliffs against the Murray is one of the Riverland's most jaw-dropping natural sights.
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3
ParingaMurray River National Park
Spread across three sections - Bulyong, Katarapko and Lyrup Flats - this national park protects some of the finest red-gum river country on the Murray. It is the heart of the region's wildlife, walking and paddling.
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4
BerriKatarapko Creek Canoe Trail
A marked paddling trail through the red-gum creeks of Katarapko, deep in Murray River National Park. Hire a canoe and drift past river red-gums, reedbeds and birdlife on one of the region's best on-water adventures.
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5
RenmarkRenmark Riverfront
Renmark's palm-lined riverfront is home to the historic PS Industry paddle steamer and a parade of houseboats and pelicans. It is the easy-going hub of the upper Murray, made for a riverside stroll or coffee with a view.
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6
RenmarkAngove Family Winemakers
Five generations of Riverland winemaking, with an organic vineyard and the celebrated St Agnes brandy heritage near Renmark. A standout cellar door that captures the region's deep wine and spirit roots.
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7
Renmark23rd Street Distillery
An award-winning distillery set in a century-old Renmark site, producing gin, whisky and brandy. Tastings and tours make it an essential stop for anyone curious about the Riverland's spirit-making story.
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8
RenmarkWoolshed Brewery (Wilkadene Station)
A craft brewery in a converted woolshed on the banks of the Murray upstream of Renmark, near Murtho. Riverside beers in a working rural setting make this a relaxed, memorable afternoon stop.
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9
LoxtonLoxton Historical Village
A re-created pioneer settlement of more than 45 buildings on the Loxton riverfront, staffed and brought to life by volunteers. It is the best place in the region to step into Riverland history with the whole family.
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10
BlanchetownLock 1 Blanchetown
The first weir and lock built on the River Murray, a working piece of river engineering at Blanchetown. Watch boats pass through and learn how the locks tamed the river - a fascinating slice of heritage.
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11
WaikerieGluepot Reserve
An internationally significant mallee bird reserve north of the river near Waikerie, run by BirdLife Australia. For keen birdwatchers it is unmissable, with rare mallee species and a wild, remote feel.
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12
BarmeraLake Bonney Barmera
A broad freshwater lake on Barmera's doorstep, made for swimming, sailing, water-skiing and easy family days. It is the Riverland's go-to spot for a splash and a picnic on a hot day.
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