The Riverland – where slow mornings, good wine, and great sunsets are a way of life
South Australia’s Riverland locals have always known how to live well. Maybe it’s the Murray River. Maybe it’s the wine. Maybe it’s the way good company and good weather never go to waste.
This patch of South Australia is full of surprises – from bush retreats and lazy river cruises to juicy produce, quirky pubs, and towns that roll out the welcome mat.
If you’re planning your next Riverland getaway, this guide pulls together our favourite places to stay, taste, cruise and wander.
RIVERLAND GETAWAY ACCOMMODATION
Unplug in style at Parcoola Retreats
Parcoola Retreats feels like someone whispered “relax” – and the Murray River gave them a thumbs up.
Tucked beside the river at Overland Corner, just 20 minutes from Barmera, this one-of-a-kind retreat blends a luxury tiny home with a beautifully restored stone cottage. Side by side and surrounded by gum trees, native bush and wide-open skies, Parcoola is an ideal base for those seeking to indulge in the simplicity of country living. Sleeping up to four guests, it’s a great escape for couples, young families or friends to gather and soak up the Riverland landscape.
A generous outdoor living area takes in sweeping views, with kayaks ready to launch and a firepit for slow nights under the stars. Inside, loft beds are dressed in French linen, and inside the restored stone cottage rests a clawfoot bath inviting long, lazy soaks. A local breakfast hamper is included, with optional dinner hampers and in-house massages if you’re settling in for the full unwind.
Whether you’re here to explore or do nothing at all, Parcoola offers the kind of calm that’s hard to come by.
Hideaway in the heart of the Riverland
Crossfield Cottage in Barmera is like stepping into a slice of Riverland history. Built in the late 1920s and surrounded by vineyards, orchards and native bush, this self-contained cottage blends old-world character with modern comfort.
Indoors, tall ceilings, polished floorboards, a cosy wood fire and a clawfoot bath set the scene for romantic weekends, family getaways or a peaceful couple’s retreat. Outside, the alfresco area opens to landscaped gardens, and on clear nights you can soak in an outdoor bath under the stars – ideally with a glass of South Australian wine in hand.
Just a short drive from Lake Bonney, it’s the perfect base for water adventures one day and curling up with a good book the next. Locally owned, stocked with regional produce, and designed for slowing down – this is Riverland luxury without the fuss.
Farm life and starry nights at Stockyard Plains
Stockyard Plains Camping is the kind of place you go when you want the noise to stop and the stars to take over.
Set on a working farm just 15 minutes out of Blanchetown, it offers a peaceful escape from the caravan park crowd. Pitch your tent, park your van or choose a fully self-contained spot for maximum privacy.
Guests can soak up the tranquillity or get a taste of farm life, with optional activities like sand dune tours, exploring old ruins, or even horse riding. At night, the location’s spot within the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve means unbeatable stargazing and incredible night-sky photos.
Your host also creates handmade goat’s milk soaps and lip balms using local ingredients – a little slice of the Riverland to take home.
Stockyard Creek is perfect for families, grey nomads, or anyone craving country calm.
Unpack, pour a glass, and settle in at Ridgehill
In the heart of Riverland wine and citrus country and only minutes from Loxton, Ridgehill Farm Stay is where space, comfort, and the easy pace of Riverland life meet.
Choose from three self-contained homes – The Simpson (sleeps 6), The Thayne (sleeps 8), and The Voigt (sleeps 8). Each has two bathrooms, a full kitchen, comfy lounge, laundry, Wi-Fi, and an outdoor BBQ area so you can cook up a feast after a day exploring. Every home has its own flavour, whether you’re waking up in a citrus orchard, surrounded by vineyards, or strolling to the golf course.
Perfect for family holidays, golf weekends, work trips, or simply putting your feet up, Ridgehill puts Loxton’s shops, cafes, and riverfront within easy reach. Short stay or long, it’s your Riverland base for lazy mornings, long lunches, and evenings under big country skies.
FOOD & LOCAL FLAVOURS IN THE RIVERLAND
Squeeze the day at Nippy’s in Waikerie
There’s no better place to stock up on Nippy’s than straight from the source – and yes, the deals are juicier too.
Tucked inside the Waikerie Producers complex, the Nippy’s factory-direct kiosk is a hidden gem for anyone who loves freshly squeezed OJ, flavoured milk, or a bargain too good to walk past. It’s a Riverland refill station well worth swinging by.
Nippy’s has been a proud Riverland brand for more than 50 years, with deep family roots in the region and a serious passion for local produce. Besides the drinks, you’ll find dried fruit, honey, local salami, and other tasty Riverland treats worth stuffing into the esky.
The kiosk is open weekdays from 8am to 12pm and 12.30pm to 4pm (closed weekends and public holidays). If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the action through the factory windows as you load up on local favourites.
Bargain hunters, this one’s for you.
History on tap at Overland Corner Hotel
Pull up a chair at a true Riverland icon – the Overland Corner Hotel. Set on the Murray banks just half an hour from Berri, this isn’t your average country pub – it’s history, hospitality and handcrafted drinks all under one roof.
Sip your way through the region’s largest selection of locally made craft beers, wines and spirits, then grab a meal showcasing Riverland produce – from pub classics to seasonal specials. The beer garden, shaded by red gums and dotted with tables, will make you want to stay all afternoon.
Bookings are essential, especially if you’re hoping to camp or use their free caravan spots out the back. With live music on weekends and a mini museum tucked inside, this 160-year-old gem is a Riverland classic that’s definitely worth the stop.
MURRAY RIVER HOUSEBOATS & TOURS
Cruise the Murray in style with Foxtale Houseboats
If cruising the Murray in comfort sounds like your kind of holiday, Foxtale Houseboats in Morgan has four spacious, fully equipped vessels ready to go.
Each one comes with ensuites, roomy living areas, modern kitchens, and big decks for soaking up the river views – three even have bubbling spas. The largest sleeps up to 12 across six bedrooms, making them perfect for family gatherings, groups of friends, or anyone wanting extra space to unwind. Two of the boats are pet-friendly, so even your four-legged crew members can join the adventure.
Prefer land over water? “Joy,” Foxtale’s riverside shack, offers the same peaceful setting with the bonus of solid ground.
Owner Jodie, a true Riverlander, has been welcoming guests for more than 20 years – and her love for the region shows in every detail.
Unwind on the Murray with Rivergum Cruises
How’s the serenity?
Towering limestone cliffs, native bushland, and a whole lot of birdlife – Rivergum Cruises gets you right up close to nature from the deck of a luxurious, custom-built boat.
Launching from Waikerie, you’ll drift along some of the most breathtaking stretches of the Murray River. There are several cruise options to choose from, including the Yarra Cliffs, Ramco Redgum, and Broken Cliffs cruises – each one offering a different slice of river magic. Sunset cruises are also on offer, if you like your serenity served golden.
For something a little more tailored, the Design Your Own Cruise gives you full run of the boat – perfect for a swim stop, BBQ on board, or simply kicking back and soaking in the scenery.
Add a local platter and a glass of Riverland wine or craft beer from the licensed bar, and you’ve got a seriously relaxing way to spend an afternoon.
Only two hours from Adelaide, Rivergum Cruises is all about slowing down, switching off, and letting the river do the talking.
THINGS TO DO ON YOUR RIVERLAND GETAWAY
Hands-on history in the heart of the Riverland
If you’ve ever wondered what life was like in the Riverland before wi-fi and air-conditioning – or when horsepower meant actual horses – the Loxton Historical Village has the answers.
This open-air time capsule is home to more than 45 buildings, recreated to reflect Riverland life from the 1890s to the 1950s. Wander through the original Loxton’s Hut, General store, Blacksmith, Bakery, Bank, Print Shop, and more for a peek at life from years gone by.
It’s run by a passionate bunch of locals who love sharing a glimpse into the Riverland’s past. On special “Alive Days,” you’ll see history in action with rope-making, sheep shearing, blacksmith demos and more.
There’s a shady picnic area, plenty of parking, and a souvenir shop if you’re partial to custom made items or local crafts. It’s quirky, hands-on, and absolutely worth a visit!
Start your Riverland adventure in Renmark
Perched on the banks of the Murray, the Renmark Visitor Centre is the perfect first stop when you roll into town. It’s where you can grab maps, local tips, and book a river cruise or tour before you’ve even unpacked the car. The crew behind the counter knows the region inside out, so if you’re chasing the best eats, local events, or that magic sunset spot, they’ll point you in the right direction.
Inside, you’ll find shelves of local goods – from wine and honey to handmade gifts – plus historic displays that set the scene for your stay. Pick up your Adventure Passport stamp while you’re there and start collecting memories from day one.
From booking a paddle-steamer cruise aboard the historic P.S. Industry to checking the live riverfront webcam, this is the spot to launch your Renmark getaway.
Sip, savour and soak in the views at the Riverland Wine Centre
For a true taste of the Riverland, make your way to the Riverland Wine Centre at Pike River. Overlooking sweeping vineyards and the Murray, this spot brings the whole region’s wine story together in one place.
You can sample from an impressive line-up of local wineries – all under one roof – with tasting flights that showcase the diversity and creativity of Riverland winemakers. Not a wine drinker? They’ve got you covered with locally brewed Aristo coffee, plus a café menu that makes it just as easy to linger over lunch as it is to drop in for a quick tasting.
Adjoining the stylish Pike River Villas, it’s the kind of place where the views, the wine and the easy pace of country hospitality all come together.
Riverland Getaway FAQs
Spring and autumn are the most popular times, with warm days, cooler nights, and perfect weather for river cruises, markets, and winery visits. Summer is great for water sports, while winter offers crisp mornings and cosy nights by the fire.
The Riverland is about a 2.5–3 hour drive from Adelaide, depending on where you’re headed. Renmark, Berri, Barmera, Waikerie and Loxton are the main towns, each with plenty of accommodation, dining, and things to do.
Visitors love cruising the Murray River, staying in unique accommodation, sampling local wines and produce, and exploring attractions like the Loxton Historical Village, Overland Corner Hotel, and Rivergum Cruises.
Yes – with houseboats, camping spots, outdoor adventures, and plenty of space to explore, the Riverland is a favourite for family holidays.
