Mighty Murray Way road trip: Loxton to Morgan

FOLLOW ONE OF THE WORLD'S LONGEST RIVERS FROM THE EVER-CHANGING RIVERLAND TO THE MURRAY MOUTH.

The Murray River flows more than 2500 kilometres from the Snowy Mountains to the Southern Ocean in South Australia. Discover the Mighty Murray Way and follow the laid back rhythm of one of the world’s longest rivers. Through its changing landscapes from the Riverland to the Murray Mouth, cruise along the river and discover stunning scenery and see how life has evolved along the majestic Murray. From rich Aboriginal culture, to microbreweries and gourmet produce, riverboats and cruises, start exploring with our guide to the best things to see and do along the Might Murray Way between Loxton and Morgan. Download the Mighty Murray Way road trip map and start exploring.

Following the record-breaking floods this summer, be sure to check ahead for any closures or disruptions to normal trading hours during the recovery of businesses in our river regions. Visitors are also advised to stay up to date on the latest traffic updates including road closures, road works and planned events via the South Australian Government website.

LOXTON TO MORGAN

Lake Bonney

Pull up at the tortured trees of Lake Bonney that have been photographer favourites for decades with evening skies acting as the perfect backdrop for a sunset spectacular. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque spot to watch the sun disappear after a day on the road. One of South Australia’s most popular aquatic playgrounds, beyond the impressive light shows this watery wonderland is a magnet for swimmers, water skiers and boaters. Take a break from the road and set up camp at Discovery Parks Lake Bonney to spend a few days lounging lake side, a local 23rd Street gin in hand.

Banrock Station 

Next, set your coordinates for Banrock Station and get ready to wine and dine surrounded by a wetland brimming with wildlife. Nestled in an internationally recognised wetland system just minutes from Barmera, Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre is the perfect spot to sit back and sip some of the region’s best wine with a panoramic backdrop of wetlands and vineyards. Step outside the cellar door and stroll down scenic walking trails, enjoy a spot of bird watching and discover native wildlife. If you’re feeling peckish, head down the road and enjoy a regional food experience at Flavours of the Riverland.

Overland Corner Hotel

Built in 1859 and believed to be the oldest hotel in the region, this iconic watering hole was once a popular resting place for drovers and passengers of paddle boats and stage coaches. Now, the historic Overland Corner Hotel is a favourite long lunch destination for locals and blissed-out holiday makers on the Riverland, with a menu showcasing local produce and an extensive beer collection. A stone’s throw from where the Murray River steamers used to dock, the National Trust site is adorned with impressive memorabilia and offers history tours - where you’ll learn about the bushrangers who once frequented the bar and maybe even meet the resident ghost, Captain Moonlight.

Waikerie 

Swap the car for a cruise along the river and explore some of the most picturesque locations along the mighty Murray with Rivergum Cruises. Casting off from Waikerie, wind the clock back to river time and glide through tranquil wetlands brimming with birdlife, along bending red ochre limestone cliffs and past towering native gum and Mallee trees flourishing on the picturesque banks. Back on land, there’s lots to explore in Waikerie. Affectionately known as the town where the sun shines year-round and surrounded by groves of fruit trees, it’s the perfect place to sample the local stone fruit, ginger beer, delicate preserves, olive oil and wild dukkah at Illalangi Gourmet Foods.