The very best things to do in Renmark, South Australia

The best things to do in Renmark, South Australia, include Murray River cruises, kayak tours and the nightly Possum Parade.

Renmark, South Australia, is effectively a border town. If coming from Adelaide, it is the last town on the Sturt Highway before crossing the border into Victoria.

It’s a Murray River town, and much of Renmark’s appeal comes from the river and lagoon systems around it. And, understandably, top of the list of things to do in Renmark for most people is a Murray River cruise.

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

There are a few Renmark river cruise options, including the PS Industry, a historic paddlesteamer which offers hour-long cruises along the Murray.

The PS Industry in Renmark, South Australia. Photo courtesy of the South Australian Tourism Commission.

You can also stay on board an old paddlesteamer. The Murray River Queen has been converted into a hotel, offering perhaps the most distinctive Renmark accommodation option.

The widest range of boat trips comes from Renmark River Cruises, however. The company has several Murray River cruises in the roster. These include sunset cruises and trips to the Woolshed Brewery or Headings Cliffs.

Things to do in Renmark, South Australia: Boat hire and kayak tours

Sister company Riverland Boat Hire lets you explore the river at your own pace, hiring out tinnies and pontoon boats.

Canoe the Riverland, meanwhile, specialises in Murray River kayaking tours, although it also offers cruises in motorised dinghies.

What to do in Renmark: Bookmark Creek Trail

If you’d prefer to walk rather than paddle, arguably the best walking trail in Remark is the Bookmark Creek Trail.

This mostly flat 3.5km trail has information boards along the way, telling the stories of Renmark’s past and the natural environment.

Renmark attractions: Olivewood Historic Homestead

Other things to do in Renmark, South Australia, include the Olivewood Historic Homestead. This once belonged to Charles Chaffey, one of the Chaffey Brothers who created the irrigation schemes around Renmark and Mildura.

The Olivewood Historic Homestead is now run by the National Trust, with the orange orchard and olive grove complimenting the museum inside the homestead.

Renmark wineries and 23^rd Street Distillery

That irrigation scheme helped make Renmark the largest town in the Riverland region, and fruit-growing is the big industry here. Those fruits include grapes, and several Renmark wineries are open to visitors. These include Angove Family Winemakers, Mallee Estate Wines and Australia Skyrd Estate.

Wine isn’t the only beverage in these parts. The 23^rd Street Distillery makes all manner of spirits, including gin, whisky, vodka, brandy and rum. This Renmark distillery offers tasting sessions as well as gin-mixing and cocktail-making masterclasses.

Things to do in Renmark, South Australia: Possum Parade

The best free thing to do in Renmark, South Australia, is the Possum Parade. This is the name given to the nightly appearance of the possums that emerge from the riverfront palm trees.

At dusk, the possums scamper down the tree trunks in search of food. They’re quite used to visitors taking photos by now.

Renmark accommodation

There are plenty of place to rest your head here. But top Renmark accommodation options include the kid-friendly Big4 Renmark Waterfront Holiday Park, the Murray-side Riverbend Caravan Park and the spacious Renmark Holiday Apartments.

Driving times to Renmark, South Australia

Adelaide to Renmark: Distance 259km, driving time 2h49m.

Barmera to Renmark: Distance 31km, driving time 22m.

Mildura to Renmark: Distance 138km, driving time 1h31m.

Port Augusta to Renmark: Distance 395km, driving time 4h10m.

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