Our Towns and Villages
Welcome to the charming towns and villages of the Mid Murray, where natural beauty and warm hospitality await you at every turn.
Our region is diverse and fascinating, encompassing both inland and river townships and settlements. From Tungkillo, Keyneton, and Truro in the west, Mount Mary, Morgan and Cadell in the north, Blanchetown, Swan Reach, and Bowhill in the east, to Mannum, Palmer and Caloote in the south. There are so many more in between to keep you busy. So explore Mid Murray for a day, a week or longer. You’ll come back again and again.
We host 220km of river frontage, Australia’s first International Dark Sky Reserve, abundant fauna and flora and unique natural wonders such as Shell Hill. From Mallee to the majestic Murray River, there is plenty on offer and our people are among the friendliest you will ever experience.
As you journey through our picturesque towns, be sure to stop by the Mannum Visitor Information Centre or Morgan Visitor Outlet for comprehensive guides on our attractions, events, and hidden gems. From bric-a-brac and vintage shops brimming with treasures to breathtaking birdlife and natural wonders, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
With a variety of accommodation options, including riverside caravan parks, cosy B&Bs, houseboats, and more, you’ll find the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Mid Murray region. Just a short drive from Adelaide, our central location also makes it easy to explore nearby regions such as the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu Peninsula, Riverland, and Clare Valley.
Come and experience the distinctive landscapes and friendly communities that define the Mid Murray – your adventure starts here!
Explore towns and villages
Big Bend
Discover the wonders of this Murray River landmark
Big Bend is not just a sight to see but an experience that will leave you in awe at the most impressive bend on the Murray River. Located near Nildottie and Swan Reach, Big Bend boasts the tallest cliffs and the longest single bend on the river. These towering limestone cliffs, rich with ancient ocean fossils, create a mesmerising landscape surrounded with birdlife.
The sandy beaches along the bend are a favourite spot for houseboats, offering a peaceful escape into nature. Don’t miss the lookout near Nildottie, providing panoramic views of the Big Bend landscape. It’s a photographer’s delight, perfect for capturing the natural beauty of this iconic gorge.
Photo credit: @mattorrz
Blanchetown
Home of Lock 1 on the Murray River
The charming, small township of Blanchetown is home to the first-ever lock on the Murray River, known as Lock 1. Located about 130km from Adelaide off the Sturt Highway, Blanchetown marks the beginning of your journey into the Riverland region.
Completed in 1922, Lock 1 was the first of 13 locks and weirs built on the Murray River. The lock chamber, measuring approximately 17 by 83 meters, is a popular feeding ground for pelicans and river birds waiting for their daily catch.
The old Blanchetown Bridge, built in 1963, offers stunning views both upstream and downstream, while the new bridge, built in 1998, provides a picturesque crossover. Both the lock and the eerie old gums in the water on the northern side of the bridge are must-see sights and excellent photo opportunities.
If you’re looking for a break, the historic Blanchetown Hotel, perched on a hill, offers a trip back in time with its open rafters, original stonework, and an extensive historic photo collection of the early days of the lock. Don’t miss the inviting outdoor bistro, and if you’re here on Australia Day, make sure to catch the famous Yabbie Races at this favourite watering hole.
Blanchetown is also a great place to relax with riverside reserves and a caravan park. Nearby attractions include Burk Salter Wines and the Brookfield Conservation Park. Whether you’re into holidaying by the riverside or house boating, Blanchetown is a popular destination for a serene getaway.
Bowhill
Riverside retreat for holiday makers and nature lovers
Bowhill is a popular holiday shack destination and picnic spot, just 127kmfrom Adelaide and a short drive from Mannum. Known for its thriving Bowhill Engineering, one of the region’s major employers, Bowhill is surrounded by riverside farmland, potato, and onion growers.
Part of the Mid Murraylands Tourist Drive, Bowhill is a favourite spot for water sports and the Lowan Conservation Park, with its Mallee scrub, grey cypress pines and abundant birdlife. Bowhill also has boat ramp access and a wharf where you can watch the Murray River glide by.
While many small regional towns have a general store, you’d be struggling to find one that boasts views or a menu as good as the one in Bowhill. Perched on a clifftop, you could spend hours sitting back at the grassed outdoor area watching river-goers cruising past. Pair this with Bowhill General Store’s menu of freshly-made crowd pleasers, and you’ll be returning time and time again.
Cadell
Home of the Murray River Giant Pumpkin Competition
Home of the Murray River Giant Pumpkin Competition. If you’re amazed by big things, head to Cadell near Morgan on Easter Saturday for the Murray River Giant Pumpkin and Sunflower Competition.
Named after Captain Francis Cadell, who navigated Captain Sturt’s Murray River voyage in 1853, Cadell is one of the state’s prominent ANZAC settlements. Returned soldiers were given grants to establish citrus and primary production acreage, and today, citrus, pumpkins, stone fruit, and viticulture are still thriving despite recent drought challenges.
The Cadell Camping grounds (caravan park) offers numerous powered and non-powered sites. It has a fantastic new camp kitchen and is across from the major Cadell Lagoon where thousands of bird’s head to when its full. It is a bird watchers paradise with several bird hides and trails. The camping fees at the camping grounds are incredibly low and the facilities are modern. It also has a pump out RV site
Cadell boasts one of the most picturesque riverside picnic grounds on the Murray at Graham Claxton Reserve, featuring a natural cliff amphitheatre, free barbecues, and a place to relax in enchanting surroundings. It has an excellent boat ramp, and many a Murray Cod and Callop has been caught near the picturesque cliffs. From here you can see the famous Cadell ferry as it crosses the river. It was the only ferry that did not stop operations during the 22/23 floods.
Cadell is the home of Spook Hill Wines, a small boutique winery which offers tastings, from an excellent fitted out building. Jock is happy to spread his wealth of knowledge over a wine there. Not far from this winery is the Cadell Community club, where a nice cold beverage can be consumed 7 days a week in the evenings and the community volunteers supply incredible meals on Wednesday and Friday evenings. Close by is the Cadell Heritage Centre which showcases the rich history of the area and appointments can be made to have a tour organised.
Cadell also has a 7 day a week local store where fuel and supplies can be bought. One of the Gems of the town is the Cadell OP shop, which is famous in the area for its cheap prices and its old-style service and quaintness. It is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday each week. Check out its face book page for times
Cambrai
Originally known as Rhine Villa
Originally known as Rhine Villa, Cambrai is an extensive farming district on the eastern side of the Mt Lofty Ranges, just 89km from Adelaide or 40 minutes from Angaston. Home to the popular Marne River Olives, where you can sample some of the region’s best Kalamatas and olive oil, Cambrai is a charming destination with a rich history.
The nearby Marne Weir marks the start of the Marne River Valley Scenic Tourist Drive. One of the region’s natural wonders, Shell Hill, is a short distance away near Black Hill. Here, you’ll find ancient oyster shell deposits from the Miocene era, said to be millions of years old.
The Cambrai Agricultural Museum, open on the first Sunday of each month, takes you back to the township’s origins and rich farming history. Between Cambrai and Sedan, explore Pine Hut Road, a meandering pathway through valleys and trees leading to the outskirts of the Barossa Valley.
Don’t miss the Cambrai Hall, which recently turned 100, featuring a remarkable river landscape backdrop painted by Edmund H. Baggs, a well-respected turn-of-the-century landscape artist from England. While driving through, stop by the Cambrai General Store and chat with the locals about their farming past and present.
Photo credit: Nat Rogers
Keyneton
Home of Henschke Wines
Keyneton is a beautiful town known for the magnificent Henschke Wines and as a gateway to the Barossa Valley. With massive gum trees and sweeping landscapes, Keyneton is a picturesque stop on your journey.
The Henschke family has been crafting exceptional wines in Keyneton since 1862, offering a boutique and inviting cellar door experience. The town, located 82km from Adelaide, also features the Soldiers Memorial Hall, commemorating local war heroes with an outstanding interior memorial.
Founded in 1842 and named after the English pastoralist Joseph Keynes, Keyneton is rich in history. As you drive through, take the time to enjoy the marvellous pastoral surroundings on your way to Sedan in the Mid Murray.
Mannum
The birthplace of the first paddle steamer in Australia
If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with a unique backdrop, the historic river port of Mannum is the place to be. Just 80km up the freeway from Adelaide, Mannum is where you can escape, recharge, and soak up the town’s charming ambiance.
Mannum is famous as the birthplace of the paddle steamer and home to the PS Marion. Take the scenic route through the Adelaide Hills via Tungkillo and Palmer and unwind by the river at the picturesque Mary Ann Reserve, which features playgrounds for children, including disabled-friendly equipment.
Enjoy a river cruise, or simply relax on the riverbank with a fishing line and take in the myriad of birdlife and breathtaking views. The Mannum Waterfalls, with their cascades flowing through a magnificent gorge, are a must-visit, ending in an inviting picnic area perfect for children to enjoy the natural mallee landscape.
In Mannum’s main street, explore bric-a-brac and vintage shops, fashion boutiques and gourmet food stores for hidden treasures, and don’t miss the ever-changing exhibitions at the Arnold Gallery in the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre. The world-renowned Hermann Gass Bird Sanctuary, nestled on the banks of the river, offers boardwalk viewing and riverside picnic facilities, adjacent to the scenic Mannum Caravan Park, which features superb cabins and a well-equipped bunkhouse ideal for groups.
Mannum boasts many dining experiences with river views at the Mannum Club, Pretoria Hotel, and Mannum Hotel, as well as numerous main street cafes, bakeries and even a local distillery. River history comes alive at the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre near the 24-hour free Mannum Ferry. Don’t miss the Randell Dry Dock, built in 1876, with the fully restored Keys Beam Steam Engine, built in 1850. The new ‘All Steamed Up’ interactive display lets both kids and adults steer their heritage vessel down the Murray.
Mannum is also host to many special events, including the annual South Australia Truck and Ute Show on the Sunday of the June long weekend, Sounds by the River in January, and Mannum Market held on the first Sunday or the month at Arnold Park.
Drop into the Mannum Visitor Centre for information on attractions and upcoming regional events.
Morgan
Home of the PS Canally and former river trade hub
Set on the banks of the Murray River, 175km from Adelaide, Morgan is a gateway to the outback and a popular holiday destination with a rich river and rail heritage. With extensive lawns along the riverfront and a heritage railway station precinct, including the heritage-listed Station Master’s House and Morgan Wharf, the town is full of stories from the golden days of river trade on the Murray.
Take a stroll down the quaint Railway Terrace overlooking the river, where many shops and buildings remain in their original form. Take a break at one of Morgans two pubs, bakery, cafe or roadhouse. Grab supplies from the IGA supermarket, chemist or hardware store. Walk down the riverfront to see the original Station Master’s House, Ticket Office, and Tearooms, and immerse yourself in the bustling days of rail travel.
The Morgan Heritage Tourism precinct transports you back in time, and the Morgan Wharf is now home to the PS Canally, lovingly restored by the people of Morgan and Friends of the PS Canally. Explore the riverside morgue, the old powder magazine, and stroll up to the Billy Goat Hill lookout for extensive views of the Murray River. Don’t miss a ride on the free 24-hour ferry.
Visit the heritage-listed Landseer’s Warehouse Morgan Museum, built in 1878 to coincide with the opening of the railway. With its original high rafters, the museum is a superb venue for your next function or exhibition. It provides extensive history of the area, with displays that bring to life what the community was like many years ago, featuring horse-drawn carriages, a telephone exchange, a schoolroom, and a classic 1900s kitchen.
Morgan has a vibrant events calendar. Highlights include the annual ‘Day on the Farm’ at Cordola Station in April and the Lions Easter Bazaar on Railway Terrace every Easter Saturday.
Morgan is the perfect base for exploring the Riverland region, with riverside caravan parks, B&Bs, and hotel and motel accommodations. If you enjoy exploring on foot, ask for a brochure from the Museum or the Morgan Internet and Resource Centre and immerse yourself in the town’s history with the Morgan Historical Walk, featuring 46 points of interest.
Charge your electric vehicle at our charging station while you explore Morgan.
Nildottie
A gateway to majestic cliffs and rich Aboriginal heritage
As you approach Nildottie from Mannum, you’ll be greeted by sweeping lagoons, backwaters, and breathtaking vistas of the Murray River that must be seen to be believed. Nildottie, a small township and prominent grape-growing district, lies high on the river cliffs, just around the corner from the majestic Big Bend cliffs.
Experience the rich Aboriginal heritage at the Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park, one of the state’s most significant Aboriginal sites near Nildottie. The Nganguraku people welcome you to this 20-million-year-old cultural site, where you can walk along the river boardwalk and learn about the ‘Black Duck Dreaming’.
Photo credit: Dave Hartley
Palmer
Home of Bear Rock
Did you know we have a polar bear in our Mid Murray backyard? For thousands of years, Bear Rock has stood proudly on the hill, becoming the town’s longstanding hero. Most of the time, Bear Rock is painted white, revealing an amazing polar bear likeness set among an array of granite rock formations, including one that looks like an elephant. As you drive from Tungkillo through to Palmer, watch out for the frog sitting by the roadside!
Take the kids on an adventure to find these famous characters and enjoy the hospitality at the Bear Rock Hotel. Visit the quaint general store for some old-fashioned country service, and if you need directions, they’ll be happy to assist.
Opposite the hotel, take Davenport Road to Rathjens Gap, just 5.8km away, where the gorge is a photographer’s dream and an incredible oasis. The historic olive grove at the oval is also worth a look.
Palmer was named after Colonel George Palmer, a South Australian Colonisation Commissioner, the town was settled in 1860 as a mining and agricultural settlement. Located just 70 kilometres from Adelaide, travel through the Adelaide Hills, make your way through Tungkillo and Palmer, and follow the historic Mannum to Adelaide water pipeline situated above ground level. The stunning lookout just before the town, en route from Tungkillo, offers panoramic views across the Murray Plains. In winter, you might even spot some roadside wild mushrooms.
Purnong
Narrowest river crossing on the Murray
Welcome to Purnong, or Purnong Landing as the locals call it, renowned for having the narrowest river crossing on the Murray. This small, picturesque riverside settlement is 150km from Adelaide and about 15 minutes from Mannum. Surrounded by farmland strong in primary production, Purnong exports onions all around the world.
The community takes pride in their local district hall, which is the heart of the ‘Trash n Treasure’ event on the Easter long weekend. Purnong also brings back the fun with karaoke sessions on any long weekend when advertised—your chance to be the next star!
Don’t miss visiting the small town of Caurnamont nearby, home to many charming river shacks just before the Purnong crossing. The riverside limestone cliffs here are stunning, especially at dusk. It’s a popular destination for holidaymakers wanting to escape city life to the peace and serenity of the river.
Sedan
Crossroads to everywhere
Settled in the 1850s by Lutherans, Sedan is 99km from Adelaide and is truly a crossroads to everywhere. Be sure to check out the mosaic landmark signpost in the centre of town, designed by the community and artists in association with Mike Tye. This beautiful mosaic, featuring local landscapes and icons in vibrant colours, was supported by funding through Country Arts SA.
The Sedan Hotel veranda is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, while Grieger’s Store across the road has been serving the town for many years. The annual Sedan Swap Meet in mid-June at the Sedan Oval attracts people from across the state.
If you’re traveling from the Barossa through Keyneton, the dry-stone walls built by early settlers will amaze you and lead you to Sedan. Years ago, Sedan was a bustling railway terminus and a branch of the South Australian Railways. The old architecture, featuring many 19th-century buildings, is well worth exploring. Discover the town’s history with a trail that includes the steam flour mill and agricultural machinery factory.
Swan Reach
A resilient river town
If you’re seeking stunning 180-degree panoramic river views, the Swan Reach Hotel perched high on the river cliff is the place to be. Overlooking the 24-hour ferry and widespread lagoons adjacent to the Murray River, Swan Reach offers breathtaking scenery.
Settled in 1899, Swan Reach is a popular destination for river shacks and camping. The town comes alive in the summer, transforming into a bustling hub. The area is home to the Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat, one of the largest burrowing animals in the world, endemic to South Australia’s arid zones. The Aboriginal name for this area, ‘Kongorong,’ refers to the large number of black swans that inhabit Swan Reach.
Visit the Punyelroo Caves, a legendary river destination frequented by locals. Myth has it that the cave is linked to the riverbank at Overland Corner, 111 miles upstream. A legendary battle is said to have taken place here, and the two large red gum logs in the cave are believed to be remnants of this story.
Len White Reserve is a popular spot for skiing, boating, and picnics. The town also has a 9-hole golf course, a caravan park, and a bowling club. The Swan Reach Museum showcases the town’s history, including how it survived the great flood of 1956 with over 500 photographs. Check out the Classic Car Gallery, home to a wonderful collection of unique cars.
Free camping is available adjacent to the ferry, making Swan Reach a great spot for fishing enthusiasts. The local store is a popular meeting spot, and there are bric-a-brac and vintage stores in town. If you want to launch your boat, the boat ramp is easily accessible next to the Swan Reach Bowling Club.
Many travellers take the Loxton Road from Mildura and head to Swan Reach to break their trip to Adelaide or explore the beautiful Mid Murray.
Photo credit: Dave Hartley
Truro
Where wheat meets grapes
Traveling along the Sturt Highway from the Barossa to Blanchetown, you’ll find Truro, a gorgeous town about 80km northeast of Adelaide. Set on the ridge of the Mount Lofty Ranges, Truro was founded around 1848 by John Howard Angas, the son of George Fife Angas, who purchased the land in 1842.
Once a primary copper mining area with the Whealbarton mine operating from 1842 to the 1970s, Truro is near the south-eastern corner of Ngadjuri country, while the hills to the east and south of Truro are of significance to the Peramangk people. The town was settled around the permanent waterholes and creek which have served as important resources for millennia. It was a way station between Adelaide and the River Murray for early travellers, who followed the tracks of the First Nations People who had trade routes across the country.
Settlement by Europeans began in the mid-1800s, with local miners building a number of the early cottages.
While the copper mine no longer operates, the town acts as an important service centre for extensive local broadacre farms. It is also a gateway for travellers to the Riverland and to the Barossa, with local businesses providing food, fuel and accommodation.
Known broadly as the ‘travellers rest” Truro offers an excellent bakery, a number of artisan businesses such as Alma & Ann Vintage clothes and antiques, & Scullery Days Vintage, parcelled together.
With the Truro Op Shop, and small museum in the old town hall, plus quiet parks, a dog park, RV camping and dump unit why not break up your journey and explore this wonderful town.
The Lavender Federation Walking Trail passes through Truro, and Pioneer Park on the main street has been established to profile the farming culture and pioneers of the township. Pioneer Park is also a great stopover or meeting area for bike riders.
Charge your electric vehicle at the RAA EV charging station while you explore Truro.
Please visit Truro’s website for more information.
Tungkillo
Where the Lavender Trail begins
Founded in 1861, Tungkillo is a quaint town set amidst sweeping hills and meandering valleys with giant gum trees. Located 60km from Adelaide, it marks the beginning of your Mid Murray journey from the Adelaide Hills and is about 25km from Mannum.
The Adelaide to Mannum water pipeline cuts through Tungkillo, and as you pass through, look out for the frog sitting sedately roadside. The town is nestled among ancient granite rock formations, with ‘Bear Rock’ sitting high on the hill before Palmer.
The Soldiers Memorial Hall is the hub of the town, featuring an exquisite and intricate War Memorial plaque. The community recently built a war memorial near the hall, which caters to private functions as a well-equipped function centre.
Tungkillo is the starting point for the Lavender Federation Walking Trail, where you can challenge yourself with many miles through the region or take a loop walk detailed on their website. The mine located south of Palmer was originally named Tungkillo, surveyed in 1848. The town, settled by Samuel Patten in 1861 and originally called ‘South Petherton,’ was officially renamed Tungkillo in 1906. This charming town nestled in the Adelaide foothills is a place to stop, look, listen, and embrace the amazing sweeping landscape that surrounds you.
Photo credit: SATC
Walker Flat
Get up close to the stunning ochre cliffs
Massive ochre-coloured cliffs greet you as you arrive in Walker Flat, and you can almost reach out and touch them from the free 24-hour ferry. This offers one of the best up-close photographic opportunities in the region.
Walker Flat is a hidden river oasis, just 20 minutes from Mannum and 106km from Adelaide, making it perfect for a day trip. Travel through the magnificent Angas Valley or via Swan Reach and Nildottie on the other side of the river for a scenic journey.
Lake Bywater’s beauty will astound you as you approach from Mannum. For a cosy stay, consider renting one of the river shacks at Aruma Ski Resort or treat yourself to the luxurious Lake Bywater Cottage B&B. With a spacious free camping area, RVs are certainly welcome to stay and soak up the splendor of Walker Flat and surrounds. Onsite toilets available for campers.
The Walker Flat Riverfront Store and river reserve are popular stopovers for houseboats, with the magnificent cliffs as your backdrop. Now licensed with takeaway, groceries and equipment, they are ready to supply all your holiday needs.
More things to do
Experience
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Stay
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Towns and Villages
