A day exploring the lower Murray River, the Barossa Valley and the Adelaide Hills.

A cold and bleak start to the day as we leave the best accommodation of our journey so far.

The Murray Bridges bridging the Murray at Murray Bridge. Murray Bridge has a population of over 20 000 people.

Like many towns along the river, Murray Bridge has a paddle-steamer. This one, Captain Proud, was built in 1977 for the tourist trade.

Along the river, we find a den…..

…home of the Murray Bridge Bunyip here lurking under the water.

With the press of a magic button, the Bunyip roars to life.

To the Ngarrindjeri people, the Bunyip is known as the Mulyawonk. In times long ago there lived a Ngarrindjeri Korni (man) who was greedy catching far too many fish than he needed to. The Elders were not happy with this selfish man who did not respect the Ngarrindjeri laws of fishing. The Elders were so angry with this man that as a punishment they turned him into the Mulyawonk – a half fish, half man creature and banishing him to the river forever. Ngarrindjeri children are told never to swim alone or to take more fish than you can eat from the river and lakes. If you do swim alone or are greedy in taking too many fish, then the Mulyawonk will get you. This teaches children water safety and respect for the fish of the river and lakes. This bunyip has been in this particular den since 1972.

Unbeleafable! A leaf made of steel – this won’t blow away.

Nearby is The Round House, Murray Bridge’s oldest surviving building, completed in 1876 during the construction of the first bridge to span the Murray River.

The Murray Bridges from the Round House.

Heading north to see some of the cliffs and towns of the river. This is Sunnyside Lookout.

Black kites were plentiful.

Upstream from Sunnyside Lookout

After crossing the river by ferry at Mannum (the second of four crossings of the Murray River today (three by ferry)), we explore the main street and excellent bakery.

At the lookout at Mannum, we are greeted by a Singing honeyeater.

Looking downstream over Mannum

Upstream

Pelicans in the river from the lookout.

We drive northwards on the western side of the river to Walkers Flat.

Maynards Lookout near Walkers Flat

We descend to the river’s edge to view more of the cliffs.

Walkers Flat Ferry – one of twelve free 24/7 River Murray ferry crossings in South Australia….

……but not today so we have to backtrack for about 20km to the Purnong Ferry downstream.

On the way we see the PS Marion at Caurnamont. It was built in 1897 and cruises from Mannum.

Vibrant blossons.

Purnong Ferry

Len Kroehn Lookout

This locality is Nildottie but no worries, we brought our own.

Several lookouts have views of the iconic cliffs.

Big Bend is the longest single bend and tallest cliffs on the Murray River. The limestone cliffs are rich with millions of ocean fossils and are home to colonies of bats. Caves in the area have been continuously occupied for at least 8,000 years and are sacred to the local First Nations community. 

Our final crossing at the Swan Reach ferry.

Historic barns at Sedan

Keyneton Hills

Drywalling fencing at Keyneton Hills

Woolly friends

The road descends into the Barossa Valley at Angaston

“Day off Peter” statue in Angaston recognising the contribution of draught horses to the early agricultural industry.

We were surprised to chance upon this heartless local outside Tanunda. I was concerned if he fell and landed on the road, he could be run over and….foiled again!

Arriving at Adelaide late in the day staying at the HotelMotel – very good value in Adelaide for inner city.