Riverland SA: Where To Stay & Play Along South Australia's Murray River

Planning a family holiday? For many of us, our first instinct is to reach for our credit card to book flights to a far-flung destination overseas. However, if a couple of years of closed borders taught us anything, it’s that there are plenty of family-friendly destinations much closer to home. Case in point: Riverland, South Australia.

The Riverland region is where the spirit of nature runs free and uninhibited in South Australia's east, where Australia’s longest river, the mighty Murray River, weaves its way through the landscape, complemented by towering cliffs, meandering creeks and expansive floodplains.

The region was faced with a once-in-a-generation flood in late 2022. With the flooding catastrophe now behind them, the area  has well and truly bounced back and is open for business, welcoming travellers with open arms. 

Ready to spend some time in this picturesque region and enjoy a holiday packed with fresh country air, awe-inspiring nature, and friendly people? Here’s where to stay and play along South Australia’s Murray River, where the good times flow. 

The Villas at Waikerie Golf Club

Unwind in unparalleled luxury at The Villas, Waikerie Golf Club's on site accommodation redefining opulence in the Riverland. Sleeping up to 12 guests in the architecturally designed main villa with 6 bedrooms and open plan living, plus an offering of six self-contained units for couples or besties, this accommodations promise style and comfort. With options to upgrade to golf course packages, each villa boasts ensuites, plush bedding, well-equipped kitchens, rain showers and expansive decking with golf course views. Indulge in a stress-free retreat with abundant dining options, adventure, and relaxation just moments away.

Guests must be over 21 years old

22 Dunlop Road, Sunlands

The Frames 

Planning a romantic getaway? Look no further than The Frames. Offering award-winning, six-star luxury accommodation this magnificent spot is perched on the banks of the Murray River. Here, you can enjoy an afternoon spent in the pool, hydrotherapy spa or infra-red sauna or venture a little further by adding one of the resort’s popular experiences to your itinerary, such as a wetland and wildlife safari, gondola sunset cruise or flavour safari. It's one of the most stunning accommodation options in Riverland SA. 

Lot 7, Panorama Court, Paringa

Byrne Vineyards Eco Suites

Experience the magnificent surrounds of the Murray River wetlands without compromising on creature comforts by booking a night or two at the Byrne Vineyards Eco Suites. Each suite offers an unrivalled glamping experience, allowing you to take in the starry sky from the comfort of your king-size bed. Ideal for a romantic escape away from the city, or with plenty of room for the family, this is one of those special places that allow you to reconnect with the beauty of nature.

365 Murraylands Road, Morgan

Riverbend Caravan Park 

If you have a couple of children in tow, consider the Riverbend Caravan Park. This local institution is right on the river at Renmark and has plenty of options from powered sites to riverfront and premium cabins. It’s the perfect place to base yourself for a weekend of adventures, with a jumping pillow, basketball ring and playground on site to keep the kids happy too.

101 Sturt Highway, Renmark, Riverland

The River Vista 

Curated with high-end finishes and purposeful interiors, The River Vista offers guests an unprecedented, romantic and utterly magical Riverland experience. Sitting high above the Murray River on glowing ochre sandstone cliffs, a spectacular vista of the region floods the horizon.

Quiet and ultra-secluded, your only companionship will be a couple of kangaroos, a solitary pelican and a plethora of golden panoramic skies. Enjoy the neutral, light filled interiors met with expansive, natural landscapes.

Indulge in a delicious grazing platter with locally made gin or wine. Sit under the bright, starry sky, cosy up in the sunken cliffside fire pit. Soak in the freestanding, stone bathtub and fall away into a deep sleep in the most delicious, pure linen.

19324 Sturt Highway, Monash

Loxton Historical Village

For those who love stepping back in time, the Loxton Historical Village is a living museum, whisking you back to the late 1800s and into the 1950s. Wander through 45 fully furnished buildings, adorned with captivating artifacts showcasing the pioneers' daily lives. Explore vintage vehicles, hop aboard the steam train, and relive school days at antique desks. Let the kids enjoy old-school games, and immerse yourself in the charm of bygone eras in the General Store, hairdresser, Saddlery, and carpenter's workshops.

Scenic Drive, Loxton

River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve Tours 

Located just 90 minutes from Adelaide is Australia’s first international dark sky reserve. Sign up for a tour experience and you’ll venture to one of the darkest places on Earth where there is virtually no light pollution. After enjoying a sunset dinner, an astronomer will guide the way to this awe-inspiring Murray River clifftop. Guests will also receive a guided tour of Ngaut Ngaut Archaeological Cultural Site where local Aboriginal people are described as the world’s first astronomers.

From $100 for astronomy only session

Tours begin at Arnold Park, Mannum

Murray River Trails Walking Tour 

The best way to fully immerse yourself in the region? By foot. Murray River Trails offers an easy four day, three night guided hike that will see you encounter diverse wildlife (picture: birdlife and kangaroos) along the way while learning about the area. The walking tour is fully catered (inclusive of food and wine) and includes accommodation on a luxurious houseboat each night - complete with a spa and pool deck. 

Walking not your thing? Consider one of Murray River Trails’ houseboat holidays or outback river safaris instead. An iconic Riverland SA experience, and a once-in-a-lifetime Australian experience to boot. 

From $2,800 per person, twin share

Renmark, South Australia

Canoe Adventures Sunrise Tours 

Is there anything more serene than experiencing nature at sunrise, before the rest of the world wakes up? Situated in the Riverlands, Canoe Adventures runs regular sunrise tours where guests paddle down the Murray River through a network of wetlands and national park waterways. The early morning wake-up call will be worth it once you see the sun peering over the horizon and light reflecting off the glassy waters. The tour takes three hours all up with two of those hours spent paddling. No fitness is required for this non-strenuous exercise. 

From $105 per person

Tours leave from the Berry region

Eleni's Restaurant at Mallee Estate Wines

Eleni's is a cherished foodie gem, offering a celebratory taste of Greece in the heart of Riverland's Mallee Estate. 

It's all about hearty dishes bursting with traditional flavours and prepared with love. From dips and mezze plates to classic Greek mains, each dish is crafted to perfection, complemented by house wines, an extensive drinks menu, and friendly service. 

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere ideal for couples, families, and group gatherings. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch or a memorable dinner experience, Eleni's promises a delightful culinary journey amidst the picturesque setting of Riverland's vineyards.

Sitchu Tip: If it's on the menu, the tender smoky notes of Eleni’s chargrilled octopi pair exquisitely with the velvety, rich and subtly oaked Mallee Estate Chardonnay.

20055 Renmark Avenue, Renmark South 

Hotel Renmark

Sitting pretty on the banks of the Murray River, Hotel Renmark - a heritage-listed Art Deco gem - stands as the first British Empire community-owned hotel since 1897. Steeped in history, the hotel continues to this day to bring the community of Renmark together. For a tasty feast, visitors can indulge in local and South Australian dishes, from casual bites at Nanya to fine dining at Temperance, while the Main Bar offers family-friendly ambiance with traditional front bar meals. With views of the Murray River and the bustling street below, this is one of the best places to indulge in a meal in the Riverland region.

Murray Avenue, Renmark

Arrosto

Nestled in heart of Renmark, what was once an old fire station has been transformed into a lively café and roastery by local entrepreneurs Callum and Lauren Benda. Arrosto Coffee is a cafe and licensed cellar door, featuring specialty coffees, local Woolshed Brewery Firehouse Coffee Stout on tap, and their own Firewater Coffee Liqueur.

Indulge in coffee, cakes, and gourmet breakfast options like their famous breakfast burgers or granola pots filled with seasonal fruits, from 7.00am to 1.00pm daily. Relax in the family-friendly backyard while savouring your selections. It's easy to see why this is such a local favourite; the perfect morning pitstop in Riverland SA. 

152 Eighteenth Street, Renmark

Nui's Thai Kitchen

Explore the authentic flavours of Thailand at Nui's Thai Kitchen, where generous portions of wholesome, traditional dishes await. This tasty restaurant is tucked away in Renmark, and offers both dine-in and takeaway services in a licensed restaurant setting.

Indulge in their weekly specials, such as the slow-cooked beef cheek in red curry sauce, garnished with crispy Thai basil and fresh chili—a delightful twist on classic Thai cuisine. Yellow prawn curry, chicken Khao Soi, Tom Yum noodle salads, and the likes of slow cooked lamb shoulder in a Panang curry sauce with tempura fried betel leaves often frequent the fresh and flavoursome menu.

Don't miss it - a real hidden gem of the Riverland region. 

35 Renmark Avenue, Renmark

Twenty Third Street Distillery

It would be remiss to visit the Riverland region without stopping for a tipple or two. Twenty Third Street Distillery creates an array of award-winning spirits including everything from brandy to gin, rum, vodka and whisky – with each created as an ode to the local region. Keen to learn more? Take a tour of the distillery or enjoy a guided tasting of the range.

Corner of Renmark Avenue and Twenty Third Street, Renmark

Riverland Wine Centre

The Riverland Wine Centre is a hub dedicated to showcasing 25 of the best wineries from the Riverland region of South Australia. It offers visitors a chance to explore and taste a variety of local wines, learn about the region's winemaking heritage, and purchase their favourite bottles directly from the producers.

Located in a picturesque setting, it serves as a gateway to experiencing the rich flavours and stories of Riverland wines. A visit to this beautiful region would not be complete without sampling a few drops here, before indulging in a seasonal produce platter at the onsite cafe. 

8 Pike Creek Road, Lyrup

Keen to experience more of South Australia? Check out our guide to SA’s seafood capital, Port Lincoln or round-up of where to stay and play in Goolwa. If you don’t have time on your side, there are plenty of dreamy day trips to experience just a stone’s throw from Adelaide.