Things to do in Mannum, South Australia

The best things to do in Mannum, South Australia include houseboat rentals and Murray River cruises. Also check out the Mannum Dock Museum and Mannum Waterfalls.

5 best things to do in Mannum, SA

The best things to do in Mannum are:

• Go picknicking, birdwatching and fishing in the Mary Ann Reserve.
• Rent a houseboat.
• Take an afternoon cruise along the Murray River.
• Discover the history of the Murray River at the Mannum Dock Museum.
• Take the 3km walk to the Mannum waterfalls.

Where is Mannum, South Australia?

Mannum, South Australia, is one of the most appealing towns on the Murray River. Well, certainly on the South Australian stretch. Mannum has a strong collection of heritage buildings, and is known for its houseboats and Murray River cruises. The Mannum ferry also crosses the Murray here.

Australia’s longest river is the obvious focal point of Mannum, and the Mary Ann Reserve stretches along it. This tranquil slice of riverside parkland is a perfect spot for picnics. You can also spot a fair amount of bird life in the Mary Ann Reserve, or go fishing on the banks of the Murray.

Things to do in Mannum, South Australia: Houseboat rentals

But you probably want to be on the Murray rather than next to it. If you’ve plenty of time to explore, then houseboat rentals top the list of things to do in Mannum, South Australia. Unforgettable Houseboats and White Houseboats are among the agencies that hire them out. At the higher end of the scale, these houseboats can get surprisingly luxurious. Considerably cheaper accommodation is available at the Mannum caravan park and Mannum Motel

Things to do in Mannum, South Australia: Murray River cruises

If you’ve not got a few days to spend around Mannum, however, there are Murray River cruises available. Four Knots Murray River Cruises runs a variety of short trips up and down the river from Mannum. The standard one-and-a-half hour morning or afternoon cruise costs $38.50, and the two hour sunset cruise costs $44.

If you’d prefer to conjure up a sense of historic romance, then head out on a paddlesteamer. The PS Marion chugs along the Murray for one hour cruises costing $20.

There are also lunch cruises available on the Proud Mary.

Mannum Dock Museum

The PS Marion is moored outside the Mannum Dock Museum. This incorporates the Randall Dry Dock, which was constructed in 1873 and became the centre of the riverboat servicing industry.

Elsewhere, the Mannum Dock Museum looks at the history of the river. It goes way back in time to look at ancient fossils found in the river bed, and explores the relationship local Aboriginal people have with the river. But it mainly focuses on the importance of the Murray as a trade route. The river trade in timber and wool was the financial bedrock of colonial-era Australia.

What to do in Mannum, SA: Mannum Waterfalls

Rounding out the list of things to do in Mannum, is the walk to the Mannum Waterfalls. These waterfalls are on Reedy Creek, and you can do the Mannum Waterfalls walk from either the lower car park or upper car park.

The lower car park is arguably best, as it’s downhill on the way back, and you build up to the falls walking along the creek. The Mannum Waterfalls walk is about three kilometres long – budget a couple of hours.

It’s also worth being aware that the falls don’t flow year round. Come in winter or spring to see them, or following a spell of sustained rain.

More Murray River towns

Albury | Corowa | Wahgunyah | Yarrawonga | Tocumwal | Echuca | Swan Hill | Koondrook | Mildura | Murray Bridge | Goolwa