THE MURRAYLANDS

The Murraylands, as its name suggests, is that section of South Australia which closely follows the River Murray from Lake Alexandrina to Morgan where the region becomes The Riverland.
It includes the towns of Wellington, Jervois, Tailem Bend, Murray Bridge, Mannum, Blanchetown, Swan Reach and Morgan,with a host of smaller towns just off the river.
Wherever you look you will see houseboats, a wonderful way to enjoy the river and you can hire these from most places along its length. Paddlesteamers and other large craft also ply the river taking passengers from town to townat a leisurely pace and allowing time to absorb the beauty and serenity of Australia's largest river.
There are plenty of things to do and the nearest point, at Murray Bridge, is less than an hour from Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway. At Tailem Bend you can visit the historic and entertaining Old Tailem Town, a collectionof around 100 authentic buildings in streets and with many operational. Nearby at the other end of Tailem Bend anOlive Farm is being established and you can visit and purchase olive products.
Mannum is a pretty town a little further north along the river offering its own blend of river activities. It was a place my parents took me to frequently when I was younger and we spent many weekends camped beside the river enjoying fishing, swimming and just watching the world go by.
At Blanchetown you see the first of the many locks along the river which control river levels and allow access from one level to the next. There are always a large collecton of Pelicans hovering in the water on the south side of the lock and you can get some good photographs of them here.
The Blanchetown Bridge crosses the river and leads towards Waikerie and Margan. Waikerie is the start of the Riverland region while Morgan is the northern perimeter of the Murraylands.
Once one of the most important ports along the river it is now an attractive river town with much to offer the visitor.
No matter where you stay or visit along the river, or whether you travel by car or boat, you will be fascinated by the sheer amount of things to see and do and the photographic opportunities you will find.
Lists of towns and attractions will be found below.

INFORMATION:
Mannum Visitor Information Centre.
6 Randall St. Mannum. 5238 S.A.
(08) 8569 1303

Murray Bridge Visitor Information Centre.
3 South Tce. Murray Bridge. 5254 S.A.
(08) 8539 1142

Tailem Bend Information Centre.
Railway Station. Tailem Bend. 5260 S.A.


MAJOR AREA FEATURES:

Morgan

ACCOMMODATION:
Motels, hotels, caravan parks, B&Bs, houseboats and holiday homes and flats will all be found in the Murraylands. Use accommodation search opposite.

© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins