Hints & Tips
Climate
The Murraylands boasts a superb Mediterranean climate with average summer daytime temperatures around 30° Celsius and overnight lows of 13°C. The average daily winter temperature is 16°C with overnight lows of around 5°C.
Ferries
There are vehicle ferries crossing the Murray River 24 hours, seven days a week at Mannum, Purnong, Swan Reach, Tailem Bend, Walker Flat and Wellington.
Driving a Houseboat
All you need to captain a houseboat is a current driver's licence or a motorboat licence. It's one of the best ways to see the Murray River because you can cruise at your own pace. Grab food, drinks and other supplies before you head off. If you run out, it's easy to pull up at one of the various townships along the way for supplies. See the Murrayland's houseboating pages for all the details.
Swimming in the River
Follow the same safety rules when you holiday on the Murray River as you would observe at the beach and never run, jump or dive into shallow water or water that is murky. Do not dive from moving or moored houseboats into the river. Beware - deep holes and strong currents are common in the Murray River.
Fires
A fire danger period exists between November and April each year in South Australia. This can be extended, depending on the seasonal weather conditions. During fire danger periods there are fire restrictions that apply, including total fire ban days. For up to date details of fire bans, visit the Country Fire Services's fire bans page or telephone 1300 362 361.
Keep SA Phylloxera Free
Each year thousands of visitors come to South Australia to sample and savour some of the world's finest wines and to marvel at the beauty of the gnarled and twisted old vines of the wine regions. Both vines and wines could be at risk because of phylloxera (fil-ox-era), an insect that attacks grapevine roots.
If visiting wine regions outside of South Australia, clean your shoes and remove mud from your vehicle before coming to South Australia. Don't walk on vineyard soil. Do not bring any plant material or soil into South Australia. Stay on roadways when visiting vineyards. For further details, you can visit the Phylloxera website.
Keep SA Fruit Fly Free
South Australia is the only mainland Australian state without a permanent population of fruit fly and we aim to keep it that way. Please don't bring fruit or vegetables into South Australia. Use the dumping bins and signs around the state to prevent being penalised.
Protect the environment
The Murraylands environment is as diverse as it is vast, and demands our respect. Remember that native animals are at their most active at sunrise and sunset - please take care when driving at these times. Severe penalties apply in South Australia for the disturbing, collecting or damaging of animals, wildflowers, and vegetation, earth or rock formations.
Water preservation
While you're on holiday in South Australia, we need you to help us preserve our precious water. You can do this by keeping your showers short (less than five minutes), washing boats or vehicles with a bucket instead of a hose, cleaning fish in basins rather than running water, and adhere to any water restrictions that may apply during your holiday. For more information, please visit the Watercare website.
Personal Protection Program
South Australians enjoy a very safe environment and you can play your part in reducing crime. When travelling, close your vehicle windows and conceal all valuables including your purse, handbag, shopping, phone and laptop. When parking, lock your vehicle and don't leave your keys where they can be found.
If you notice anything unusual or anyone acting suspiciously, report it to the police. Phone 131 444 for police assistance or 000 for emergencies. If you have information relating to a crime, contact BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
