Is your family looking for a different summer escape this year? Maybe a week of disconnecting from the city life, relaxing with a waterfront view, but still mixing in enough fun and adventure to make memories with the kiddos?

Then it’s time for a holiday on our stretch of the Murray River.

The best part? There’s no LONG road trip to find us – we’re only 45 minutes from the tollgate. So grab your sunscreen and lifejackets – because we’ve got some inspo for your week of family fun mapped out below…

Test out one of the iconic waterfront holiday homes available from River Shack Rentals. These magnificent homes can sleep anywhere from two to 24 people (there are some BIG places), making them the ultimate family river escape.

This is the perfect week-long summer retreat for families who love the water and activities. You can pack in everything from kayaking, paddleboards and tubing-biscuits to mountain biking, speedboats, front-yard cricket, fishing, yabby nets, big BBQs, leisurely floating, morning walks, dinners on an upstairs deck and more.

(*And if you don’t have your own river equipment, touch base with Freedom Hire and rent some for the week).

Some of the holiday homes also have swimming pools and spas included, or big games rooms (including things like pool tables and air hockey). So have a good look to decide on your holiday style, and what the budget might allow.

You can make a stay in these houses as laid-back or luxurious as you like (just picture an afternoon where grandad is snoring on the couch during the Ashes, while mum is reading a book and having a wine on the deck, and the kids are checking the fishing lines on your private jetty).

Start loading up the activities trailer and lock in your holiday here.

Also, if you’re keen to sneak further south towards the Coorong, there are some great holiday homes on the water, including places at Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island – or even some smaller holiday homes such as Coorong Cabins and Coorong Waterfront Retreat or Coorong Island Retreat on Lake Albert.

With a houseboat, you can captain your own cruising home for the week, and live in the lap of luxury!

Often the thought of driving a houseboat can be a bit scary for some. But all you need is a driver’s license and a sense of adventure, and away you go (and there are different sizes for everyone too).

What we LOVE about houseboat holidays is that view you’ll never get sick of. On board, you get 360-degree views of the river, and each morning you can wake up to the sounds of nature and spectacular sunrises right on your doorstep (before jumping in for a morning swim or paddle). It’s impossible not to relax as you move over the ripples of this iconic waterway.

It’s great for those who want to be close to nature, uncovering hidden spots away from the crowds, but with all the mod cons – and even some added luxury (rooftop hot tub anyone?). Equally, it’s super fun for those who love to ski or wakeboard, because you can tow your boat along with you – and rig up to go for a swerve any time you like during daylight hours.

Plus – if you all need a break from each other, you can moor in towns like Mannum, Swan Reach, Murray Bridge or Wellington for a pub meal, walk around the shops, live music or simply exploring on land.

Take a look at the your summer vessel options at Houseboat Hirers Association. 

If you’re looking for a cosy, and super-luxe escape, then you need to test our one of our floating retreats (these are super popular right now!).

Relax to the sounds of water lapping outside and swans paddling past your front door, as you enjoy river access straight from your front deck.

For luxury including an outdoor bath and firepit try much-loved (and award-winning) Bill’s Boathouse, or get cozy and watch your own private sunset with wine in hand from the deck of The Floathouse.

For larger groups, Cristal has everything you need for entertaining, and for incredible views, you can’t beat the 360-degree deck onboard Hex’d on Murray.

Take a look at more of these floating retreats here.

For those who are seasoned caravanners, campers or cabin-lovers, then we have some gorgeous riverside stays that will treat the whole family for summer.

Hook up the caravan or camper trailer or grab the tent and swags and head our way for some of the best caravan and camping spots.

Along the Murray, you can find a secluded campground to explore with local hikes and trials. OR find a quiet stretch of water to paddle, swim, fish or simply sit in your deck chair and chill out.

For family fun, head to one of the well-equipped caravan parks, which allows you to relax by the river, while the kids explore playgrounds, have a shot at mini golf or cycle the quiet park streets with their friends.

Some of our top parks include the Big 4 Mannum Holiday Park, the Big 4 Murray Bridge Riverfront park, or the Avoca Dell Caravan Park. Further out, you’ll find gems like the Big 4 The Bend Holiday Park, with its own pool, mini golf, jumping pillow, games room – and short walk to all the action of go-karting, supercars and restaurant (if you need a break from BBQs).

Get out on the water: Make the most of your stay and get out on the water! Learn to ski and wakeboard, or just enjoy the thrill of flying across the water in a speed boat. Freedom Boat Hire can set you up with ski boat hire and accessories, and even an instructor who’ll have you skiing in no time. Want to step it up? Feel the wonder of flying over the water with a Fliteboard lesson and learn to eFoil.

Meet the wildlife: For more action and adventure, try a close-up encounter with lions, giraffes or elephants at Monarto Safari Park. While you’re here, drop in for a luxurious meal and explore the new Monarto Safari Resort next door.

Check out the world’s best motorsport park: Take a hot lap at The Bend Motorsport Park, or even take the kids along for a karting race at their track (you don’t even need a licence to enjoy all the fun and excitement of go-karting at the state of the art facilities at The Bend). Take the wheel on the outdoor track and reach speeds of up to 70km/h.

Paddle and cruise: Slow things down and explore the beauty of the river at a quieter pace. The Mannum Canoe Trail is the perfect way to relax, explore and unwind. Don’t have your own canoe – try Freedom Hire.

Or – let someone else do the sailing and jump aboard a cruise. From short trips to full chartered experiences, the options are endless. Learn about local history, spot shipwrecks and see the local wildlife on cruises with Four Knots Murray River Cruises, Spirit of the Coorong, and MV Dragonfly Charters and Tours.

Or – step back in time when you climb aboard one of the historic riverboats cruising the river, including the Proud Mary, PS Marion, PW Mayflower, and the Murray Princess.

Dine out in style: No matter where you are along the Murray River, there are some iconic and locally-loved favourites that we’d recommend you visit for a meal, snack or drink. Why not test out Little Local Co in Murray Bridge for coffee and treats; or the Bridgeport Hotel or Pretoria Hotel for river views and delectable pub meals. For a different view try the Apex Bar at The Bend to dine directly over Pit Lane or head to Café Mannum and watch the dual Mannum ferries crossing with your lunch.

The new 1924 Riverfront Steakhouse in Murray Bridge is also great for big groups, while the Tailem Bend Bakery is an institution for Dukes Highway road trips.

If you head to the Coorong, try our Goolwa’s Kuti Shack, Hector’s Modern Kitchen or Bombora on the River. But for the other side of the Lakes, try the new menu at the Meningie Hotel, or Freshies Cafe on the waterfront (conveniently right next door to Lake Albert Caravan Park).

Get the kids moving: There’s also a growing list of adventures for the kids, including mini golf (try Avoca Dell in Murray Bridge, or the massive new Shanx course in Goolwa). Plus there are skate parks, pump tracks, giant nature playgrounds and riverfront trails – in most of our towns.

Come and spend a week on the river this summer – where you can unwind or make a splash in your own style.