Murray River Trails is proud to launch its newest tour linking two contrasting sections of Australia’s most famous river. Safari to River’s End is an immersive 5 day/4 night experience, showcasing South Australia’s Riverland all the way to the Coorong and Murray Mouth.
From the redgum and red cliff lined meandering Murray River to the spectacular white sands and dunes of the Coorong and the Murray Mouth, guests will learn the stories of these regions, their wildlife, their history, and their cultures.
Tony Sharley, founder of the award-winning Murray River Walk and Murray River Trails is passionate about helping travellers to discover the magic of the Murray, and his collaboration with some of the best storytellers along the river will continue to fulfil that dream. “Safari to River’s End is an opportunity to unite our river regions and our river communities, showcase their wildlife and surreal beauty, create local employment, continue to grow the visitor economy and develop advocates for the river” Mr Sharley said.
The experience links the Aboriginal Cultures of Erawirung Country at Renmark down through the lands of the Ngangaruku people near Mannum and into the Ngarrindjeri Nation at the river’s end at Goolwa, where Aboriginal Elders share stories with guests on the journey. Nature enthusiasts are rewarded with two Wetlands of International Importance integrated into the program; The Riverland Ramsar Wetland and the Coorong and Lower Lakes Ramsar Wetland, supporting rich and diverse wildlife including migratory waterbirds from the Northern Hemisphere.
Starting in Renmark, the first two nights are spent on the recently launched luxury houseboat High River, featuring five bedrooms with ensuites, superb views of the river, top deck spa and solar power for quiet and efficient energy. Murray River Trails guides showcase the culture, wildlife, and diverse floodplain landscapes while cruising, canoeing, and driving through the vast outback lakes. The journey continues down the river valley with Juggle House Experiences on route to historic Goolwa via Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park and a cultural tour of the ancient carvings on the limestone cliffs.
Guests are then spoilt at River’s End Retreat for the next two nights, overlooking the last stretch of the river between Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island near the Murray Mouth. This beautiful historic waterfront home provides an easy transition from the luxurious houseboat, to five spacious bedrooms with ensuites, superb river views and history at guest’s fingertips.
Host Jamie Bishop has been key in the development of this tour and provides a wealth of local history based in the “Little Scotland” precinct of Goolwa. Teaming up with founder of Canoe the Coorong – Brenton Carle and his passionate guides, guests will spend a day exploring the Murray River mouth region including a special cooked fish lunch in the dunes. Local foods including Murray Cod, Coorong Mullet and Mulloway and local wines add to the authenticity of this tour.
