To complement a deeper understanding of your houseboat cruising environment, begin the day with an insightful visit to the Mannum Discovery Centre. Here stories are shared about local heritage and how River traditions, customs and morals were born. Following the life’s beginning of the Murray River, this tourist attraction showcases fossilised sea creatures that once inhabited the area when it was an inland seabed, and an insight to the Aboriginal culture of food gathering, boat building, trading and Ngarrindjeri dreaming.
Ahead of its time in engineering, Mannum is the birthplace of the Australian paddle steamer, the world’s first ever steam engine car with a differential, and the only remaining example of a floating Dry Dock in Australia. Your visit on this tour is an introduction to the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, the first ever private Observatory in South Australia, and an insight into major floods. After a barista made coffee and cake experience, enjoy free time to wander the quaint main street. Be awe-inspired by the resilience of the townfolk and their modern shopping experiences that blend natural beauty, local agriculture and rich heritage.
Then it’s onto the popular village of Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement founded in 1839 by Lutheran refugees from Prussia. Today the township is South Australia’s most visited regional destination (our New Zealand friends often liken a similar vibe to Arrowtown). Enjoy lunch at the famous Haus Restaurant, and then spend a few hours exploring the strong foundations of German heritage that still exists today. Features include Fachwerk-style buildings and an array of craft, leather, art and fabric shops, and butchers, bakers, chocolate shops and ice cream parlours. Your free time in the Hahndorf village allows you to delve into the many artisan wonders of this Heritage listed township.
Wind your way on a circular loop through another six Adelaide Hills villages, before arriving at either the township of Palmer or revisiting main street Mannum, where there is time to immerse yourself in a traditional country Australian pub before arriving back on your houseboat to relax with an amplified knowledge of your home away from home.
Tour Details
"Beautifully appointed houseboat – quality of all appliances and crockery etc of a very high standard and very well stocked. Extremely helpful staff and maps were good. Exceeded our expectations."
Laidler Party: Victoria on Unforgettable 12 – 'Parachilna Sunset'
