Rowing The Murray River From Renmark, South Australia to Waikerie, South Australia
There are many ways to see the Murray River in South Australia. Depending on the time you have available, you could drive down, stop at lookouts, take a cruise on the P.S. Murray Princess, hire a houseboat, canoe/kayak, or in my case, my friend and I had inflatable dinghies that we rowed. Whichever way you enjoy your way along this waterway, you can be sure of seeing nature at its finest.
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If you are travelling around Australia, the best way is by car. Not only do you get to see more but you will find more hidden gems that the average traveller doesn’t see.
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The Murray River is a photographer’s dream. From the amazing sunrises and sunsets over the water to the abundant wildlife that lines the shores.
Renmark/Paringa
This town was established in 1887 when the settlement grew from irrigating the Murray River to supplying water to the orchards in the area.
P.S. Industry
Today you can take a step back into the past by enjoying a one-and-a-half-hour cruise on the first Sunday of the month on a paddle steamer, the P.S. Industry.
Please check their website for when cruises are available and pricing.
You could also enjoy a 2 or 5-night cruise on the Proud Mary paddle steamer.
Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum
It’s also here you can learn about the area’s past by visiting the Olivewood Historic Homestead and Museum.
Opening Times
Thursday to Monday 10 am to 4 pm, Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment. Phone: (08) 8586 6175 Email: olivewood.renmark@gmail.com
Admission
- Adults $7.00
- Concession $5.00
- Student $3.00
- Family (2Adults & 2 children) $15.00
Eating Out
If you like wine tasting and dining out, you have the choice of the Twenty-third Street Distillery or the Rushton Rose Gardens, where you can take a walk through the gardens.
Ruston’s is open for lunch from Thursday to Sunday 12-2 pm and for dinner on Friday and Saturday 6-8.30 pm. Brunch is available on Sunday only 9.30-11 am. Ruston’s is closed on most Public Holidays, or operating hours may vary.
Bookings are essential. To book, call (08) 8586 6191.
They also offer takeaway meals available during service hours Thursday – Sunday.
Silo Art Paringa
If you are interested in Silo Art, then you’re in luck, as the grain silos in Paringa were just finished in early 2021.
If you love Silo Art, one of the newest additions in South Australia is in Paringa, just across the bridge out of Renmark.
There are four artworks on the sides of these two-grain silos finished in early 2021 by artist Jack Fran.
These works depict the River Murray at Renmark, with Murray Cod, Pelicans, a houseboat and paddle steamer, and a local legend, “Possum”, David James Jones.
Renmark Paringa Community Museum
The Renmark Paringa Community Museum is right next door to the silos. This community-based museum shows you how life was back in the day through volunteers’ teachings.
Prices
- Adult $5.00
- Under 15 Free
Hours
Mon, Wed, Fri 10.00 – 15.00
Wilabalangal Nature Reserve
For the more adventurous, there are hikes in Wilabalangal Nature Reserve, which is on the road to Berri, with views of the Murray River and wildlife to spot.
Loxton
The next major town downriver is Loxton. Here you have supermarkets to get supplies as well as see the local delights.
Loxton Historical Village
The Loxton Historical Village is located right beside the river. It showcases early life in the area, how farming grew and the equipment used.
Prices
- Adults – $12.00
- Children (5-14 years) – $6.00
- Children under 4 years – Free
- Pensioner – $10.00
- Family (2 adults, 3 children) – $30.00
Hours
Open Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm
Closed Mondays except for public holidays, Good Friday, Christmas Eve and Day.
There are ample parking, picnic facilities and a walking track in the parklands beside the river.
Murray River National Park
Broken up into areas along the Murray River, the Murray River National Park is where you can get away from civilisation.
From Berri to Kingston on the Murray, the National Park offers you a chance to see Mother Nature at her finest.
From amazing sunsets and sunrises over water to the wildlife that come down to the water’s edge to drink.
Moorook South
At Moorook South, you can camp right beside the river in the Recreation Park. You can arrive any time of the day or night, and pay by a Pay and Display machine on site.
There are toilets and a general store with takeaways right across the road.
From this T-Junction part of the river, you get the most beautiful dawns.
Waikerie
While you’re here, stop off and see the amazing Silo Art on top of the cliffs in Waikerie.
Two artists painted one each, Jimmy DVate and Garry Duncan. The paintings depict the local fauna and flora in the area, native fish, frogs, yabbies, spiny daisy, regent parrot and the rain moth.
All four sides have been painted, so it doesn’t matter which way to see them by road or river; you can see them visible for miles.
Conclusion
It doesn’t matter which way you see this area, known as the Riverland. It’s amazing, whether by water or road, with many sights to see and nature around you at every turn.
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Links
If you’d like to read more of my blogs on Australia, you can find them on the following links; Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, Camping and Silo Art, or if you’re after New Zealand, the United Kingdom or Photography, you can click on their links.
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Wow, this place looks amazing in photos! I’m an ecology student and have read about some of the conservation work happening at the nature reserve and national park. But, I really enjoyed seeing that you can visit to see nature PLUS see silo art, drink great wine, and all sorts of other things. Putting it on my list for next time I visit family my husband’s family in Australia.
It really is a one stop destination for all your travel needs, Susanna.
I could spend ages exploring Murray River’s wonders! Thanks for sharing this great guide. The silo art is really spectacular, but then so are many other sights along the Murray River.
Thanks, Alma, it really is that beautiful.
I live in NSW in the Murray River. It’s a magical river. I have often thought of taking a river cruise in the Proud Mary. It is still on my bucket list. I live silo art and have photographed many painted silos in Victoria and NSW. Hopefully, in the not too distant future, I will get to SA.
I hope you do get into South Australia soon, Joanne, and I agree with you about the Murray being a magical river.
I’ve never heard of this spot, but I need to visit- it has my last name! I would be so excited to see a kangaroo by the river!
There is so much wildlife beside and in the river, Shannon. I hope you get to visit soon.
The Murray River is certainly an amazing river. So much beauty and so different. I live in Albury and the Mighty Murray flows between us here in Albury and Wodonga. Thank you for such beautiful photos xx
Thanks, Bree. It certainly is a great place to spend some time on.