| Murray Bridge - Renmark | Big River Country
 Dominated by the broad Murray River, this delightful holiday region to the east and north of Adelaide is a land of historic ports, magnificent river red gums, farmland, orchards and green vineyards.
To reach this area from Adelaide, you can either take the Sturt Highway to the Barossa Valley, or drive through the Adelaide Hills and on to Murray Bridge. North of here, the old river port of Mannum is home to the 1897 PS Marion paddle steamer and a great spot for fishing. The road then follows the course of the Murray until you arrive at scenic Swan Reach, from where you can drive to Yookamurra Sanctuary, the home of rare numbats.
Located on both the river and Sturt Highway, Blanchetown is a popular tourist centre with prolific birdlife. Drive north to Morgan, once one of Australia’s busiest inland ports, where the excellent Port of Morgan Historic Museum showcases the state’s oldest paddle wheeler.
You’ll then arrive in the irrigated Murray Riverlands - a sunny region that’s full of orchards and vineyards. Waikerie is a renowned gliding centre, while Barmera is South Australia’s Country Music Capital. Continue to Berri, the Riverland’s charming commercial centre and home of The Big Orange, the enormous Berri Estates winery, and the Angas Park Fruit Company.
The Murray’s oldest settlement, Renmark, offers many attractions. Visit the PS Industry paddle steamer and take a river cruise, inspect historic Olivewood homestead, and spend time at Bredls Wonder World of Wildlife. From Renmark, a trip to Loxton is highly recommended. This is the location of Loxton Historical Village, a faithful re-creation of the region’s early days. If you wish to continue into Victoria, it’s a 143 km drive to Mildura from nearby Paringa.
Time required: 3-4 days are recommended. | | |
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