Restrictions on the Murray cut as tourism vouchers worth $750 up for grabs to spend in Riverland

Restrictions on the Murray have been reduced, allowing holidaymakers to make the most of the waterway – just in time to take advantage of free tourism vouchers worth up to $750.

Restrictions on the Murray have been reduced along the length of the river, allowing holidaymakers to make the most of the waterway for the remaining warm weather.

The State Emergency Service announced on Tuesday that in Zones A to F – from the state border to upstream of the Wellington ferry crossing – it was now permitted to swim, dive or operate a human powered vessel within 250m of Locks 2 and 1, be within 50m from an overhead powerline in or on the flood plain, and tow a person from a vessel in Zone F.

In Zone G, river users can now swim, bath or dive within 750m of the Murray Mouth or 250m from any barrages, and moor, anchor, attach or secure any vessel to any of the barrages. Some restrictions still remain, and a full list can be found at SA.GOV.AU

The news comes as it was announced that South Australians will have the opportunity to nab vouchers worth up to $200 for a Riverland adventure or stay, in a bid to boost tourism in the aftermath of the devastating River Murray floods.

This could be you ... a family enjoys a picnic on the bank of the River Murray in Mannum.

Four types of vouchers valued at $50, $100, $200 and $750 will be released during three rounds throughout the year, with the first round kicking off in March.

The lucky winners will be able to use their vouchers for experiences, accommodation, hosted tours and houseboat holidays in the Riverland and Murray River, Lakes & Coorong regions.

The $50 vouchers can be used for exciting adventures such as winery experiences, river sightseeing tours, canoe adventures, Aboriginal cultural tours, guided brewery and gin distillery flights.

While the $100 to $200 vouchers can be put towards accommodation.

In the second and third rounds, thousands of ballot winners can snatch up a $750 voucher for guided tours and houseboat holidays planned for the winter and spring seasons.

Registration ballots will open from March 27 until March 29, then vouchers can be used between Friday, March 31, to Tuesday, June 29 during any day of the week including Saturday, Easter and the April School Holidays.

For the first time, vouchers can be used at caravan parks sites, which have more options for holiday destinations, including the Discovery Park Lake Bonney, Big 4 Renmark Riverfront and Waikerie Holiday Park.

The River Revival Voucher Program is part of a $4.6m river recovery plan, which also includes the ‘Rise Up for our River’ marketing campaign.

“It was important to make sure the vouchers can make a difference to tourism operators right along the river,” Premier Peter Malinauskas said.

“We were conscious of the fact that the campaign had to be equitable and timely, and importantly, create a strong call to action.”

Facilitated by the South Australian Tourism Commission, the plan will help rebuild the communities and tourism operators affected by the once-in-a-century Murray River floods since late last year.

“Our government has committed $190 million to drive the recovery of these regions to get people travelling again, spending up, filling the cafes and pubs,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“And helping our river economies recover strongly and sustainably.”

For more information about the River Revival Vouchers, register your interest and enter a ballot, head to southaustralia.com/voucher.