Things to do in Murray Bridge, South Australia

The best things to do in Murray Bridge, South Australia, include Murray River cruises, the Kinchina Conservation Park and Monarto Safari Park.

Murray Bridge, South Australia, is one of the largest towns in the state. As the name suggests, it’s on the Murray River, and you’ll pass through on the inland drive from Adelaide to Melbourne.

There are a few things to do in Murray Bridge, South Australia, that make it worth a stop. Silliest of these attractions is the Murray Bridge Bunyip. Bertha the Bunyip is a gaudy model that lives in a ‘cave’ on the banks of the river. It comes out of the water and roars every now and then. The Murray Bridge Bunyip is objectively terrible, but it has become a beloved local icon over nearly 50 years.

Things to do in Murray Bridge: Captain’s Cottage Museum & Regional Gallery

The Captain’s Cottage Museum is the obligatory local history museum, housed in an 1890s building. The farm equipment, model train and old photos aren’t exactly gripping, but the tales of the dairy industry and paddle steamers are more interesting.

The Murray Bridge Regional Gallery is at a similar level of inessentialness. Murray Bridge is really best tackled outside.

Lavender Federation Trail & Kinchina Conservation Park

The town is the starting point of the Lavender Federation Trail, which stretches 325km north to Clare. Obviously, most people are not going to tackle the whole distance, but you can easily tackle one of the spur trails through the Kinchina Conservation Park. This preserved chunk of native vegetation offers a combination of wildflowers, orchids, rare birds and striking granite outcrops.

There are several walking trails within the Kinchina Conservation Park, the shortest of which is the 600 metre Rocky Gully Link Trail. The 4.2km Jailbreak Trail should give you more of a workout, however. Most of the trails are open to mountain bikers, too.

The Rocky Gully Wetlands is also on the Lavender Federation Trail. It’s less well set up for visitors, but there’s a loop walking trail for birdwatchers.

Things to do in Murray Bridge: Monarto Safari Park

Should you wish to see more than birds, the nearby Monarto Safari Park boasts that it is the largest open range safari experience outside of Africa. Formerly known as Monarto Zoo, this wildlife park is in the process of significant expansion. The expansion will include resort-style accommodation as well as seeing the seemingly free-roaming animals from safari trucks.

But top of the list of things to do in Murray Bridge, South Australia, is a cruise on the Murray River. Captain Proud Paddle Boat Cruises offers a massive range of paddlewheeler cruises along the Murray. These include lunch and dinner cruises.

The Murray Bridge Foreshore Reserve in Murray Bridge, South Australia. Photo by John Montesi.

Accommodation options in Murray Bridge include the Bridgeport Hotel.

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