Summer Holidays In The Riverland

Your week in the Riverland

Finally, long summer nights are coming back around and our minds turn to the endless possibilities that our favourite season brings. Without the certainty of international holidays this summer, many South Australians will be seeking a place to spend a week away from home. At SA Weekend Escapes, we think the perfect destination is the Riverland. Littered with wineries, perfect for cool dips in the hot sun and with plenty of space for the kids to run wild, the Riverland is a hard to beat when it comes to summer holidays. In this article, we show you just what your next Riverland escape could be like.

Dinner with a theme

Although there aren’t as many restaurants in the Riverland as there are in the Barossa for example, the Riverland boasts some excellent choices when it comes to wining and dining. Within the many Riverland towns, plenty of pubs and cafes can be found, meanwhile you’ll also find a range of restaurants. Mallee Fowl is an excellent option for those enjoying their summer holidays in the Riverland, because it really is a tourist attraction in the region!

Located just five kilometres from the town of Berri, the Mallee Fowl Restaurant is a venue like no other. In fact, it’s recognised by the Australian restaurant & catering awards as one of the country’s best themed restaurants and it has even been featured on various travel shows! A visit here will see you eating lunch or dinner upon eleven acres of beautiful bushland. The kids will love this place, because it has been designed to resemble an early settlement dwelling. On the premises you’ll find chickens, geese, emus, ducks, lyrebirds and many other Australian animals.

Afternoon dips

A trip to the Riverland during the summer months can be incredibly warm. Resultantly, if you’re staying for a while, you might like to book into a hotel that offers a pool and plenty of shade. At Big River Golf and Country Club, spend the hottest hours of the day sat beneath the shaded poolside area and take a refreshing dip. Your room is only steps away, as is the Tavern; a bar and restaurant overlooking the hotel’s own golf course.

Hiking in National Parks

Catch a slightly cooler day and you might like to spend it hiking through the region’s most beautiful national park. With Murray River Trails, you can embark on long hikes with a group and expert guide, where you’ll experience the Riverland like never before. However, there are also plenty of walks you can enjoy just for the day, half a day or even an hour. Head to Murray River National Park and explore the region with 1 hour to 6 hour hikes. There are also some spots here where you can enjoy some fishing!

Drinks at a distillery

If you consider the Riverland to be all about pubs, wineries and water sports, then your view might just be outdated! In recent years, the Riverland has become home to some modern eateries and even distilleries, offering great South Australian experiences. In Renmark, Twenty Third Street Distillery is an iconic local gem which creates great spirits with Australian ingredients, in a creative manner!

Choose from a number of experiences during your summer holidays in the Riverland. Take a behind the scenes tour, learn how to create spirits firsthand, enjoy a guided tasking, be a distiller for the day and make your own bespoke gin or learn how to make the perfect cocktail with a masterclass.

Canoeing on the river

Experience the river from your own kayak during your summer holidays in the Riverland. Canoe the magnificent waterways of the Murray with Canoe Adventures and experience the unique beauty of the region. Guided tours, sunset tours or overnight trips are available, and no experiences is necessary. For those just looking to enjoy a day of kayaking at their own pace, canoes and kayaks are available for hire.

 

Lunch at a winery

Don’t forget, that a trip to the Riverland usually involves wine and some tasty local cheese. During your summer holidays in the Riverland, drop into a winery – of which there are many to choose from – and opt for an alfresco lunch paired with a wine of your choice. Try Caudo Vineyard; a family owned and operated vineyard on the Murray River. Find yourself sat up the green lawn and beneath towering gum trees and amongst historic buildings and breathtaking limestone cliffs. Woodfired pizzas are an absolute must here!

SA Weekend Escapes Top Pick!

Stay in Berri – a town in the very heart of the Riverland – this summer and choose Big River Golf and Country Club. Not only will your summer holiday in the Riverland then involve all of the above, but you’ll have the added luxury of a golf course and award winning bar and tavern right on your doorstep. For more information about Big River Golf and Country Club, click here!

More things to do in the Riverland

Looking for some more things to do in the Riverland? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Berri and discover the best things to see and do in the region.