Murraylands Guides Attractions Events in South Australia

Cottage Box Chocolates have moved to the more central position in the middle of the main street in Murray Bridge.

You and your family are still able to watch the chocolates being made and purchase your yummy treats.

Cottage Box Chocolates has a large variety of products from dark, normal and white chocolate including Turkish delight, liquorice bombs, strawberry cream cottages, chocolate king frogs, 100g blocks, gift boxes and a range on 60g bars. All products are handmade, hand wrapped and packed with care and pride, the good old-fashioned way.

All welcome.

Dolly's Golden Raintree Craft and Heritage Centre combines a friendly craft shop and small museum.

The museum features lifestyle displays, a dunny collection, and interesting street, district and agricultural themes to surprise and delight you. The shop is well known for its quality local craft, Devonshire teas, souvenirs, baked goods and preserves, and friendly staff.

Nearby, you'll find Byrne Cottage, a furnished settlers' home of pug and pine, plus a history trail of railway and water items along the main street railway precinct. The Archive, with an extensive collection of displays, can also be visited on Wednesdays or other days by arrangement.

Dolly's is only two hours from Adelaide in Lameroo, an ideal place to stop and take a break. There's plenty of parking available and coach groups are welcome. The centre is also a Tourism Information Centre.

Visit Dundee's Wildlife Park for something a little different. Dundee's is renowned as an interactive 'hands on' wildlife experience. Dundee's provides you with the unique opportunity to hold a crocodile, python and the black cockatoos as part of the 2pm show, which is held on weekends, public holidays and every day during the South Australian school holidays. Don't forget your camera - prove to your friends just how brave you are! You will find your visit interesting and informative. Guided tours for groups of 15 or more people are run by appointment.

Situated on four acres of land the park is home to a large range of Australian wildlife, including birds, reptiles and mammals. Dundee's Wildlife Park is only one hours drive from Adelaide, just off the freeway at Murray Bridge, and is open from 10am to 5pm every day of the year, except Good Friday and Christmas Day.

The golf course is situated within the town and boasts 18 watered greens and fairways which provide a pleasant country setting to enjoy your game of golf. The Clubhouse has restricted bar facilities and catering facilities are available. It has an Australian Course Rating of 67 with a length of 5,504 metres.

You will always be welcomed at Lavande, the historic retreat to old world charm just off the freeway, about 45 minutes from Adelaide.

History can be experienced dating back to 1867, the elegant bluestone and sandstone building was originally constructed as a Police Station in the historic copper mining town of Callington. Stop awhile and explore the old cells, stables and courtyards and allow your imagination to take you back to another era.

Enjoy French food cooked with love and flair at the restaurant. Admire the formal shaped lavender garden and central fountain with over 500 lavenders containing many varieties. Experience the peace and tranquillity of the Monet garden with its pallet of colours reminiscent of Province. The south of France was never so affordable.

Welcome to the Lavender Federation Trail, a linear walking trail of 105 kilometres through diverse countryside traversing the eastern flanks of the Mt Lofty Ranges. The trail begins at Murray Bridge and takes a serpentine course of 105 kilometres to Springton in the Barossa Valley.

See spectacular gullies, steep gorges, exotic animals on the boundaries of Monarto Zoo, creeks, views of peaks and Lake Alexandrina, glimpses of the Murray River - and so much more.

The Lavender Federation Trail commences on the banks of the Murray River at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge.

Maps are of the trail are available from tourist information centres and outdoor shops. Please visit the Lavender Federation Trail website to obtain further details of the trail and locations to obtain maps and a brochure.

The Mallee Tourist and Heritage Centre contains a number of different exhibits and displays which tell the stories of the Mallee. Visitors can explore the Gum Family collection of restored tractors, stationary engines, farm and household memorabilia and the Printing Museum which displays presses, equipment and letterpress type. The DA Wurfel Grain Collection exhibits different varieties of grain and there are also displays honouring the pioneer women of the district. The South Australia Dry project depicts the district's settlement and development through dioramas and interpretive panels and the Mallee Panorama of landscape scenes shows the different faces of the Mallee.

Mannum Dock Museum of River History, home of the fully restored Paddle Steamer Marion, presents river history at its best along with information for all visitors to the Murraylands region.

Displays in the museum follow the life of the Murray River from its birth, showcasing fossilised sea creatures that once inhabited the Murray River area when it was an inland seabed; the occupation of the Aboriginal people, depicting food gathering, boat building, trading and Ngarrindjeri dreaming; the coming of white settlement and the birth of Mannum as a settlement; the start of the river trade, its growth and the important part it played in our history.

Co-located alongside the PS Marion and the Museum's main building is the Randell Dry Dock and its fully restored, historic key beam engine. The Randell Dry Dock is listed on the South Australian State Heritage Register and the Register of the National Estate.

Mannum Golf Club features a very interesting course whose innocent appearance belies its ability to test all golfers. The nine excellent greens and fairways have 18 strategically placed tee blocks, which to all intents and purposes gives the impression of a full 18 holes. Access to good water allows the course to retain a green appearance even in the driest season. The course is 5,707 metres with a par 73 and has an Australian course rating of 69.

Men have competition days on Tuesdays and Saturdays, women on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Visitors are always welcome and the club has membership vacancies at very reasonable rates.

Monarto Zoo is a 1,000 hectare open-range sanctuary undertaking a major role nationally and internationally in breeding programs for rare and endangered species. It is the home of South Australia’ first ever southern white rhinoceros and Australia’s largest giraffe herd.

The Zu-loop shuttle bus departs the Visitor Centre at regular intervals enabling you to get on and off the bus at a variety of wildlife viewing platforms including, Giraffe, Rhino, Cheetah, Lion and African Painted Dogs and Chimps.

Approximately 10 kilometres of walking tracks meander through the mallee bushland of the Zoo and can be incorporated with the Zu-loop service for those visitors wishing to explore under their own steam.

Just 60 minutes from Adelaide in the Murraylands, Monarto Zoo also offers behind-the-scenes experiences such as Working with Wildlife, Meet our Cheetah and Meet our Lions, providing different levels of interaction with the animals.

Murray Bridge's present 18-hole course is one of the best country courses in South Australia. The course is situated in the heart of Murray Bridge in picturesque surroundings with gently undulating fairways fringed with well-established trees and excellent greens. Fully irrigated, the course offers superb playing conditions all year round.

There is a well stocked Pro Shop with golf clubs and motorised buggies for hire as well as the resident professional who can help you with your game, together with a gaming room and dining facilities and even have packages for accommodation.

The course is 5,192 metres, Par 68 with an Australian course rating 66.

Members competition on Saturdays and Ladies competition on Tuesdays.

Whether you play golf, want to dine out or simply want to stay a few days please telephone to make arrangements.

The Murray Bridge Regional Gallery is located in the heart of Murray Bridge on Sixth Street at the rear of the Town Hall. The Gallery is currently undergoing a major upgrade and will reopen in May 2010.

The gallery host a range of touring and curated exhibitions whilst showcasing the talents of local artists and crafts people. Features of the gallery include three contemporary exhibition spaces, and a retail area displaying unique handmade artworks for sale.

For further information please visit our website.

Ngarkat Conservation Park features a magnificent mosaic of mallee and heathland, extending across 270,000-hectares of remnant coastal dunes.

For many visitors, the vastness of this park is one of its most striking features. Walking trails vary from 20 minutes to five-hour hikes and camping and picnics are also popular activities.

Ngarkat is known for its challenging 4WD tracks. One of the most demanding is the iconic Border Track which follows the border that separates South Australia and Victoria. This narrow, sandy track passes through a fragile environment and requires drivers to have a high level of 4WD experience. Access is restricted one-way, travelling from north to south.

Diverse wildlife also inhabits the park and birdwatchers will also find fascination, with more than 120 bird species recorded in the park.

The park is very large and isolated, therefore sufficient fuel and water supplies must be carried at all times.

Experience a walk through Aboriginal dreaming and culture. Visit the birthplace of the "Black Duck Dreaming" on the banks of the mighty Murray River, just a pleasant 45-minute drive from the riverboat town of Mannum.

Join our guides on a tour through the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal Site and experience Aboriginal culture as you journey through the ancestral home of the "Nganguraku People". Climb the boardwalk as it meanders up the majestic cliffs of a seabed laid down eons ago and view the majesty of one of the most pristine and beautiful stretches of water the River Murray has to offer.

Follow a path where bare feet trod in ancient times and marvel as the story of rock art and a culture older than antiquity unfolds before you. This experience will challenge your perception of Aboriginal culture and leave you in awe of the resourcefulness of Australia's indigenous people.

Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village is one of Australia's largest pioneer villages.

Twelve streets full of memories with more than 90 buildings. See Australia's true past and heritage with a most realistic and authentic experience.

Old Tailem Town buildings include the corner store, hospital, dentist, newsagent, pub, post office and police station. Railway history has also been retained with the advent of a station and 18 carriages.

They all depict the past as it was without cluttered displays. It is a hands on experience and you can walk through most rooms with a very realistic atmosphere about the whole place. The live displays at the Engine House and the Talking Machine Parlour are extremely interesting.

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People from all walks of life enjoy Paintball. It is a sport in which men and women may compete on equal terms, and age is not dominated by youth. Intelligence and determination can be just as crucial to victory as strength, speed or agility.

Moreover, Paintball builds character. Players learn about teamwork, gain self-confidence and self-esteem, and develop leadership abilities.
Above all, Paintball is exciting and fun! It's a chance to shake off your day-to-day responsibilities and rekindle your spirit of adventure.
Teamwork, stealth and skill. All in an exhilarating and challenging game.

No matter who you are or what you do, Paintball Skirmish SA guarantees an adventure experience that you will never forget!

Rainforest Retreat is one and a half acres of amazing gardens. Birds are in abundance singing all day and fragrant perfumes are wafting everywhere. Water wise, pesticide and weedicide free, 'Secret' gardens beckon you to go beyond the next corner. You will feel lost but very content in our little piece of paradise.

Serenity Nursery is the ultimate tourist destination. Even if you’re not a green thumb you will enjoy the experience. There is something for everyone!

Serenity Nursery is a complete garden centre set on an eight-acre property surrounded by heritage scrubland. The Murray Bridge property was once used as one of the regions oldest lime kilns and dates back to the early 1900's. Today you will discover a beautiful blend of garden displays, plants, a gift shop and an outdoor living showroom.

Relax with the ambient sounds of pan pipes while you browse the garden centre. Garden statues are made onsite and you will see a large range of hand crafted water features and garden statues.

Enter the cathedral inspired show room, which is filled with wall decor, quirky garden art, wind chimes and garden gifts.

Follow the sandstone paths to see the beautifully restored stone buildings that once housed the wagon transport of the day. One of which has been transformed into a gift shop with unexpected finds as well as exquisite pieces of sterling silver jewellery, linen and home wares.

Friendly staff are always happy to give advice on the right plants for your area or to help you find the perfect gift.

Cappuccino available at the touch of a button along with a gourmet range of chocolates and biscuits.

Buses and groups are welcome to Serenity Nursery. We have a spacious car park and lots of space for larger groups.

Squatters Antiques occupies a beautifully restored 125-year-old heritage building.

It is stocked full with lovely original and restored items of antique furniture, quality collectables and many bric-A-brac items.

The range consists of tables, sets of chairs, carvers and single chairs, washstands, kitchen dressers, bed side cupboards, sideboards, meat safe’s, wardrobes, dressing tables, display cabinets, leadlight kitchen cabinets, cutlery, china, glassware (Carnival, Depression, Vaseline glass), kitchen tins and tobacco tins, enamel ware, stone ware, pottery, linen as well as a great range of curios and bric-a-brac.

We also stock a range of reproduction cabinet fittings, wooden knobs, paint stripper, shellac, wax, orange oil and steel wool, all these products will help the home restorer complete their projects.

Sunnyside Reserve Lookout is a place to view the Murray River and wetlands with great scenic river views from an elevated position. Located approximately ten kilometres from Murray Bridge on the Karoonda Road.

The Murray River is a picturesque site of houseboats, paddle steamers and happy, relaxed people. Sit back and relax while observing the beauty of this natural wonder.

The Swan Reach Museum is located on Nildottie Road, opposite the town's cemetery.

Site of the original Swan Reach Area School built in 1917, the museum holds a fascinating collection of memorabilia, which reflects upon the early European history of this magnificent part of the River Murray in South Australia. One of the themes of the museum’s collection is education within the district, which consists of a large collection of school photographs, attendance registers and memorabilia. The collection extends beyond Swan Reach to include historical items from river and rural communities of Murbko, Boolgun, Maggea, Galga, Copeville, Bowhill, Purnong, Walker Flat, Black Hill, Punyelroo, Blanchetown and settlements within this border.

Available at the museum are souvenir spoons, fridge magnets, beer stubby holders, tea towels, colour 1956 flood postcards of Swan Reach, town, family and river history books.

Swanport Wetlands is a recreation reserve under the control of the Rural City of Murray Bridge. It covers an area of 19.4 hectares including 3.5 hectares of open water within a wetland of 13.6 hectares.

The wetland is essentially one lagoon, which has been bisected by a causeway. This causeway has altered the natural flow patterns of the wetland and now forms part of the wetlands as you see it today.

Flow patterns are very important to wetlands as the cycles of wetting, drying and flooding produce a range of conditions for the regeneration and breeding of plants and animals.

The wetland is an area of reed beds, lignum, samphire and Red gum trees. These are important habitats for fauna.

A considerable amount of work has been carried out to enhance your visit to the wetlands area including buffer zone revegetation, construction of raised walkways and bird watching hides.

The coin-operated monster is at the town's popular riverfront resort, the Sturt Reserve. When a coin is inserted in the machine, the Bunyip rises from the depths of its cave, booming forth its loud ferocious roar.

The Bunyip is a legendary animal in which Aborigines firmly believed. The Bunyip was said to live in creeks, riverbeds, shallow lakes, waterholes and swamps in Australia and Tasmania.

People believed the sightings of Bunyips and were reported in the press, with the findings of fossil bones being scientifically examined. It was not until the turn of the century that the physical existence of the Bunyip was disproved, however, according to Australian natives, the Bunyip still lives, but Europeans are unable to see it.

The Bunyip can best, and only, be described as fabulous. Seeing the Bunyip while visiting or travelling through Murray Bridge is a must.

Willow Point Winery is a fabulous destination for Port lovers, featuring a selection of excellent bulk Tawny Ports as well as bulk Sherries and Muscats for immediate consumption. Situated eight kilometres from Murray Bridge, the vineyards are located near the popular Riverglen Marina and feature uninterrupted views of the River Murray.

Willow Point's red and white table wines are also popular. Port barrels can be purchased at the Cellar Door.

Group bookings can be arranged for a minimum of two and maximum of 50 people.

Willow Point is a division of The Hurley Group.

The Wool Shed Gallery exhibits investment quality Aboriginal art, contemporary paintings and limited edition prints by non-indigenous Australian artists and a range of carefully selected furniture to complement the artworks.

Paintings by Dorrit Black, David Bromley, David Dridan, Constance Stokes and Margaret Woodward are displayed alongside those by Gloria Petyarre, Minnie Pwerle, Lily Kelly Napangardi, Lorna Fencer Napurrula and Barbara Weir.

The gallery occupies the oldest commercial building in Mannum on the banks of the River Murray. Built in 1853 by William Randell, the pioneer of inland river transport. The Wool Shed, the adjacent Mannum Dock Museum of River History, including the PS Marion and Randell Dry Dock and the Billabong Cafe form an integral component of Mannum's Historical precinct and is of continuing interest to residents and visitors alike.