Houseboat Itinerary with White Houseboats
Explore the stunning Murray River – perfect for a family getaway or peaceful retreat into nature.
Please note, depending on daylight hours and the time that your show out finishes, you will likely remain in Mannum on your first night as the first suitable moorings past this are a couple of hours away. This enables you to get comfortable on the boat and settle in so that you can head off the next morning when you are ready. There is a beautiful natural strip just outside the Marina, or the grassy reserve in Mannum.
We always recommend travelling during the first half of the day, finding your next mooring by around lunch time or just after. This allows you plenty of time to find a suitable mooring and be tied up before the sun starts to set. You are also more likely to pick up a good spot someone else has left from during the day and won’t be trying to find a less than optimal spot last minute. We provide the Murray River Pilot book as your map and guide for moorings. Our Houseboats cruise at approximately 8km per hour.
Heading Upstream
Mannum Waters Marina to Mannum
Enjoy your first night at the heart of Mannum township, the Mary Anne Reserve has some beautiful grassy moorings for overnight stays. Being just a 15 minute cruise from the Marina, this is the perfect stop for your first or last night. Enjoy one of the Pubs along the river front such as the Pretoria Hotel, or the Mannum Club, and in the morning you can take a stroll down the main street for a coffee or breakfast at the Mannum Motel, get last minute supplies at the local IGA, visit clothing shops such as DeJa Vu, or see one of the many antiques stores!
Mannum to Bowhill
Set off on your houseboat holiday with a scenic cruise from Mannum to Bowhill, gliding through calm waters lined with river gums and birdlife. This 5-hour journey is the perfect introduction to life on the water — relaxed, scenic, and unmissable. Travel through Young Husband (18km from Mannum) and past Lake Carlet on your way. There is a stunning mooring spot opposite the scenic cliffs at the 182km mark, approximately 30 minutes from Bow Hill.
Arrive in Bowhill, a hidden gem along the Murray, beloved by locals and holidaymakers alike. With wide riverbanks and golden light spilling across the landscape, it’s an idyllic spot to moor for the night. There is also the Bowhill General Store for a cafe-style lunch and you can pick up any supplies that you may have forgotten.
*Please note there are limited moorings at the general store and subject to availability. We strictly do not permit mooring at the wharf.
Weekend Hire: Begin your journey back to Mannum from here.
Bowhill to Walker Flat
Awaken to the sounds of native birdlife and watch the sunrise paint the riverbanks from the comfort of your deck — a serene moment that captures the true magic of a houseboat experience.
Cruise leisurely upstream to Walker Flat, a haven of towering ochre cliffs and tranquil waters. As the day ends, watch in awe as the cliffs glow golden in the sunset. The natural beauty and serenity make this stop a highlight for those seeking both scenic wonders and peaceful moments.
Midweek Hire: Begin your journey back to Mannum from here.
Walker Flat to Big Bend
This leg delivers some of the most spectacular scenery on the Murray River. Cruise toward Big Bend, home to the tallest cliffs in the southern hemisphere and the longest bend in the river. This dramatic landscape is a photographer’s dream and a must-see for nature lovers. There are some spectacular moorings directly opposite the cliffs at the 234km Mark.
As night falls, keep an eye out for nocturnal wildlife, then turn your gaze upward — this region is internationally recognised for its incredible stargazing. The Milky Way stretches across the sky in breathtaking clarity. You can book a tour with Big Bend By Night for an incredible experience.
Big Bend to Swan Reach
Some 96 kilometres upriver from Mannum, arrive on the picturesque banks of Swan Reach; the farthest destination on the week-long itinerary. Find a secluded mooring to claim for the night and spend the afternoon canoeing or kayaking down tranquil backwaters and billabongs teeming with birdlife. Cool off with a swim or cast a line and try your luck fishing for the illusive Murray Cod. If carp is all you hook, venture onto land for lunch with a view from your perch atop golden cliffs at the Swan Reach Hotel.
Head back down stream slightly for a more sheltered mooring overnight.
Week Hire: Begin your journey back to Mannum from here.
Returning to Mannum
There are many other suitable mooring spots along your journey, including the 70-172km Mark adjacent to Lake Carlet and the 224km Mark by Nildottie. The Murray River Pilot book will be your guide, and you can always have a chat with our instructor about suitable locations to aim for during your trip.
