Your Ultimate Guide to Murray Bridge

Murray Bridge in a nutshell

Welcome to Murray Bridge. Sitting right on the Murray River, this charming South Australian town has grown over the years into one of the region’s liveliest spots, mixing river culture with a strong local community and plenty of things to do.

The area has a long Aboriginal and European history, with the Ngarrindjeri people connected to this stretch of river for thousands of years. Much later, when Europeans arrived in the region, the name, Murray Bridge, was given due to its historic bridge that still anchors the town today, and reminds us of the town’s role as a key river crossing for more than a century.

These days, people come to Murray Bridge for the river itself.

The area is known for wakeboarding, boating and kayaking, long stretches of riverbank to explore, and walking trails that show off the classic South Australian landscape. Add in good food, local producers, and a surprising range of parks and lookouts close by, and Murray Bridge becomes an easy, reliable base for exploring the Murraylands.

So, experience a weekend escape to Murray Bridge and you’ll find yourself immersed in some of South Australia’s most unique scenery. Inside the town, shops, restaurants and various outdoor activities for kids as well as adults will keep the family entertained. Meanwhile, step foot outside of the town and you’ll discover wild and peaceful scenes, dramatically sliced in two by the Murray River.

At this end of this article, find a recommendation for the best accommodation in Murray Bridge, plus fantastic bar and restaurant ideas for your stay. And don’t miss the great-value offers waiting for you at the bottom of the page, designed to make your Murray Bridge escape even more unforgettable!

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Things to do in Murray Bridge

Relax on a river cruise from Murray Bridge

Of all the things to do in Murray Bridge, there’s likely nothing more tranquil than taking a river cruise. Sit back, relax and enjoy South Australia’s Murrayland region as you glide across the water in a historic paddle boat cruise. Captain Proud Paddle Boat Cruises offers the opportunity to soak up the quiet setting and abundant wildlife whilst being served delectable cuisine and refreshments, all from the comfort of a dining room or open-air deck.

With the captain providing an informative commentary, you’ll walk away with a relaxed aura and some interesting context about the Murray River. For those who enjoy lunch with a view, a delightful three hour lunch cruise will cater to your needs. Alternatively, a Saturday dinner cruise offers a romantic setting for dinner during your weekend getaway.

Discover ‘The Bend’ with your motorsport-loving friends

The Bend Motorsport Park opened in 2018 in Tailem Bend and it has quickly become one of Australia’s biggest playgrounds for anyone who loves cars and speed. You’ll find circuit racing, a drift track built for sideways action, a full karting circuit, rally-cross, a driver-training area and even a 4WD adventure park.

If you want to take things up a level, you can book an on-track driving experience and try the circuits yourself, which is far more fun than just watching from the sidelines.

Check out the Round House

The Round House is one of Murray Bridge’s oldest buildings and is today Heritage-listed. Completed in 1876 it played a significant role in early history of the small township. Today, the Round House is a community space which welcomes guests and tells the story of the early bridge and the early townships.

Found in the heart of the historic rail and wharf precinct, it’s only a quick stroll from the city centre’s cafes and shops. Drop by and take a look at the building, perhaps whilst walking the city’s Discovery Trail.

Go bowling with the kids

Murray Bridge offers a great deal of adventure for kids, however if you’re looking for a way to spend the evening, why not traipse the whole family to Bridge Bowl for some ten pin bowling. Situated within Murray Bridge itself, this ten pin bowling alley is equipped with automatic scoring and overhead screens. On Friday and Saturday night, glow bowling – played with glow in the dark pins and balls – is a novel way to add a bit of excitement to your bowling.

Take a trip to Sturt Reserve

Quite possibly the place with most potential for fun and excitement in Murray Bridge is Sturt Reserve. The reserve is set upon the banks of the majestic Murray and lines the water, spanning the major waterway. Head here to cool down and dip your feet in as you sit on the riverbank watching the world go by. Take a stroll along the foreshore and watch local wildlife, including numerous species of native birds.

Sturt Reserve, as well as providing gorgeous river views and birdlife, is home to a children’s playground, tennis courts, dining opportunities, jetties and a community club. Yet the most popular activity to take part in here, is any kind of activity that involves the water. Boating, rowing, swimming, wakeboarding, fishing and water skiing are highly encouraged at Sturt Reserve; there’s no better place to give it a go.

As you explore the wonderful reserve, look out for information about the local Bunyip and learn about the historical significance of the Murray River and in particular Murray Bridge, to local Aboriginal communities.

Take a trip to Murray-Sunset National Park

Hire a boat from Murray Bridge

When in Murray Bridge, you should do as the locals do. Specifically, that means trying out some water sports. The wide river and flat water make the Murray River perfect for all sorts of water-based activities. Particularly popular are waterskiing and wakeboarding. Get your hands on your very own boat for the weekend, and whizz around the waterways as you soak up the summer sun.

At Murray Bridge Ski Boat Hire, rent a boat and take to the majestic Murray at your own will. Boats are equipped with stereo systems, wakeboards, skis and tubes, ensuring that the whole family can take part.

Play a round of golf

During a weekend getaway to Murray Bridge, a round of golf offers a fantastic way to soak up the luscious scenery and to simply relax. Surrounded by lofty gum trees, Murray Bridge Golf Club’s sweeping lawns set the scene for a calm afternoon under the Murraylands sun.

This popular golf course is one of the best in South Australia and boasts around 500 local and non local members. The 18 holes here will keep you occupied for hours.

Go skydiving

SA Skydiving based in Adelaide, South Australia, is the ultimate destination for skydiving enthusiasts. As the leading skydiving school in Adelaide, they offer exhilarating tandem skydiving experiences over breathtaking locations throughout the year.

Additionally, you could also take a comprehensive solo skydiving course, ensuring you can take to the skies with confidence. Operating as a locally owned family business since 1989, they take great pride in delivering unforgettable experiences. The passionate team invites you to join them in our exhilarating playground, where the thrill of freefall and the tranquility of parachute flight defy words.

Go to a Murray Bridge art gallery

Murray Bridge is bursting with heritage and is known for its artistic appreciation. The historic town hall of Murray Bridge and the local regional gallery have recently been transformed into a new cultural precinct for residents. A gallery, sculpture court and a performance space are found here.

At Murray Bridge Regional Gallery, find a plethora of diverse art exhibitions including anything from Aboriginal art to sculpture. Time it right, and you might be in town a workshop or event that ties in with your interests.

Go hiking

Part of any relaxing weekend escape from Adelaide will likely involve either a quick stroll or an adventurous hike through South Australia’s natural landscapes. Murray Bridge is no exception, and you’ll find plenty of options for families as well as adventure seeking couples. The Lavender Federation Trail is a long distance trail which extends all the way to Clare.

Whilst you might not be able to fit the whole 325km into your weekend getaway, you might like to take to the trail for a day and explore the surrounding countryside. This extensive hiking trail begins at the beautiful Sturt Reserve, and from here you’ll wind through wetland systems, across the banks of the Murray, past historic buildings and through the Rocky Gully Reserve.

Alternatively, at Kinchina Conservation Park, a handful of shorter hikes are perfect for families. A 2.5km loop here is ideal for a breath of fresh air. For more local walks and hikes in the region, including the Coorong please click here.

Explore a world-class safari park

Formerly known as Monarto Zoological Park, Monarto Safari Park is a 1500 hectare open-range zoo home to more than 50 species of animals. Exotic creatures as well as native Australian birds and reptiles are found here. Meanwhile, lions, giraffes and other African animals enjoy the warm South Australian climate. You might be interested to know, that if you patched together all of Australia’s zoos and laid it over Monarto, you’d still have land left over. This place is huge and without a doubt one of the best things to do in Murray Bridge.

Over the years, Monarto Safari Park has been praised for its wonderful breeding success, with the latest addition being a rhino, born mid 2020. Take a bus through the open-range exhibits, or opt to walk some of the walking tracks. Either way, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a day out here.

Go skydiving

SA Skydiving based in Adelaide, South Australia, is the ultimate destination for skydiving enthusiasts. As the leading skydiving school in Adelaide, they offer exhilarating tandem skydiving experiences over breathtaking locations throughout the year. Additionally, you could also take a comprehensive solo skydiving course, ensuring you can take to the skies with confidence.

Operating as a locally owned family business since 1989, they take great pride in delivering unforgettable experiences. The passionate team invites you to join them in our exhilarating playground, where the thrill of freefall and the tranquility of parachute flight defy words.

Pic credit: South Australian Tourism Commission

Explore the Murray by canoe or kayak

You don’t have to have a boat licence to enjoy the waters of the majestic Murray River, and you don’t have to be a wakeboarding adrenaline junkie either. Another way to lap up the magic of the majestic Murray and quintessentially Australian countryside is by kayak.

At Freedom Boat Hire, pick up a kayak for one or two people, or opt for a stand up paddle board, and explore the meandering river as you drift down at your own pace. Take some water and a snack and spend a day on the Murray as it was intended.

Visit a local Murray Bridge winery

The burnt orange banks of the Murray host a great deal of wineries. North of Murray Bridge, you’ll find a selection of wineries you can drop into for cellar door experiences and tastings. However, very close to Murray Bridge you’ll find Willow Point, a soothing spot in the heart of the Murraylands, blanketed in vines. There’s no need to travel far, if you’re looking for something truly local.

Pop into the casual cellar door and sample reds, whites and roses from the winery’s impressive collection. At the onsite bottle shop, Australian made crafts, spirits, ciders, beers and wines are found. Stay for longer and sip on a coffee, nibble on a cheese platter or devour a homemade scone.

Try some local spirits

A visit to Roylancer Distillery Co. makes a great little adventure from Murray Bridge. Head north toward Mannum, take the scenic drive along the river and roll into a spot that mixes small-town charm with seriously good spirits.

The distillery is known for its handcrafted gin and whisky, and the tasting room has that relaxed, no-rush feel where you can settle in, sample a few favourites and chat with the team about how everything is made.

Pair it with a wander around Mannum or a riverside lunch and you’ve got the kind of day trip that feels easy but still gives you a story to take home.

Take a tour with Juggle House Experiences

Juggle House Experiences offers tours that shine a light on what makes the Murray River near Murray Bridge truly special. Their “Murray River Highlights” tour takes you along river bends, sandy cliffs and hidden beaches, all while sharing local stories about the land and water.

If your schedule allows, the “Dark Sky” stargazing experience uses the ultra-clear night skies of the Murraylands to introduce you to constellations, planets and the ancient riverside landscape.

For a relaxed, memorable way to explore the region, from the river banks to the stars above, Juggle House makes it easy and engaging.

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Cafés in Murray Bridge

Little Local Co.

Little Local Co. is a great place to start the day, doing breakfast exactly the way locals like it. Expect bright, generous plates, a friendly buzz, and the kind of atmosphere where people greet each other by name. Visitors tend to walk in once and instantly wish they lived closer.

Luogo

Right on Bridge Street, Luogo brings a fresh, modern touch to Murray Bridge’s café scene. The menu is colourful and wholesome, with a few indulgent favourites mixed in, and the coffee consistently hits the mark.

McCue’s Bakery

McCue’s is the spot you drop into when you want something good without overthinking it. The shelves are stacked with fresh pies, pastries and proper Aussie bakery treats, and the coffee comes out fast enough to keep your day moving. McCue’s is the kind of place where you walk in for one thing and walk out with a bag of extras because everything smells too good to ignore.

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Restaurants in Murray Bridge

Riverscape Restaurant

Sitting right on the riverfront, Riverscape is one of the town’s go-to dining spots. Enjoy quality meals paired with wide Murray River views, especially beautiful at sunset.

The Bridgeport Hotel

This revamped venue offers multiple dining spaces, including a bistro overlooking the river. From pub favourites to modern seasonal dishes, it’s popular with visitors and locals alike.

Learn more about Murray Bridge’s best restaurants here. 

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Bars in Murray Bridge

Murray Bridge boasts a vibrant and diverse bar and restaurant scene, offering a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget. With a rich sporting heritage, many of the town’s bars and restaurants proudly celebrate this history through their decor and menus.

CODS Bar

For instance, you can head to the CODS Bar at Bridgeport Hotel to watch live sports or place a bet at the TAB facilities while enjoying a drink or meal.

Paying homage to the renowned CODS rowing team, the bar offers a relaxed environment, welcoming sports fans from all walks of life, just like those CODS members who made it all the way to Paris Olympics in 1924. With an extensive range of tap beers, wines, spirits & a tasty bar menu, CODS Bar truly caters to all.

Pool Bar at the Bridgeport Hotel

Want to have the Murray River as the backdrop of your evening? Go to the Pool Bar at Bridgeport Hotel. It offers a beautiful view of the Murray River and a great spot to unwind and enjoy a refreshing cocktail, champagne or beer while savouring some delicious BBQ.

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AUS Weekend Escape’s top hotel pick!

Bridgeport Hotel

Only an hour by car from Adelaide, a weekend getaway to Murray Bridge is perfect for those without much time to travel long distances.

Why not start the weekend right with a night in the newest contemporary hotel in Murray Bridge? The Bridgeport Hotel is a six storey building fitted out with awesome facilities, raising the bar for hotels in the area. Boasting a sports bar, lounge bar, two dining areas, alfresco bar, outdoor pool and gymnasium, there’s really no better place to stay in Murray Bridge. In fact, beyond Murray Bridge, the Bridgeport Hotel is one of the very best of hotels in South Australia.

Grab yourself a contemporary and stylish room at the Bridgeport Hotel and spend a weekend exploring the tranquil scenes of the Murray River.

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