24 hours by the Murray River
Posted 16 July, 2019
Samuel Smith
While the modern world frenetically moves through its paces, the gentle waters of a 130-million-year-old river continue to flow.
Past red ochre cliffs, rugged bushland and eclectic country towns, the 2500km Murray River meanders through South Australia at its own pace.
It’s impossible not to relax as you coast along the river, just over an hour’s drive from Adelaide, but a world away from city life.
While you could easily spend a week wrapped in the Murray’s charms, we packed as much as we could into a quick 24-hour trip, seeking relaxation, reflection and adventure.
From Adelaide to Africa in 50 minutes
Just under an hour’s drive from Adelaide, Monarto Zoo is an epic 1500ha open-range animal sanctuary – home to 50 exotic and native animal species as well as the mane-raising Lions 360 experience.
One of the best ways to see the park is on the aptly-named Zu-loop shuttle. On board, you’ll be whisked away to a land where African painted dogs, southern white rhinoceros, Tasmanian devils and chimpanzee coexist within kilometres of each other.
Watch flocks of ostriches dart through African savannah while cheetahs slink through native grasslands. Take it from us – seeing a field of giraffes, perched precariously on their matchstick legs is a wonderfully bizarre experience.
A trip to Monarto wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Lions 360. Stepping into a sturdy cage, you’ll get a prey’s eye view of one the world’s most awe-inspiring animals.
Watching a lion pride pad across the metal cage just metres above your head is an experience that’ll stay with you for life. So is feeling the bone-shaking rumble of their roar. At an extra cost, you can get even closer to Monarto’s lion family and hand-feed them their lunch.
Proceeds from the Lions 360 experience go towards vital conservation programs.
RAA members save up to 10% on Monarto’s
Lions 360 experience, with prices starting from $65.
Meet the Murray Princess
A 30-minute drive away from Monarto lies the picturesque town of Mannum. Just off the main street, on the banks of the Murray, a princess awaits.
Like meeting any member of the royal family, encountering the PS Murray Princess is a surreal experience.
