Murray River

The  Murray River Region offers some vastly different landscapes from the Barossa and a taste of the Australian outback. Follow the Sturt Highway from Nuriootpa, through the little town of Truro and from the top of top of the ranges east of Truro, you will be amazed to see the landscape change suddenly and dramtically from the lush, green and fertile valley of the Barossa, to the wide, vast landscape of the Murray River region.

You’ll notice how the river is truely the ‘life blood’ of the region. The winding river offers stunning scenery with dramatic standstone cliffs, that glow a deep orange on sunset. Majestic big old gums, citrus groves and vineyard blocks line the river next to the contrasting landscape of the red Australian dirt and saltbush. The river is home to a huge array of wildlife and birds, with much of the river protected by reserves and national parks. Admire the graceful flight of the pelican and the majestic wedge tailed eagle, king of the birdlife foodchain. The river offers a wide choice of water activities – boating, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, houseboating and swimming with plenty of great picnic spots along its banks.

Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre, near Kingston-on-Murray (just under a 2 hour drive from the Barossa), is an outstanding eco-tourism destination. The cellar door contains a stunning outdoor deck overlooking the vineyards, wetlands and river, the perfect place to relax and enjoy lunch with a glass of Banrock Station wine. The menu showcases the delicious, fresh produce available in the Riverland.  Four self-guided walking trails allow you to experience magnificently restored wetlands with story centres, information huts and bird-viewing hides. You can view abundant wildlife during the wet phase or explore the wetland bed during the dry phase.

For more information on the Murray River region

>> Visit the Riverland Visitor Information website

>> Download the Riverland Visitor Guide