Camping along the Murray near Adelaide

SICK of hearing about everybody else’s action packed holiday, and wish you could set off on your own? Don’t let limited time and budget get you down. Embark on a microadventure!

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SICK of hearing about everybody else’s action packed holiday, and wish you could set off on your own? Don’t let limited time and budget get you down. Embark on a microadventure!

It’s the age-old question: how do you have a holiday that’ll keep the kids happy without breaking the bank? Family, meet microadventure. It’s a great way to escape the daily grind with just the trusty car for the weekend. Yep that’s right: a family holiday complete without jet lag, airport delays and little kids kicking your seat (actually, we may not be able to promise that one!).

There are plenty of places you can take the family along the Murray River in just 48 hours. Float along at your own pace whilst enjoying action-packed watersports and the region’s stunning hiking trails. It’s the perfect recipe to relax, recharge and re-energise.

Make the most of the Murray

The Murray River and watersports go together like the Barossa Valley and wine, so pack your swimmers and cool off with a dip in the river. If staying dry if your thing, then there’s no better way to explore along the banks than on your choice of flotation device, be it a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard (although we can’t promise you’re going to stay dry for long on that last one!).

Discover the many backwaters, creeks and lagoons, while getting a glimpse of incredible wildlife like kangaroos, emus, koalas, and goannas. No good with directions? Then get a guided tour and you’re sure to be let in on some locals-only knowledge and secrets along the way. You can hire equipment from the many towns that line the river. And don’t worry, the South Australian section of the Murray is classified as “grade one canoeing”, so it’s safe for all ages to enjoy.

After a day of fun, you’re going to need somewhere to dry off, which is when   will come in handy. You’ll feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city while staying in Murray Bridge, which is great for families really wanting to get the most out of their camping experience. While you’re cooking the snags on the camp kitchen, the kids will be entertained for hours in the playground and mini golf course. Bring your own tent or caravan, or stay in one of the budget rooms or deluxe cabins.

Step away from the water

The Murray is also a great starting point for hiking and exploring the beautiful South Australian countryside. Get your heart rate up in the Murray River National Park on one of the many walking tracks, including the Ngak Indau Wetland Trail. This is a great walk for animal lovers wanting to see the wetland bird life in action. At 2.6km, it’s perfect for an easy afternoon stroll.

Otherwise, the Cragg’s Hut Walk will take you on a two-hour loop showing you the historic remains of the Craigies and the Blands. You can also visit the grave of Margaret Craigie, before resting at the lookout and gazing out over the view of the land.

After a day of exploring, pull up stumps at Morgan Riverside Caravan Park, which boasts a mix of powered and unpowered sites, along with cabins ensuring that all budgets are catered for. All you have to do is relax and rest those weary legs.

Explore the other local attractions

While it would be easy to just head to the Murray and just run wild outdoors, it would be a shame not to sample a few of the treats along the way. The best thing about the Riverland region is that it’s easy to take a day trip to the famous Barossa Valley and also Banrock Station. You’ll have earned that glass of wine! Alternatively, the dads and mums out there might rather a sundowner at the Woolshed Brewery, which also has free BBQ facilities so you can perfectly match your beer to your snags.

For something a bit different, head to the Bella Lavender Estate. You can enjoy a nice lunch while the kids play on the playground or try out the 10-hole mini golf course.

If you’re looking for a great and affordable base to set up before embarking on a day adventure, then Mannum Riverside Caravan Park is in a great location. After a day of exploring, you can take your pick of either a campsite, caravan or cabin and have a cook-up on one of the BBQs available. Oh, and what’s a family holiday without your favourite four-legged friend? Good news: your pets are welcome here too.

Set on eight hectares and also located along the Murray River, Berri Riverside Holiday Park offers superior cabins, deluxe two-bedroom cabins and powered and unpowered sites and facilities that will keep the kids entertained including a playground, pedal karts, pool and giant jumping pillow. It’s close to Bella Lavender Estate, Banrock Station and the Woolshed Brewery too.

I have Changed this to top parks page not individual parks page