Update: Unfortunately in the 2023 floods, some of the roads and levee banks used in this route were washed away or are closed until further notice.
The Murray River Cycling Route (MRCR) is intended to be a relatively easy tourist ride, suitable for an average Uncoool Cyclist. As much as possible, the route follows dirt roads, tracks, levee banks and quiet bitumen along the Murray River.
Every kilometre of the Murray River Cycling Route has been test-ridden by members of the Uncool Cycling Club at least once. The route has also been ridden by a group of 14 riders as a six-day tour with a rest day in Milang.
Designed to be ridden downstream, we are presenting the trail as a series of daily rides of about 50 kilometres per day, with a short ride on the last day.
Day 1 Mannum to Murray Bridge (56 km or 50 km)
The highlights of the first day on the Murray River Cycling Route are
- the charming riverside town of Mannum
- the remains of the old settlement at Caloote
- clifftop views from Zadows Landing
- the levee banks at Wall Flat
- the dairy flats and levee banks at Mypolonga and
- the completed section of the Murray Coorong Trail from Toora into Murray Bridge.
Although it is a pleasure to cycle on the flat, well-formed levee banks that border the Murray River, getting through the narrow “gates” can become tedious.
However, if you get tired of negotiating the gates, there are plenty of alternative routes still on quiet roads.
If you prefer a few less kilometres, here is a slightly shorter version of Day 1, cutting out the levee banks at Wall Flat.
Food and accommodation at Murray Bridge
Day 1 is a bring your own food day, as the only outlet between Mannum and Murray Bridge is the Mypolonga General Store, which has limited hours and minimal supplies.
To get supplies for dinner and the next day’s riding, there are plenty of supermarkets in Murray Bridge.
Accommodation is also plentiful at Murray Bridge and there are three caravan parks for camping.
Day 2 Murray Bridge to Wellington (46 km or 42 km)
On Day 2 on the Murray River Cycling Route, you will
- visit the historic village of Swanport
- pass Willow Point vineyards (optional coffee stop if after 10am)
- stop by the Old Schoolhouse at Woods Point
- ride along scenic levee banks and dirt roads
- take the ferry from Jervois to Tailem Bend for coffee and cake at the Little Local Co Coffee Shop and/or serious food at the Tailem Bend Bakery.
Caution: The eleven kilometre section along Jervois Road between Swanport and Woods Point can have fast-moving traffic.
As there are no food outlets on Day 3 between Wellington and Milang, you may want to stock up on snacks and something for lunch at the Tailem Bend Foodland.
From Tailem Bend, the Murray River Cycling Route follows another completed section of the Murray Coorong Trail along the top of the Tailem Bend cliffs and through Mowantjie Willauwar Conservation Park to East Wellington.
The Hall Cafe in East Wellington has excellent food and coffee, but is not open on Mondays or Tuesdays and usually closes around 2pm.
From there, it’s another short ferry ride to your destination for the night at Wellington. For more pictures of this section of the ride, see the River Bend Heritage Trail.
Why not have your evening meal at the Wellington Hotel overlooking the river (excellent food, great view!).
If you are looking for a slightly shorter and easier version of today’s ride, follow this link. This version doesn’t go to Tailem Bend and stays on the western side of the river.
Food and Accommodation at Wellington
Accommodation in Wellington is limited although the Wellington Hotel has some riverfront cabins and budget units. Book early!
Otherwise there is plenty of accommodation at Tailem Bend.
Camping is at the Wellington Caravan Park.
While there is not a general store or supermarket in Wellington, you may be able to get some basic supplies from the Wellington Minimart petrol station.
Day 3 Wellington to Milang (54 km)
On the morning of Day 3, it might be worth checking to see whether the Hall Cafe (on the eastern side of the river) is open. If so, it’s a great place to have coffee or breakfast before beginning your ride. You could also get a salad roll for your lunch.
Highlights of Day 3 on the Murray River Cycling Route include:
- riding through Murrundi Reserve Wetland
- eight kilometres of dirt tracks (if not too muddy)
- riding past the vineyards of the Langhorne Creek wine region and
- arriving in the historic port of Milang beside Lake Alexandrina
Caution: The fourteen kilometre section along Wellington Road can have fast-moving traffic, but is broken up by a two-kilometre powerline track.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION at Milang
The Milang Mini Mart offers good coffee and basic supplies with some fruit and vegetables. You can also buy meals at the the Port Milang Cafe (open every day), Artisans at Heart, the Milang Bakery and the Pier Hotel (let the hotel know ahead of time if you are vegetarian).
Budget accommodation is available at the Milang Lakes Hotel. At the Milang Lakeside Caravan Park, you can camp or rent a cabin. Best to book early for accommodation in Milang! There are also a few Bed and Breakfast cottages in town.
If Milang is booked out, the Clayton Bay Caravan Park, twelve kilometres further south on Lake Alexandrina, may have some vacancy.
Optional Rest day in Milang
With plenty of eating options and history to explore, Milang is a great place to enjoy a recovery day. Additionally you can also ride to the nearby Langhorne Creek Wine region.
Another idea for an extra day in Milang is riding to Strathalbyn via the Nurragi Rail Trail. (Please note, however, that this route includes ten stiles. It’s not suitable for an eBike unless you are riding with a friend.)
Day 4 Milang to Goolwa (55 km)
On Day 4 of the Murray River Cycling Route, you ride along the shores of Lake Alexandrina to Clayton Bay. At the 30 kilometre mark, a must-stop eating spot is the iconic Finniss General Store.
From there, it’s thirteen kilometres to Currency Creek, where on a short walk you can see the historic road bridge, the railway viaduct and the old coppermine.
The viaduct was originally built in 1869 for the horse tramway from Goolwa to Strathalbyn. Strengthened in 1883 for locomotive traffic, it’s still in use by the Steamranger today.
The coppermine, which commenced operations in 1848, includes a 20 metre shaft, but was never very profitable.
The old road bridge, built in 1872, represents the first ever use of a vertical laminated timber arch construction.
After exploring Currency Creek, you continue on to Goolwa, using backroads and making a short detour through the Kessell Road Ponds.
FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION at Goolwa
Being a larger town, there are plenty of accommodation and food options at Goolwa. For camping, you can try Discovery Parks Goolwa, the Hindmarsh Island Caravan Park or Middleton Caravan Park, seven kilometres from Goolwa.
Day 5 Goolwa to the Murray Mouth
Your last day on the Murray River Cycling Route is an easy 16 kilometres to the Murray Mouth. Depending on which day you arrive, you could then celebrate at the Coorong Cafe.
Highlights of the day include
- crossing the Hindmarsh Island Bridge
- cycling along the Goolwa Channel
- rolling down Monument Road
- the track through the Monument Road conservation park
- riding beside the Mundoo Channel and
- the Murray Mouth Lookout
If you are staying an extra night in Goolwa, be sure to ride the Encounter Bikeway to the Bluff. Alternatively, you could explore the bike path along the Murray River towards Goolwa North, or try the ride out to the Goolwa Barrage.
Reviews of the Murray River Cycling Route
In April, 14 cyclists participated in a six-day tour on the trail with a rest day in Milang. Here’s what they had to say:
“An absolutely wonderful and interesting trail, every aspect from Mannum to the Murray Mouth incredibly well thought out.” Damien Henderson.
“A unique experience. Manageable distances each day with historic places of interest to stop at along the way. Such a varied landscape.” Rhonda Whyatt.
“I loved the variety of the scenery. The changing landscape of the Murray was amazing.” Catherine Davies.
“A well considered route with a variety of surfaces, including paths developed by local groups.” Janet Skewes.
“The route gives you an appreciation of the River Murray as it winds from Mannum to its eventual flow into the sea. The landscape changes from high limestone cliffs to wide open spaces. We cycled along levee banks, back roads and farmers tracks. Surprised by things in unusual places, we enjoyed excellent meals at the Wellington Hotel overlooking the river, drank fine coffee at the Finniss General Store and ate burgers, fish and chips at the Coorong Café where the Murray River finally meets the sea.” Ian Pope.
“We had a great week away and saw some amazing sights touring around this beautiful part of the Murray.” Myriam Keoghan.
“As a new arrival to South Australia, the Murray River Cycling Trail was a wonderful way to see this part of South Australia and the Murray River.” Louise Rodoreda.
Disclaimer
All care has been taken with the preparation of this Murray River Cycling Route. However, no responsibility is accepted by the Uncool Cycling Club or anyone associated with it for personal injury and/or damage to property arising from use of the route, nor for any errors or omissions. If you choose to follow these maps, you do so entirely at your own risk.
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Top picture: Levee banks at Wall Flat on the Murray River Cycling Route
