Murraylands Attractions

Murray Bridge (pop. 13,000), the largest town on the Murray River, has grown considerably over the last ten years or so. It is linked with Adelaide by the fine South Eastern Freeway. After its foundation in the mid-19th C, Murray Bridge played an important part as a crossing place for the herds of cattle driven from the east. A bridge built in 1879 is still in use. In the heyday of shipping on the Murray the town was also an important port.Among buildings of historical interest are the old mill, the railroad station and the Murray Bridge Hotel. Also of interest is the Captain's Cottage Museum. Round the town are market gardens and farming country, with numerous greenhouses and a large milk-processing factory.From Murray Bridge there are short excursions and longer cruises on the Murray River.

Mannum (pop. 2000), in the center of a mainly agricultural area (wool, beef, cereals), is one of the oldest settlements on the Murray River. It is the starting point of the water pipeline to Adelaide. Mary Ann, the first paddle steamer on the Murray River, 18m long was built here in 1853. Its huge square boiler stands in the riverfront park, along with a replica of the whaler in which Sturt sailed down the Murray in 1830. The Marion, another paddle steamer, built in 1898, is a museum. Others - the Lady Mannum, Proud Mary and Murray Explorer - operate cruises on the river. House boats on the Murray can be hired.

The little settlement of Swan Reach (pop. 230) lies on the Murray River. The beautiful surrounding country and good fishing are attracting increasing numbers of holidaymakers. House boats can be hired for excursions on the river, and the Murray Explorer offers longer cruises to Mannum, for example.

Tailem Bend (pop. 1500) is an important traffic hub. It lies at the junction of the Dukes Highway (Hwy 8), Princes Highway (Hwy 1) and Ouyen Highway (Hwy 12), and is also an important railroad junction.