Mighty Murray Way Road Trip

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.

We've broken this road trip up into four legs, each passing through regions that have their own own distinct landscape, character and and activities.

• Your drive from Renmark to Loxton explores the Murray River's heartland.
• Hop from distilleries to wetlands to a historic pub on your journey from Loxton to Morgan.
• The journey from Morgan to Tailem Bend passes dreamtime sites and SA's iconic safari zoo.
• Your final leg, from Tailem Bend to Goolwa, ends by the sea on Australia's longest beach.

A quick trip from Renmark, the Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery is located in the historic 100 year-old shearing sheds of Wilkadene Station. Its rich history, stunning riverfront location and beautiful gardens make it the perfect place to kick back and relax with a bottle of local brew in-hand. Settle in for the afternoon with a ‘River Time’ session pale or something stronger like the ‘Firehouse Coffee Stout’ - made with Riverland roasted coffee - and drink in the spectacular views and friendly, relaxed atmosphere. There's also wine to choose from or a range of hard lemonade and ciders to quench your thirst. 

Fancy a tasting of locally made gin or brandy? Clock in at the impressive 23rd Street Distillery for a range of experiences to open your senses to new dimensions and flavours. Or in the theme of good spirits, head to Angove, home of St Agnes Brandy, and swill some organic local wines from the region's oldest winery. Complete your tasting tour with a stop-off at Mallee Estate, where the Markeas family will cook up a Greek feast at their restaurant Eleni's, while you enjoy a local drop in their barrel room over a game of darts. Pep up with a cup of freshly roasted coffee from Arrosto Coffee or head over to the Renmark Club for fresh and locally sourced produce and a stunning view of the river.

Looking to make camp for the night? The Frames is made up of three separate luxury retreats, each boasting its own sense of style and stunning artwork throughout. Each retreat features its own private outdoor area overlooking the beautiful Murray River, as well as heated pools, spas, saunas and BBQs.

The Riverland is home to numerous lagoons, creeks and backwaters that are best explored by canoe or kayak. Weave your way into the narrow wetlands and take picnic supplies for a tranquil waterfront lunch where kangaroos, emus, koalas, goannas and birds will be your only company. For the intrepid, go on a self-guided 'canoe camping' expedition with Canoe Adventures or jump on a sunset kayak tour with Canoe the Riverland to spend more time in nature learning about the river’s biodiversity. 

After exploring the water, travel back in time and discover what life was like for the pioneers of the region at Loxton’s The Village. Perfect for a family exploration, uncover the stories of the region’s early settlers with sheep shearing demonstrations, tractor parades and live demonstrations at the bakery and blacksmith shop - before heading to the kid friendly Pioneer Playground.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, indulge in the region’s vast variety of produce -  from its iconic citrus farms to bulk production wines.

Gaze upon the twisted 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. 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. 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 stagecoaches. 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.

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. 

Step back in time millions of years and journey through the ancestral home of the Nganguraku people. Meander along the banks of the Murray, marvel at the majestic cliffs formed eons ago by an extinct sea bed and experience ancient rock art. Learn about Aboriginal dreaming and culture from a local guide as you explore Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park. Tucked between Waikerie and Mannum, this hidden gem is one of the most significant Aboriginal cultural sites in South Australia and the birthplace of Black Duck Dreaming. 

As the sun sets, continue to Australia’s first International Dark Sky Reserve – one of only 16 in the world – that boasts some of the darkest night skies recorded in the world. Spot the rings of Saturn, marvel at a glittering globular cluster or lose track of time while looking up to a ceiling of almost 5,000 visible stars. Wanting to get the lowdown on the sky above from an expert? Hop aboard a tour with Kelly from Juggle House Experiences to see the best of Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park and the galaxies in one night. 

Park the car and travel back in time when you step aboard the Paddle Steamer (PS) Murray Princess or Marion. Captain Cook Cruises offer three, four and seven night cruise adventures onboard their paddle wheeler the PS Murray Princess,that navigates more than 280 kilometres of the Murray River. For those still wanting a taste of authenticity but don't have as much time to spare, hop aboard one of the last heritage steam driven paddle steamers in the world - the PS Marion. The only dry dock of her kind left in the world, the PS Marion was originally built in 1897 the vessel has been fully restored and offers overnight cruises, short cruises and lunch cruises. 

Next stop - Africa. Well, close enough. Don your best khaki kit and set off on an African safari at Monarto Safari Park. Watch lions, cheetahs and zebras roam over a 1,500 hectare open-range sanctuary, all from the comfort (and safety) of a shuttle bus. Take your sense of adventure to the next level with the Lions 360 Experience and enter a giant tooth and claw-proof cage, where you’ll watch lions stalking above you from a preys-eye view!

Ready to switch to the fast lane? Dial up the pace on your road trip and head to the Bend Motorsport Park – one of the most significant developments in Australian motorsport history and the perfect pitstop on the Mighty Murray Way. A state of the art, world-class motorsport facility, The Bend delivers an exhilarating experience for competitors, enthusiasts and spectators alike. As well as a host of heart-stopping experiences and events, the Bend Motorsport Park also features bar and restaurant facilities, the four star Rydges Pit Lane Hotel and conference and function rooms.

Toast to an epic road trip with one of Australia’s official best whiskeys at the final destination along the Might Murray Way. Arrive in Goolwa, a historic river port where the Murray mouth and Southern Ocean meet, and head straight for the wharf precinct where award-winning whiskeys await at Fleurieu Distillery.

Sitting in prime position on the Goolwa Wharf and recently named Champion Australian Whisky at the Australian Distilled Spirit Awards, grab a bottle of their single malt - Fountain of Youth or Message in a Bottle - for the ultimate memento to your road trip.

Hungry? Stop off at Kuti Shack for a locally sourced feast, featuring pipis foraged from the surrounding waters. After lunch, cruise along the last stretch of the Murray to the river mouth and across into the Coorong National Park with Spirit of the Coorong. Explore stunning secluded beaches and wetlands brimming with life, dig into a delicious lunch and learn about the Coorong’s rich Aboriginal history.