Rules of the River

The guidelines below can help you to minimise your impact on the delicate Murray River environment:

Boating and Houseboating
You don't need a special licence to take out a houseboat - an ordinary driver's licence is all that's required - but it certainly pays to listen during the pre-departure briefing, particularly if this is your first experience. Full tuition is provided prior to departure, along with information on river conditions, mooring spots and boating rules.

Navigate sensitive areas responsibly. South Australia is home to some rare and beautiful waterbird species such as night herrons, coots, ducks and crakes. If you are boating in places where a river joins a wetland, reduce your speed and keep a safe distance.

Care should be taken to avoid snags, which provide valuable habitat and breeding areas for fish and other aquatic organisms. Keep your boat wash to a minimum to avoid causing bank erosion, damaging reed growth or disturbing birds. Use existing mooring posts where available and avoid damaging trees with mooring ropes. Take care when re-fuelling to avoid spills and report any spills immediately. Keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid disturbing others and wildlife.

Report incidences of others polluting waterways. If you see another boat user dumping rubbish, take note.  Record the registration details of the boat, the time and date, the details of the incident and take a photograph if you can. Contact Transport SA on 8248 3505 or the Environmental Protection Agency on 8204 2004.

Keep your rubbish in containers.  Don't let rubbish or plastic bags blow away from your boat. Keep it stowed.

Respecting Indigenous Heritage
Many places have spiritual or cultural significance for our indigenous communities. Treat such places with consideration and respect. Obtain permission from the traditional landowners or the relevant land manager to visit sensitive areas. Leave indigenous relics as you find them. Do not touch paintings or rock engravings.

Fishing
Fishing licences are not required for fishing in the River Murray in South Australia, however restrictions do apply to some species. Fish responsibly - know your fish size, bag and boat limits. Find out about fishing restrictions at the Primary Industries and Resources recreational fishing rules web pages.

Camping
Camp in designated areas or existing campsites where possible, in natural clearings or on sandy or hard surfaces at least 20 metres from the edge of the watercourse. Be aware of other users of the river and avoid disturbing them. Try to avoid disturbing native vegetation through trampling. Do not cut trees for firewood or gather fallen timber, as these provide valuable habitat for animals and plants, and are an important part of ecosystem processes. Extinguish all fires thoroughly. Aim to leave the area as if no one had been there. Take all litter away from the campsite and dispose of it correctly.

Canoeing
Carry appropriate repair equipment, torch, map, compass and survival kit on wilderness trips. Please take your rubbish with you, and secure your belongings so they do not fall into the water.

Swimming
Before swimming check for snags and the depth of the water. The river's depth can change dramatically in hours. Sandbars in the River can move without warning due to changing water levels. Swim upstream away from the sweeping bends of the sandbar where currents are created. Be aware of boats, snakes, currents and snags at all times. Take your rubbish with you.

Picnicking
When picnicking, take your rubbish home with you. Food scraps can be harmful to native animals. Some wastes do not decompose quickly. Don't burn or bury rubbish. Burying food waste disturbs the soil and native or feral animals may dig it up later.

Water Skiing
Water skiing is an enjoyable activity, however, to avoid injury, try not to ski where the riverbanks are steep or where there are snags.  Care should be taken when skiing near sand bars. Keep an eye out for swimmers in the river at all times.  Minimise boat wash when possible to avoid damage to riverbanks. Avoid disturbing birds by keeping away from reeds where birds could be nesting.