Cruising the Murray River by Houseboat

It's all good IMO. I've camped/holidayed/fished on the river from Echuca through Mildura and lots of spots in SA, haven't found a bad spot yet. I'd recommend anywhere from Blanchetown downstream in SA but you won't go wrong anywhere.

Anywhere upstream of Mannum is good - too many willows and people south. If you really want to get away from it all leave from Renmark or the Old Customs House at the border and head upstream towards Victoria. Can recommend Breathtaker at Morgan and Enigma near Waikerie. Enigma is diesel and unusual in being a monohull.

Stephen.

Depends where you want to start your trip,Mildura thru to Goolwa(Mannum,Bow Hill Swan Reach),not sure how much water up stream from Mildura so mite be better to head into S.A. There are houseboats for hire here in Berri.Wide river,plenty of fish(if u be in rite spot )

We have only "done" the River by Houseboat in South Australia so my advice will be biased somewhat.

We have hired Houseboats from most areas along the SA section of the Murray and I would agree that there is no "bad sections" but some are better than others.

Our favourite section is starting from Morgan and cruising up river. This section has some of the best cliff areas anywhere on the Murray and the colours radiating off them at sunup and sunset just adds to the superb "go slow" atmosphere of this form of Holiday. In a week you should easily reach Wakerie and back, or even further if all you wish to do is cruise. This section also has a multitude of "landings" suitable for tying the houseboat up at night.

As for those Willows, no problem there mate. That's the best place to fish for Redfin if you are so inclined.

Oh!, one word of warning.
When leaving from Morgan, by the time you have motored up the river for a bit and everyone has had a go at driving the boat, you will be looking for your first spot for the night. DO NOT choose the right hand side of the river or you may find yourself "parked" on the bank of the Cadell Training Centre (Prison).

I love all things about the Murray, whether I am cruising along in a Houseboat with a bunch of good friends, or camped in a spot along its banks.

Start at the customs house above Renmark and head upstream.

hi, we did 2 lovely weeks in a small house boat leaving from Murray Bridge, it was great but the willow trees are a pain as there is limited places to stop, once we got to Mannum we were pretty right, and yes you do need to tie up to the bank as house boats are not allowed on the river between sun down and sun up, so you need to start looking for a spot to stop 1-2 hours before your ready to make sure you find some where.
we too had a furry critter (rat) come onto our houseboat through the night, took me a while to work out what i was hearing, but this only happened once.
hope you have a great time.

Pick it up in Mandurah and slowly make your way up to Ravenswood.

Many thanks for your opinions, they are greatly appreciated, now we just have to make a decision.