Your guide to winter in Murray Bridge

Galleries and museums for the curious and creative, river cruises and a leisurely round of golf for the ones who like to take it slow, safari parks and go-karting for the entire family; Murray Bridge has great potential for an SA Winter Escape. 

Here for the complimentary Penfolds? Scroll to the bottom of this post to discover our Winter Wine Offer.

Murray Bridge in winter

Sure, you might not want to take a dip or go waterskiing in the colder months in Murray Bridge. However, with the new and luxurious Bridgeport Hotel on the horizon, and with so many winter activities to enjoy for the whole family, Murray Bridge is a great option for a fleeting family getaway. Below, we prove to you just how many things there are to do in Murray Bridge. And we bet you’ll be surprised just what a great weekend you can plan only an hour away from Adelaide!

Keep scrolling to find out more.

1. Take a boat ride

Swimming is for the most part out of the question in the Murray River during winter. Avoid taking a dip in the cold water and enjoy the majestic Murray River from the comfort of a warm boat instead. Choose a leisurely cruise from those available with Captain Proud Paddleboat Cruises  and enjoy a dinner or lunch as you float between the orange riverbanks of the beautiful Murray. Some evenings you’ll even find live music on board.

2. Head to a museum or art gallery

Back on land, you’ll find that Murray Bridge has a surprising amount of art and culture on show. At Murray Bridge Regional Gallery, constantly changing exhibitions keep things interesting all year round. Sculpture, ceramics, photography, digital art and all sorts of other art forms pass through this gallery, so keep your eyes peeled for something you like. Additionally, the gallery here also holds events and workshops. Past and future events include that of still life drawing workshops and lively craft markets.

3. Try go-karting

At The Bend, visitors to Murray Bridge will find a phenomenal go-karting opportunity. You don’t need a licence to whizz around the corners here! Take the wheel and enjoy the exhilarating outdoor track at The Bend, where you can reach speeds of up to
70 kilometres per hour.

4. Eat some local food

If you’re heading to Murray Bridge for the weekend, you might like yo enjoy a meal with a view of the river. At Riverscape Restaurant, grab a seat and tuck into a tasty meal next to the Murray. On the menu, you’ll find pub food favourites as well as pizzas and some awesome cheese boards. Alternatively, those heading to this part of South Australia later in the winter might like to head to the new Bridgeport Hotel. Here, visitors will find not only an enticing South Australian inspired restaurant – Rivergum – but also a rooftop bar. Those looking to eat and drink in style won’t want to miss this.

5. Enjoy a round of golf

Golf is a good enough reason to head to Murray Bridge during a winter weekend and spend the night. Located only 78km from Adelaide, Murray Bridge golf course is best enjoyed followed by a night in a hotel and a relaxing breakfast the next morning. One of the best country courses in the state, this spot is beautifully lined with gum trees and is gently undulating. Great views in all directions and well maintained greens are a great plus to this 18-hole course! Once you’re done with your round, there a place to have a drink too.

6. Kayak or canoe when it’s too cold to swim

Catch a sunny weekend in Murray Bridge, and whilst swimming might not be too appealing, kayaking or canoeing just might! At Freedom Boat Hire, get your hands on a kayak and get up close to the water without actually having to get in! If you don’t feel confident enough to grab a kayak and set sail, a selection of tours are on offer too. A fishing tour, birdwatching tour and a cultural tour are also on the cards for Freedom Boat Hire, so stay tuned!

7. Explore Monarto Safari Park

Did you know that Monarto Safari Park is 30 times larger than Taronga and Melbourne Zoos combined? This open air zoo just outside of Murray Bridge is absolutely huge and well-worth a day trip. Spanning over 1500 hectares and home to around 50 species of animals, this place is very special! Monarto Safari Park is home to some of Africa’s impressive animals including lions and giraffes. Explore the park on the bus, or take a Lions 360 tour to get up close with the king of the jungle. Sure, this place might be designed for the kids, but Monarto Safari Park is an enjoyable day trip for people of all ages! Tie this in with a night in Murray Bridge for the perfect SA Weekend Escape.

8. Head to a winery

Whilst you might not think of Murray Bridge to be a wine destination, located within the city during your stay, you’ll find yourself only a few minutes from a local winery and only 30 mins from a whole handful of wineries in the Langhorne Creek area. Willow Point Wines is the closest winery to Murray Bridge and is found right next to the Murray River. Grown on site and bottled locally Willow Point Wines are very local and also great value. Head in to taste some reds and whites, share a cheese board, a muffin or scone, and relax at this lesser-known winery for the afternoon. Those looking to try out another ‘lesser-known’ region away from the main centres such as the Adelaide Hills, might enjoy Lake Breeze Wines, or Bleasdale.

9. Visit the Captain’s Cottage Museum

To understand a little more of the settler history of Murray Bridge, visit the Captain’s Cottage Museum. Inside this quaint home, guests will find a collection of historic items such as photography, train and toy exhibits, a model boat and old farm machinery. The house was initially built in 1980 by Captain Adam Johnstone in 1890 for his wife and nine children. A visit here will help you step back in time and appreciate the settler history of Murray Bridge. Outside the home, find gardens, lawns and plenty of space for a picnic.

The SA Weekend Escapes Winter Wine Offer

Don’t just book any escape to Murray Bridge this winter. Book one that comes with a free bottle of Penfolds wine!

The Bridgeport Hotel – opening in July – is about to up the standard for hotels in the region. Be amongst the first to experience the rooftop bar, infinity pool and all round luxury of this new hotel.

Book a room direct with the Bridgeport Hotel this winter, and you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of Penfolds wine to enjoy during your stay. The Winter Wine Offer it the perfect way to warm up your winter evenings and top of the perfect Weekend Escape to Murray Bridge. Find out more about this Winter Wine Offer here!

Your Ultimate Guide to Murray Bridge 

Most of us have managed to holiday here in SA this year. But with winter coming, it’s time to book another getaway; something to look forward to during the colder months. For more inspiration regarding things to do, places to see and restaurants to visit discover our Ultimate Guide to Murray Bridge, or navigate our website – packed with holiday ideas – to discover more regions for your next SA Winter Escape!