A Day Spent at Murray Bridge’s Most Surprising Stay
25th February 2026
Floating above Murray Bridge with a cocktail beside your sun lounger feels slightly out of character for this riverside town, yet the rooftop pool at the Bridgeport Hotel carries it effortlessly. Paddle steamers pass slowly along the Murray below, the waterfront path carries a steady flow of locals along the river and the glass-lined pool deck lets you soak it all up. Welcome to the Bridgeport Hotel in Murray Bridge.
Anchoring Murray Bridge’s Riverfront
From the riverbank, the Bridgeport Hotel stands out immediately. Opened in 2021, the multi-level hotel rises beside the town’s iconic bridge, its unique rooftop pool visible from across the water. The scale feels surprising in this setting; more city hotel than regional stay, which is exactly why it has become a talking point over the years within Murray Bridge and far beyond.
Visitors arrive from Adelaide for overnight stays by the river and relaxing weekend breaks, while locals pass through for afterwork drinks and dinners. The building now firmly anchors this stretch of the Murray.
Staying at the Bridgeport Hotel places everything within walking distance, but the best part is there’s plenty to do within its walls, too. Rivergum Restaurant pairs polished pub favourites with more refined plates, giving guests another reason to stay in for the evening.
Weekend afternoon tea rounds out the offering; a fitting way to top off weekends away that mark a special occasion.
So what does a day in Murray Bridge look like with the Bridgeport Hotel as your base? We take a closer look.
Mornings: Breakfast and river time
Morning in Murray Bridge starts best with a refreshing plunge. The rooftop pool opens early enough for a quiet pre-breakfast dip, when the river still feels quiet and the town is waking up. From the pool, gaze into views across the Murray and towards the bridge.
Breakfast follows, where guests can choose a tasty breakfast dish alongside a hot drink and juice, all served in the light-filled restaurant. Options range from the “Green Goddess”, topped with roast pumpkin, feta and herbs on sourdough, to the more substantial “Farmers Breakfast” with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, chipolatas and hash browns. For something sweeter, the “Pancake Stacker” arrives layered with berry compote, maple syrup and whipped cream.
Stepping outside, the riverfront foreshore sits right near the hotel. A paved walking path traces the water’s edge, passing lawns and picnic spots. From here, head to Pomberuk Reserve (a culturally significant riverside space with views across the Murray) or in the other direction toward the town’s well-known Bunyip; a town icon inspired by Aboriginal stories connected to waterways and the Murray River.
Late morning is a good time to experience the river, and Freedom Boat Hire offers one of the best ways to do it! Located 10 minutes on foot from the hotel, the operator rents out a range of vessels, from ski boats (for those chasing adrenaline) to kayaks and smaller boats (suited to gentle exploring and bird spotting).
Afternoons: High Tea and Rooftop Cocktails
From here, Murray Bridge’s compact town centre sits within easy walking distance, with cafés, small shops and the Murray Bridge Regional Gallery offering a few interesting stops before heading back to the hotel. The Round House and Captain’s Cottage Museum add another layer of local history if you’re particularly interested in the town’s past.
Next, High Tea back at the Bridgeport, which arrives as a colourful three-tier stand stacked with sweet and savoury bites, paired with a glass of bubbles on arrival and a choice of herbal tea or espresso coffee. Served inside Rivergum Restaurant, the Murray River is just beyond the windows. Scones, sweets and warm savoury pieces fill each level, offering plenty to work through across the afternoon. Just make sure you book yours in a couple of days before your stay!
But why stop the indulgence there?
High tea may finish downstairs, but the rooftop still has your name on it, whether that means another dip in the pool or time stretched out on a sun lounger under the afternoon sun. A Murray River Spritz, Passionate Pelican or classic Margarita fits neatly into that late-afternoon window before dinner, keeping the day feeling indulgent a little longer.
Evenings: Dinner at sunset
Dinner downstairs at Rivergum Restaurant quickly proves that staying in isn’t just convenient, but it’s actually part of a great Murray Bridge experience. The menu is varied and modern, including everything from polished pub favourites to more creative plates that lean modern (but without losing comfort). Dishes like pork belly, scallops and carefully plated mains sit alongside familiar staples.
Inside, warm lighting and river-facing windows shape the mood as the sun sets. Dessert or another drink often follows, though the on-site bar makes the latter an obvious choice.
The bar at the Bridgeport Hotel has a lovely kind of weekend energy, busy but relaxed, with locals and hotel guests crossing paths over cocktails, beer and local wine.
Stay at Murray Bridge
The Bridgeport Hotel sits confidently along the riverfront, its rooftop pool and multi-level design now a familiar part of Murray Bridge since opening in 2021. It’s a space that brings together accommodation, dining and rooftop drinks within one address.