Murray River Lakes

Straddling the border of South Australia and Victoria, the Murray River Lakes region is a serene water wonderland of interconnected lakes, lagoons, and wetlands fed by Australia's mightiest river. This is a place where the pace slows to the gentle lapping of water against a houseboat hull, where birdlife thrives in vast reed beds, and where local jetties and tiny lakeside settlements invite you to cast a line or simply watch the sunset paint the water in shades of gold and crimson. For international travellers on a self-drive itinerary, it offers a blissful contrast to the arid outback or bustling city life, with plenty of opportunities for boating, fishing, kayaking, and wildlife spotting.

Highlights & What to See

• Houseboating on the Murray: Rent a self-drive houseboat for a floating holiday – meander through the lakes, tie up at a river red gum, and enjoy the ultimate Aussie water experience.
• Lake Alexandrina & the Coorong: Explore the vast shallow lake and its connection to the Coorong National Park, a Ramsar-listed wetland teeming with pelicans, swans, and migratory birds.
• Milang & Goolwa: Visit these historic port towns with their restored 19th-century buildings, jetties, and museums – Goolwa is also the start of the iconic Murray River paddle-steamer route.
• Lakes wildlife cruises: Join a guided cruise to spot kangaroos, emus, and a dazzling array of waterbirds along the lake edges and lagoons.
• Fishing hotspots: Cast a line for Murray cod, golden perch, and redfin from jetties, boats, or the shore – the lakes are a prime fishing destination.
• Wine & produce: The nearby Langhorne Creek wine region produces excellent reds; sample them at cellar doors and pair with local cheeses and olives.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least two to three days to truly unwind and experience the lakes. A long weekend is ideal: spend one day houseboating or kayaking on the water, another exploring the historic towns and wetlands, and a third on a fishing charter or wildlife cruise. If you're on a longer self-drive trip, the lakes make a perfect two-night stop between Adelaide (about 1.5 hours away) and the Limestone Coast or the Barossa Valley.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Adelaide Hills – Charming villages, wineries, and the scenic Mount Lofty Botanic Garden.
• Barossa Valley – World-renowned wine region just over an hour north, perfect for a day of cellar-door tasting.
• Coorong National Park – Protected coastal lagoon system with stunning dunes and birdlife, ideal for a 4WD or kayak adventure.
• Limestone Coast – Volcanic landscapes, Naracoorte Caves, and the famous Coonawarra wine region to the south-east.
• Kangaroo Island – Wildlife-rich island accessible via ferry from Cape Jervis, offering rugged coastlines and native animals.

Please check official sources for current details.