Murray Bridge in a Day: The Mini-Escape You Didn’t See Coming

Over the hills and out the other side, Murray Bridge has a habit of surprising people, especially if they haven’t visited since their childhood. The riverfront has had a serious glow-up in recent years, the food scene is miles better than you’d expect and the surrounding nature provides some great opportunity for adventure. So give it just one night and one day; you’ll realise Murray Bridge is heaps more exciting than you remember.

Surprisingly Good Weekends Start in Murray Bridge

Murray Bridge has a funny way of catching people off guard in 2025. You might think you remember what it’s like, but then you arrive and it becomes clear you haven’t been giving it enough credit. The river is bigger and more beautiful than you pictured, the foreshore feels refreshed and lively these days, and in general there’s just a lot going on.

Give it 24 hours and the place even starts showing off. With the orange riverfront setting the scene, you’ve got boat hires, SUP spots and long walking paths that make the water the centre of the day. Local produce shows up everywhere, from bakeries and cafés to nearby cellar doors.

And don’t forget the town’s track record for motorsport and events which pumps energy into the town on weekends. Add in wildlife encounters and the famous Monatro Safari Park and there’s pretty much no-one Murray Bridge can’t entertain.

This guide walks you through a short 24-hour stay in Murray Bridge. Bridgeport on Friday night, river air on Saturday morning, winery by the afternoon.

Your weekend doesn’t need much more than that.

Murray Bridge in a Day

Friday Evening: Check-in, river walk, rooftop dinner

The Bridgeport Hotel sits right on the riverfront, so the whole weekend begins with that first look at the water. Rooms face the river or the town, and the pool deck makes you drop your bags and want to explore.

Step outside and the river trail is seconds away, running past houseboats, pelicans, and a stretch of calm water that locals use as their evening backdrop. Take a leisurely stroll before dinner and watch the sun set behind the river. Alternatively, you could opt for a swim where rooftop views will have you mesmerised.

Once you’ve had a wander, it’s time to head back for dinner. The hotel’s Terrace Bar spills out onto the rooftop, giving you the best evening view in town. Late dinner and drinks works well at the hotel. Simple pick: order something hearty and linger while the last of the river light fades (glass of something local in hand).

Saturday morning: Breakfast, swim, river stroll, coffee stop

Mornings at the Bridgeport Hotel can start with breakfast, but they could also begin with a refreshing dip. The pool catches the sun early, so you can swim before breakfast no problem.

Breakfast downstairs covers the usual suspects, and then it’s worth a stroll either along the river trail, or through the town.

Once you’ve enjoyed enough of the morning light, head up through the town to Little Local Co. for a great coffee.

Paddleboarding or kayaking

Now that you’re officially warmed up for the day, if the water looks tempting, Freedom Boat Hire runs casual kayak and SUP rentals from Sturt Reserve, about a 5 minute walk from the hotel.

Prices sit roughly around $50–$70 for the entire day (depending on what you choose), so you’re free to use it for as long as you like. The water here is actually gentle enough for beginners, and you get a clear look at the river cliffs as you move further along the bend. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a sense of balance!

Winery visit

A lot of people don’t realise you can fit a wine stop into a Murray Bridge trip without disappearing into the car for hours. Bremerton Wines in Langhorne Creek is your closest strong choice, less than a 30 minutes’ drive from Murray Bridge.

If you haven’t already checked out, you could do that first, and enjoy a leisurely trip to the winery on your way home.

The family history at Bremerton Wines is long, and the old stone building has a typical South Aussie winery kind of charm. Their Verdelho and Shiraz get most of the attention, but the real win is the courtyard on a warm afternoon. They also do tasting paddles and build-your-own platters, which works if you’re not in the mood for a full lunch.

If you prefer something smaller, Bleasdale is only a few minutes away and gives you a story worth telling later, thanks to its 19th-century press that still sits inside the cellar door.

The drive home

If you’re heading back toward Adelaide, the drive through the hills gives you a few easy excuses to pull over. Strathalbyn is the first obvious stop, especially if you’re after some dinner, with the Robin Hood Hotel covering the relaxed pub-classic side of things.

If you want one last view before home, swing past Mount Barker Summit, where a short walk puts you above the farmland and township, enough elevation to make the final stretch feel a bit less like you’re rushing back to real life.

Book your stay at the Bridgeport Hotel

In many ways, the Bridgeport Hotel is the anchor of Murray Bridge’s these days. The contemporary rooms look straight out over the water, the rooftop bar brings in both locals and visitors, and the pool deck and rooftop bar is truly unique for the area.

Step outside and you’re moments from the foreshore walking path, with cafés, restaurants and all the activities you’d dream of a short drive away.

Book your stay at the Bridgeport Hotel.