Your Ultimate Guide to Mannum

Mannum in a nutshell

With native birdlife, Murray River views and towering gums, the Murraylands region feels unmistakably Australian.

In the middle of it sits Mannum, a small riverside town of just over 2000 people with a strong historical connection to paddle steamers and river trade. The town was established around the construction of the steamboat Mary Ann, and that heritage is still easy to see today.

Mannum is one of the easiest weekend escapes from Adelaide, with the river front and centre. Visitors come for wakeboarding, boating, jet skiing, kayaking and everything else the Murray makes possible. On land, there is a golf course, lawn bowls, tennis courts and a bike trail, along with a few short walking paths for those who want to explore the area at a slower speed.

Green riverfront spaces make it easy to relax by the water, and wildlife is never far away. With its friendly atmosphere and scenic setting, Mannum is an easy getaway for families, groups and anyone wanting time outdoors.

Only an hour from Adelaide, it is close enough for a night away yet feels noticeably different from the city and the hills. And the change in landscape creates that immediate holiday feeling without the long drive.

At the end of this guide, you’ll find our top picks for accommodation in Mannum. Plus, don’t miss the Exclusive Travel Package at the bottom of the page, adding extra value to your Mannum experience. 

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Things to do in Mannum South Australia

Explore the waterfalls

Mannum waterfalls can be found close to the town of Mannum, providing guests to the beautiful Riverland region with a great opportunity for bush walking. Moderately steep trails which follow Reedy Creek all the way up to the falls, weave past bushland, cold rocky pools and tricking waterfalls all the way.

After decent rainfall in the winter months, you will find the waterfalls at their fullest and most majestic. Nature lovers will find this spot thoroughly enjoyable due to the flourishing birdlife and scenic views that you’ll encounter across the entire trail. Allow yourself 2-3 hours to fully take in the scenery here.

Drive along the Murray River

If you’re new to the Murraylands region and looking for a general overview of the unique landscape, the Murray River Scenic Cliff Drive is certainly one to tick off. Following Younghusband Road along the eastern banks of the river, this 18km drive will take you on a journey through the most dramatic scenery around. Towering orange cliffs lining the river will take your breath away, and trees growing from the river beds and protruding from the surface are enchanting. Opt for this scenic drive and explore the remarkable banks of the Murray at your own pace. Make sure to stop as often as possible to witness the striking views.

Play a round of golf

Serving the surrounding Murraylands region, Mannum Golf Club is a perfectly placed spot for a round of golf. People of all ages and abilities congregate here to socialise over a friendly round of golf all week. Wander the nine hole fully-greened golf course and make your way trough the tree lined fairways on a sunny day. Golf lovers will enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and luscious green views here.

Take a day trip from Mannum

One of the best things about basing yourself in Mannum is how many easy day trips sit within reach. You don’t need to travel far to find great walks, conservation parks, river landscapes and small country towns worth exploring for the day.

For example, you can head north to the Barossa Valley for a full day of wine tasting, long lunches and trails through places like Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park. If you prefer something outdoorsy, the drive west takes you to Hale Conservation Park, where short but rewarding hikes give you big views over rolling hills and rocky outcrops.

Another good option is Hahndorf, around an hour away, where you can spend the day wandering the main street, dropping into cafes, breweries, wineries and visiting all kinds of local producers.

Set off on a river cruise

When it comes to things to do in Mannum, a visit to PS Marion should be on your list. PS Marion was built in 1897 as a way to carry cargo as well as passengers along the Murray River. In 1973, the National Trust bought PS Marion, later restoring the boat to be as wonderfully grand as dazzling as it is today.

Experience the mysteries of the Murray upon this historic vessel and opt for a short cruise from Mannum. There is no better way to uncover the history and beauty of the region.

Star gaze like never before

With artificial light dominating the night skies across the majority of our urbanised world, you’ll be surprised to hear that only an hour out of Adelaide you can feast your eyes on perhaps one of the most impressive sights you might ever see. The Murray River and surrounding region is not only beautiful in the day, trust us.

The Murraylands attracts star gazers from all over the world, due to its phenomenally dark skies. In fact, the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is the first of its kind in Australia; there are only fifteen places in the world which come with this impressive title.

To give you a better idea, night sky darkness is measured in units from 0-22 and here in South Australia’s Murraylands region, an impressive score of 21.97 has been given. Head outside into the depths of midnight darkness during your getaway to Mannum and experience the unspoken beauty of our night sky.

Explore Hermann Gass Bird Sanctuary

Found upon the banks of the Murray River at Mannum, is the famous Hermann Gass Bird Sanctuary. Adjoining to the next-door park, this beautiful oasis boasts tranquility and plenty of local wildlife. Boardwalks with are laced throughout allow for guests to explore the wetland protected area. Also find here a number of picnic facilities where you can sit with the family for the afternoon and enjoy a peaceful lunch.

Is there ever a more peaceful or romantic way to explore a place than by canoe or kayak? Be at one with the water during your Weekend Escape to Mannum and glide through the wild waters of the Murray, past fabulous waterfront properties, burnt-orange river banks and towering gum trees. This is absolutely one of the best things to do in Mannum.

To hire a canoe or kayak, head over to Freedom Boat Hire and start exploring!

Walk Mannum’s historic trail

Around the town itself, guests are invited to take self-guided historic walks which tell stories of the history of Mannum. Walks of different lengths are clearly marked on a map and are easy to follow. The Randell walk takes visitors on a journey through the town, exploring its German heritage, the geology of the region and the history of Aboriginal people who are the original custodians of the land here.

Alternatively, the shorter Shearer walk teaches visitors about early commercialisation surrounding the River Murray and the recreation that the river brought to the local communities. Whichever you choose, you will learn something new, and if you’re an keen hiker you’ll easily cover all three walks within the day.

Cruise along the Murray Plains Cycle Trek

Another excellent way to explore the natural surroundings of Mannum is by bike. Starting in the town of Mannum, the Murray Plains Cycle Trek slowly trails through a network of rural roads all the way to Sedan. Head off from your accommodation in Mannum in the morning, and follow markers across the total 54km distance which guide you in the right direction.

Pass farming settlement areas and cruise through the wonderfully quiet countryside. Throughout your journey, expect to find trickling streams, orange tree-lined tracks, creek crossings, old stone farm buildings and grassy fields filled with sheep. If you’ve not travelled with your own bike, no problem. The visitor centre in Mannum now offers bike hire.

Go to a Mannum museum

Whilst there are a great deal of things to do in Mannum for kids, much of this involves the outdoors. On a hot summer’s day, traipse the family down to the Mannum Dock Museum of River History and learn about the history of life by the majestic Murray River. Information about the famous Paddle Steamer Marion as well as Aboriginal histories and stories of the Murray’s major floods can all be found here. The rich and colourful history and interactive aspects here will even entertain the kids.

Visit Roylancer Distillery Co.

Roylancer Distillery Co. brings something genuinely special to the River Murray region, blending small-batch craft spirits with a story rooted in local soil, family, and a love of doing things properly. The distillery was founded by the Roylancer family, who turned a long-held passion for distilling into a modern, character-driven space where everything is made with care, from their gins and liqueurs to their seasonal experiments.

Visitors can drop in for guided tastings, learn how their spirits are crafted, and enjoy a drink in a relaxed setting that feels connected to the landscape around it. It is the kind of place where you arrive for a tasting and end up staying longer, simply because the atmosphere, the people, and the spirits make it easy to settle in.

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Cafes and Restaurants in Mannum

The handful of cafes and restaurants in Mannum will certainly add a dash of local hospitality to your weekend getaway. Sprinkled across the town, you’ll find eateries, as well as couple of welcoming bakeries serving up fresh breads, pastries and other delicious baked goods. One great thing about the restaurants in Mannum, is that many of them actually line the river, taking advantage of the striking river views.

Picklemee Grandma

At Picklemee Grandma, enjoy some wholesome homemade food in the very centre of the town. Tuck into a delicious breakfast, opt for a leisurely lunch or simply drop by for a coffee after a morning stroll. Besides tasty meals, the cafe also sells arts and crafts, showing the artistic talent of the local area.

Randell Street Bakery

None of us can resist the tempting aromas of a great bakery, and Randell Street Bakery is no exception. Drop by this locally famous bakery to sample some warm, flaky delights or grab a coffee (which is known locally to be of a very high standard).

Cafe Mannum

Alternatively, at Mannum Motel, Cafe Mannum is a wonderful spot to sit with a drink and soak up views of the mighty Murray. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available daily, made with the freshest of local ingredients, making it one of the most popular restaurants in Mannum. What’s more, you won’t be able to resist feeling totally relaxed here, as you watch birds flying overhead and boats gliding down the river.

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AUS Weekend Escape’s top hotel pick!

Mannum Motel

Located only an hour from Adelaide, Mannum offers Adelaideans a fantastically convenient and relaxing Weekend Escape spot. Looking for accommodation in Mannum? Take a look at our recommendation.

Mannum Motel is a very popular choice for visits to this beautiful part of South Australia. Comfortable rooms which overlook the Murray River offer guests the ultimate Murraylands escape, whilst the casual and friendly vibes make you feel at home. A selection of different rooms, including corporate and family options invite all kinds of travellers.

An excellent cafe on the ground floor is perfect for an evening glass of wine by the river, a morning coffee or a tasty meal.

Book a comfortable room at Mannum Motel.

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