DESTINATION: Mannum

Mannum developed as a Murray River port in the early days of the river trade, and is known as the 'Birthplace of the River Murray Paddlesteamers'. It was here, in 1853, that William Randell launched the PS Mary Ann and in doing so opened up a new era in trade for the colony that eventually involved dozens of paddlesteamers plying Australia's longest river system, the Murray-Darling.

Main Attractions

Popular activities include houseboating, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing and jet skiing. There are week-long and weekend cruises on the PS Murray Princess. Randell St in the town centre is home to attractions like the Cottage Window craft shop, and the Butter Factory and Mannum Institute, both selling old wares and bric-a-brac. A lookout at the end of Crawford Crescent has scenic river views in both directions. All that is left of the historic paddlesteamer Mary Ann is her boiler, and that is located in the new Mannum Dock Museum at 6 Randell St. Another original paddlesteamer more than a century old is the wood-fired PS Marion, moored off the site of William Randell's original dock at Arnold Park near the ferry. She is now restored and open for display and river cruises.

Nearby attractions

Mannum Waterfalls, only 10km from town along Murray Bridge Rd, is a pretty place of cascading water over black granite rocks. The 12km strip of swampy land between Purnong Rd and the river is a designated bird sanctuary with a scenic drive; a birdwatcher's paradise. The marina 8km NE of the town is the largest river marina in the state. About 20km north is the excellent scenic drive from Wongulla to Cambrai.

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Region: Murraylands

The Murraylands region in South Australia has a good selection of accommodation, hotels, tours and attractions for your holiday. Tourist information for the Murraylands region; Murray Bridge, Murray River can be found at Mannum and planbooktravel is a useful resource for articles, reviews, stories, photos and blogs for the Murray region of South Australia. more

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6 Randell St, Ph: (08) 8569 1303

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