For the quintessential Aussie getaway, why not consider heading along to Adelaide and taking a scenic detour through to the Murray River?
Take your Adelaide car hire along to Renmark, which is the best destination to start your adventure to the Murray River.
Adelaide to Renmark
This city is the perfect location to start your journey, with plenty of activities to include on the first day of your itinerary such as wineries, gardens and other natural highlights.
On the way to Renmark you will pass through the famous Barossa Valley wine region, which is home to labels such as Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Seppeltsfield and Peter Lehmann to name a few.
Why not stop and try a wine tasting or pick up a few bottles of wine from their source of origin? If you’re behind the wheel it could be best to get some for later.
Once you reach Renmark, you cold hire a canoe and explore secluded creeks and make sure you also include a billabong or two on your tour.
However, the first stop where you can cross the Murray River is located in Blanchetown, which is where the city’s system of weirs and locks begins.
As you continue along you will see the first lock on the left when you cross the bridge. The system of locks was produced in the 1920s and 30s to help control water levels, which was important particularly as the river was used as the primary source for transport.
Some of these early paddle and steam boats have been restored. See if you can spot any as you drive past the towns dotted along the river.
Waikarie is one such town and is an excellent spot to stop as it gives you the perfect location to see the windy river weave its way through the environment. This area also features beautiful limestone cliffs that are a stunning rust colour, and form a wonderful contrast with the green of the bamboo and trees that line the river.
The river
There is plenty to experience along and in the water itself. Leave your car behind and head on a houseboat so you can take in all the natural and unspoilt beauty the river has to offer.
Alternatively, if you are pushed for time you can take a short day trip cruise or two hour cruise along the river that is the best way to get a true understanding of how stunning this natural feature really is.
You should also make an effort to reach Headings Cliffs Lookout. Located off Murtho Road, just north of Paringa, this lookout gives you the perfect location to look out over the river.
Along the edge of the river you might be able to view Koalas in the gum trees they have made their home in.