Where to stay in the Riverland
From self-drive houseboats to a riverfront Art Deco pub and bush camps under the red gums.
The Riverland is built around the Murray, so it is no surprise that the best stays put you right on the water. You can pilot your own self-drive houseboat, bed down in a century-old riverfront pub, or pitch a tent under the red gums in a national park - all within a short drive of each other.
On the water
A houseboat is the signature Riverland holiday. You become both guest and skipper, mooring wherever the day takes you and waking to birdsong on a quiet anabranch. For something more land-based, the riverfront towns of Renmark and Paringa make handy bases.
Out in the bush
The region's national parks and conservation reserves offer some of the best low-cost camping in South Australia, with shaded riverside sites, canoeing and abundant birdlife. Bring everything you need and settle in for a few nights by the water.
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Renmark
Riverland Houseboats
Self-drive houseboats are the quintessential Riverland holiday - a floating home you pilot yourself along the Murray near Renmark, mooring wherever you please. Best for families and groups who want to set their own pace on the water.
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RenmarkRenmark Hotel
A landmark Art Deco pub on the Renmark riverfront, community-owned for over a century and right in the heart of town. Ideal if you want pub rooms, a meal and a drink within walking distance of the river.
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Paringa
Wilkadene Cottage
Cottage accommodation at Wilkadene Station on the Murray at Murtho, upstream of Renmark, sleeping up to six adults. Book direct with Wilkadene, and stroll over to the Woolshed Brewery deck on the same property.
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RenmarkCalperum Station
A vast former pastoral station north of Renmark, now managed for conservation, with remote mallee and floodplain country to explore. Best for self-sufficient visitors and nature lovers wanting a quiet, off-grid base.
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BerriKatarapko (Murray River National Park)
The Katarapko section of Murray River National Park near Winkie is laced with anabranch creeks and dotted with bush camps among the red gums. A great pick for campers, paddlers and anglers who want to be on the water.
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BerriLyrup Flats, Murray River National Park
A red-gum floodplain section of Murray River National Park near Lyrup, with riverside camping and canoeing on quiet backwaters. Suits campers chasing shaded, low-cost sites away from the crowds.
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Morgan
Morgan Conservation Park
A wetland conservation park on the Murray floodplain near Morgan, rich in birdlife and laced with creeks and lagoons. Ideal for birdwatchers and campers who want a peaceful spot at the western edge of the region.
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WaikerieRamco Point
A free riverside camping and picnic reserve five kilometres west of Waikerie, with grassy, shaded sites right by the Murray. A handy, no-cost overnight stop for travellers and campers passing through.
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