Your guide to winter in Mannum

Old paddle steamers and museums for the historians, a dark sky reserve and peaceful riverside sunsets for the chilled, lunch cruises and local eateries for the lovers of food and wine; Mannum is the peaceful SA Winter Escape destination you’re craving.

Here for the complimentary Penfolds? Scroll to the bottom of this post to discover our Winter Wine Offer.

1. Enjoy a river cruise

Mannum’s best feature is of course the Murray River. Whilst in the winter you might not want to jump in and take a dip (or even go fishing or hire a canoe on a rainy day), there is still a great way to enjoy the water here. A river cruise is the perfect way to spend a morning or even a whole day. From the comfort of a cosy boat, admire the banks of the Murray River and spot wildlife along the way. Take relaxation seriously, and treat yourself to a lunch cruise on the Proud Mary. Otherwise, keep your eye on Four Knots to see what other options are available during your Winter Weekend Escape. You’ll find perfect options here for not only couples but families too.

2. Indulge in a leisurely lunch

Mannum’s setting on the river makes it ideal for long lunches with good views. Plus, with its proximity to the Riverland and its many wineries, you might also be able to grab a taste of local wines here too. For a casual option, try Picklemee Grandma Cafe  where not only will you find delicious homemade food, but also a selection of local crafts and furniture for sale. A killer all-day breakfast here is ideal for post-river walk brunches. During a stay, you might also like to pop into Cafe Mannum. Locally renowned for its tasty bites, Cafe Mannum protects you from the cold winter weather but still offers beautiful riverside views. The food here is of high quality and a favourite for many locals.

3. Admire the night sky

Catch a night when the sky is clear and you might just be surprised at what you find. In fact, in Mannum – only an hour out of Adelaide – you can feast your eyes on perhaps one of the most impressive sights you might ever see! The Murraylands attracts star gazers from all over the world, due to its phenomenally dark skies. In fact, the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve is the first of its kind in Australia; there are only fifteen places in the world which come with this impressive title. Head out before bed with the family and find the darkest spot you can. The night sky here is absolutely beautiful! To give you a better idea, night sky darkness is measured in units from 0-22 and here in South Australia’s Murraylands region, an impressive score of 21.97 has been given. Wrap up warm, and head outside during your getaway to Mannum – you won’t regret it!

4. Wrap up warm and get on the water

Swimming in the Murray in winter is pretty much for the brave, however catch the Murraylands on a clear sunny day and it might be tempting to get involved with some water-based activities! Hire a canoe or a kayak nearby and enjoy the water from the dry seat of your own vessel. Just 20 minutes down the road in Murray Bridge, you’ll be able to hire a kayak or canoe with Freedom Boat Hire and make the most of the river. Very reasonably priced double kayaks are ideal for families looking for a little adventure during their SA Winter Escape.

5. Head to the local museum

Those heading to Mannum for a Winter Escape with the kids this year will likely enjoy visiting a local museum. At the Mannum Dock of River History Museum, the history of Mannum’s river port history is displayed. Find here the locally famous Paddle Steamer Marion as well as a Mannum Visitor Centre and the Randell Dry Dock (a dry dock upon the river). Receiving a great deal of paddle steamers as a result of increased trade in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Mannum has a settler history worth sharing. Children enjoy the Dock of River History Museum for its interactive exhibits including one which allows you to steer down the Murray. Plus, an educational video called “Source to the Sea” teaches visitors a little more about the trade history.

6. Take a walk by the river

In Mannum, visitors looking for a walk have a choice of either historic strolls or nature-based walks. The walk to Mannum Falls is perhaps the most beautiful of the walks in the area, leading walkers past pools and stony creeks, all the way to the waterfalls at the end. A great deal of birdlife and wildlife can be found on this walk, especially in winter and spring after the rain.

Looking for something a little more educational or full of history? Three short walks around the town and its surroundings help visitors to learn about local Aboriginal and settler histories. Heritage-listed buildings, war memorials and much more are scattered across these approachable Mannum walks.

7. Take a scenic drive

When the weather isn’t so great in winter, driving is a great way to discover the local area. Plus, what with the magnificent scenery of the Murray River and the unique environments that you don’t want to miss, driving helps you to see as much of the region as possible. The Murray River Scenic Cliff Drive leads guests to the Murray River along the ‘golden cliffs’ of South Australia. Passing expanses of water, interspersed with eery tree trunks, as well as orange cliff faces and lofty gums, you’ll get a real sense of what the Murrayland and Riverland regions are like after a day on the road.

The SA Weekend Escapes Winter Wine Offer

Don’t just book any escape to Mannum this winter. Book one that comes with a free bottle of Penfolds wine!

Mannum Motel is offering a complimentary bottle of Penfolds wine for anyone who books direct on their hotel website this winter. This Winter Wine Offer is the perfect way to warm up your winter evenings and top of the perfect Weekend Escape to Mannum.

Find out more about this Winter Wine Offer here!

Your Ultimate Guide to Mannum

Most of us have managed to holiday here in SA this year. But with winter coming, it’s time to book another getaway; something to look forward to during the colder months. For more inspiration regarding things to do, places to see and restaurants to visit in Mannum and its surrounds, discover our Ultimate Guide to Mannum. Otherwise, navigate our website – packed with holiday ideas – to discover more regions for your next SA Winter Escape!