Day By Day
Prepare to camp the first 2 nights, and following that most people that want accommodation should be able to get it, with a group size of 50-60. If you really dislike camping, a small few could take accommodation the first 2 nights (limited availability).
The details of places you can stay and their contact details will be emailed once you sign-up. We'll also include a list of the main campsites (most with toilets), both free and paid campsites.
The guide book that is provided once you arrive will show the places to re-fuel, eat, sleep, and a few of the key attractions.
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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 grounds (no public access).
2 days prior to boating
Saturday afternoon
Sign-on and and check of Safety Equipment at Apex RiverBeach Holiday Park (Mildura); 1pm-5pm. Included BBQ @ 5pm (BYO alcohol).
Click for NSW Safety Equipment
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1 day prior to boating
Sunday
Launch your boat and anchor it on the sandbar 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 @ 2:30pm for the return leg. A security guard watches over the boats until Monday morning.
Rally Day 1
Monday
First day on the water, with lunch and a fuel top-up in Wentworth. Time available for some tourism in Wentworth. Through Lock 10 and begin what is mostly wilderness for the next 2-3 days. Camp at Fort Courage Caravan park or an earlier sandbar, but for the next 2 days it can be anywhere you like! (VIC side is the Murray Sunset National Park)
Rally Day 2
Tuesday
Navigate Locks 9, 8, and 7. We'll organise for unleaded to be available along the way, for those that can't make the 189km. Admire the now-obsolete wood-fired irrigation pump at Cullulleraine.
Camp on one of the many sandbars after Lock 7.
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 (river heights).
Continue on to Cobdogla Station Caravan Park, 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.
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 or nearby Punyerloo Caravan Park.
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. 🎉
We'll ferry you to your car and trailer. Those that need to start the journey home immediately are fine to do so, it's possible to be on the road soon after lunch.
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5pm: Wrap-up/awards at the Pretoria Hotel.
