It can seem like a contradiction in terms – a holiday destination that is perfect for families in search of fun yet also perfect for couples looking for a quiet, romantic break. However South Australia’s Riverland is just that – a place where couples can connect and relax, enjoying fine wine and food, strolls along the river bank, candlelight picnics and a quiet federation-style floating cottage built for two.

Families, in contrast, can have fun at an adventure park, zip about in watercraft, try their luck at fishing, rent a paddle steamer, and frolic along the river in a manner normally reserved for nostalgic American movies.

Riverland, the stretch of the Murray River between Renmark and Waikerie, is beautiful… with limestone cliffs, vineyards, art galleries, and orange orchards. Here are just a few of the lovely towns you can encounter along the river:

Berri: If the name sounds familiar, the chances are you’ve tried some juice from the area. Berri is the home of the huge Berri Fruit Juice company, and it’s easy to see why – fruit orchards abound in this beautiful town by the river.

Monash: A small town with a big playground, this is an ideal place for families and friends to have a wild time. The Monash Adventure Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the Riverland, and features a massive maze, picnic areas, slides, a flying fox and bizarre leaning towers. Best of all – it’s free and loads of fun.

Renmark: Home to Australia’s largest rose garden, and a great place to try out some water sports, Renmark is a pretty riverside town. A perfect place for couples and families – you can find excellent food and wine, paths for walking, museums and galleries, and also rent a houseboat and learn to water-ski.

Waikerie: The chances are you’ve enjoyed an orange from Waikerie at least once, and the lovely orange orchards offer a brilliant splash of colour. Here is a great place to try gliding – head over to the Waikerie Gliding Club and try an air experience flight, where you can see the beauty of Riverland while soaring above.

When to go
Riverland is one of those lucky parts of the world that is a pleasure to visit any time of the year. Sun worshippers will prefer the summer months, while the flowers are prettiest in spring. If you are looking for festivities, check out What’s On in Riverland.

How to get there
It takes slightly less than two hours to drive from Adelaide to Blanchetown, which is considered the gateway to South Australia’s Riverland, and it’s less than three hours to the furthest town. Consider driving so that you’ll have a car to explore all the sights and towns. Adelaide is easily accessible from anywhere in Australia with daily flights, coaches, and trains from all major cities. Numerous car rental companies operate in Adelaide. There are also coaches to and from Riverland and Adelaide every day.

Accommodation
If you are hoping for an adult-only retreat, consider one that floats. You could enjoy privacy, luxury, and panoramic views in a unique floating federation-style cottage. With room for only two adults, you will have it all to yourselves.

If you’d prefer a fun holiday with family and friends, and the idea of floating in your dream getaway sounds appealing, consider a houseboat. For example, the Kookaburra Houseboat in Renmark has room for six people and you could all float down the river together.

Riverland has many wonderful accommodation options, from sheep stations to waterfront resorts, apartments and hotels. Check out Take A Break’s Riverland pages for the very best of the region’s holiday accommodation.

Ideal length of visit
You could relax in the Riverland for any length of time, whether it’s for a romantic weekend, a fun week away with family or friends, or a lengthy break to rejuvenate your mind and body.

Further information
Go to the Riverland pages of the official South Australia website for lists of attractions, maps, and useful tips for travelling in the region.

Also consider popping into the visitors’ centres, available in each major town, to get maps and ideas for things to see and do at the following addresses:

Barmera Travel And Visitor Information Centre
Barwell Avenue, Barmera

Berri Visitor Information Centre
Riverview Drive, Berri

Loxton Visitor Information Centre
Bookpurnong Terrace, Loxton
 
Waikerie Visitor Information Centre
Sturt Highway, Waikerie
 
Renmark Paringa Visitor Information Centre                    
84 Murray Avenue, Renmark
 
About the Author
Kylie-Jane Degeling is a freelance writer who has lived in Adelaide, Yulara (Uluru), Alice Springs and Canberra, as well as five different countries throughout the world. After backpacking around Australia, she worked as a tour guide in Central Australia, before training for her Commercial Pilot License and working as a flight instructor, scenic flight and charter pilot. She later worked as a travelling IT trainer for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which involved spending time in each of their 16 District Offices around the country on a frequent rotating basis.

Having experienced Australia as a backpacker, tour guide, pilot and business traveller, Kylie now enjoys family holidays with her husband Alex, and children Jezzy and Jordan. She says, “I have been lucky to see Australia from a variety of perspectives, and as a travel writer can use this experience to inspire others to find holidays they would
enjoy.”

Kylie currently works as a travel writer in addition to being a government writer and columnist for two parenting magazines.