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Mannum is a pretty little town on the Murray River, a 90-minute drive from Adelaide. Take the scenic route through Tea Tree Gully and the Adelaide Hills following the B10 and Randell Road.

The Town:

As you swing past the soldier’s memorial at the top of the main street keep an eye out for the new Randell Street Bakery on the left. Popular with locals and tourists alike, grab a pie and enjoy it at Mary Ann Reserve on River Lane while watching the passing river traffic. On Mondays and Fridays The Murray River Princess, a working paddle steamer, will be docked at the wharf.

Although you may be in the country, you don’t need to be away from your business. The Mid Murray Council have initiated a free Wi-Fi service throughout the Mannum area. Select MMC-Public-Wi-Fi from the options in your smartphone’s Wi-Fi settings, and you’re connected.

#Eat & Drink:

Mannum has three watering holes. ‘The Club’, or more formally the Mannum Community Club, is in the centre of the main street offering sweeping views of the river. A boardwalk with wonderful views and easy access to the next pub, the Pretoria, takes you past the Mannum Bowling Club and fishermen hoping to catch the elusive Murray Cod.

Enjoy your drinks in the Pretoria’s open beer garden under huge gum trees and relax next to the mighty river. The Pretoria is also an entertainment venue on weekends with guest DJs, live bands and solo artists performing. While your drinks are being prepared, take a look at the bronze plaques indicating where flood levels have reached over the years. 1956 was the highest, and the Pretoria served thirsty locals from the top balcony where they docked their boats.

Today their extensive menu boasts daily specials utilising local produce. Gluten-free and vegetarian options are offered along with Murraylands meat and kangaroo. The wine list hits the spot too with a good selection of local wines at reasonable prices. For takeaways, the Pretoria is a Sip’n’Save outlet offering regular specials on your favourite libations.

Further down Randell Street the Mannum Hotel (known as ‘the bottom pub by locals) still has $10 meals on the menu including schnitzels and fish and chips, freshly prepared and huge!

For more dining pleasure take the stairs up to the Mannum Motel’s Café Mannum and enjoy views over the river and ferry. The café offers al fresco dining under large gums and has an international menu comprised of local produce; Hoisin Duck, Sichuan Pepper squid, grass-fed steaks and Adelaide’s Coopers Ale battered flathead and chips.

#Stay:

Of course, the Mannum Motel also offers accommodation. River view rooms, family rooms (with a queen, up to 3 single beds and basic cooking facilities), standard and corporate rooms with your parking right at the door. Book online here or call Wendy to discuss the best rates and options for you.

Other accommodation includes upstairs at ‘the bottom pub’, the Mannum Caravan Park in riverside cabins or why not book a houseboat? Unforgettable Houseboats are docked at 69 River Lane at ‘Leonaville’, a grand historic Mannum residence with an award-winning garden. Unforgettable has a fleet of 12 houseboats for hire from 4 – 12 berths.

Features include King and Queen size beds, open upper decks with 360-degree views, air conditioning, fully equipped bathrooms and kitchens, and some even have jacuzzis! A wonderful holiday on the river in your own transport.

#Explore:

During your stay, make time to visit Mannum Visitor Information Centre, Mannum Dock Museum and the PS Marion. The history of Mannum is revealed in one location, the birthplace of the Australian Paddle Steamer.

The PS Marion was built in 1897 and is likely the oldest wood burning, passenger carrying paddle steamer in the world today. The Marion offers overnight dinner cruises, day cruises and can be hired privately for functions. Upstairs in the Museum, have a go on the wheelhouse simulator keeping the Marion straight on the winding Murray River.

Venture further on the Murray by crossing on the ferry and taking a drive 20 or so kilometres upstream on East Front Road to Younghusband. There’s a licensed general store across from a river reserve and for some indigenous history continue driving until you spot an original canoe tree. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the marvellous Murray River, a thing we love….

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