Day By Day
Arrive in Mildura on the Saturday before 5pm for sign-on, and included BBQ (BYO). Sunday drop boats in water then drive to Mannum, and bus back to Mildura.
Starting in boats from Mildura on the Monday morning, and 7 days later arriving in the town of Mannum on Sunday (early afternoon).
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If you want to fast track it to 6 days on the river that is possible if your boat isn't too slow. Best to send me a message.
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Note that with all the recommended riverside Caravan Parks except Apex RiverBeach (Mildura) you're effectively mooring your boat within the park (no public access).
Prep Day 1
Saturday afternoon
Sign-on and and check of Safety Equipment at Apex RiverBeach Holiday Park (Mildura); 1pm-5pm.
Click for NSW Safety Equipment
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Prep Day 2
Sunday
Launch your boat and anchor on the Apex Park sandbar in Mildura, in front of the Caravan Park, then drive your car and trailer 315km to the secure parking place in Mannum. Hop on the charter bus @3pm for the return leg. Stopping in Renmark for dinner. A security guard watches over the boats until Monday morning.
Rally Day 1
Monday
Rally kicks off from Mildura, with lunch and a fuel top-up in Wentworth. Through Lock 10 at Wentworth and begin what is mostly wilderness for the next 2-3 days. Main group camp on sandbar at 813km mark, although you could get a cabin at Fort Courage Caravan Park, 9km further.
Rally Day 2
Tuesday
Navigate Locks 9, 8, and 7. We'll organise for unleaded to be available near Lock 8, about 100km from Wentworth. Admire the now-obsolete wood-fired Cullulleraine Pump.
Camp on the sandbar immediately after Lock 7. Accommodation possible for a small number at Lake Victoria Lodge or Kulcurna Historic Homestead (665km mark). Small boats can go up the Rufus River to view Lake Victoria, near Lock 7 (Else 4.5km walk).
Marvel at the unique cliffs of Devil’s Elbow.
Rally Day 3
Wednesday
Through Lock 6 and enjoy a cold beer at the riverside Woolshed Brewery.
Stay overnight in Renmark at the Riverside Discovery Parks, campsite or cabin.
Walk 1km into Renmark for dinner.
Note that free camping is possible before and after town, and every night until Mannum.
Rally Day 4
Thursday
Cruise through Lock 5 with a break in Berri at the riverside café, or Patisserie. Through Lock 4 then lunch in Loxton, discover the Loxton Historical Village or visit the Tree of Knowledge.
Continue on to Cobdogla Station Caravan Park (walk to Cobby Club for dinner), or camp at Moorook Riverfront (council run, with toilets) near the General Store (takeaway) and Moorook and District Club (dinner).
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Rally Day 5
Friday
Through Lock 3 before stopping for lunch and cold beer at the historic Overland Corner Hotel (built 1856). If you drink too many you can camp, but then you need to do 176km the next day!
Group stays at Morgan’s riverside caravan park. Throughout the day be captivated by the growing cliffs, and the birds that call them home.
Rally Day 6
Saturday
Shortest day at 74km, can explore Morgan town or museum before setting off.
Lunch available at Blanchetown pub, and through the final Lock of the voyage. Optional cellar door at Burk Salter Wines, just before town.
Tonight you'll have a great view of the sunset from high on the bank at the Swan Reach Pub. Free camp on the opposite bank or take accommodation at the pub. The whole area is an official Dark Sky Reserve, for stargazing.
Rally Day 7
Sunday
Final day past the biggest cliffs of the Murray River at Big Bend, with lunch at Bowhill General Store (beer on tap) before feeling a sense of achievement with your arrival in Mannum. 🎉
If you don't want to load your boat just yet, the Big 4 caravan park is riverside, as is Bolto camping (council run).
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Evening: Presentations/awards at the Pretoria Hotel.
