Morgan
Town
Population 425
This Murray River town was once a thriving port and a stop on the rail trade route to Adelaide. Settlers saw the potential of the region, and Morgan boomed as soon as it was declared a town in 1878. Now it is a quiet holiday destination, but evidence of its boom days can still be seen in the streetscapes and the historic wharf and rail precinct.
Visitor Information
Shell Morgan Roadhouse, 14–18 Fourth St; (08) 8540 2354
Nearby national parks
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Murray River National Park
Located alongside the peaceful waters of the Murray River, this national park is three separate areas of braided creeks, shady riverbanks...more -
Murray–Sunset National Park
Declared in 1991, Victoria’s second-largest national park is a landscape of wide Mallee country, rolling sand dunes, magnificent river...more -
Belair National Park
Set aside in 1891, Belair National Park is one of the oldest national parks in the world and the first in South Australia. Treasured for its...more
Nearby towns
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Waikerie
Waikerie, the citrus centre of Australia, is surrounded by an oasis of irrigated orchards and vineyards in the midst of the mallee-scrub...more -
Swan Reach
This quiet little township on the Murray River was once one of five large sheep stations; the original homestead is now the Swan Reach...more -
Kapunda
Kapunda is between two wine districts – the Barossa Valley and the Clare Valley – but its history is very different. Copper was discovered...more
In Town
Port of Morgan Museum This comprehensive museum is dedicated to the rail- and river-trade history of Morgan. In the old railway buildings are museum exhibits focusing on the paddlesteamers and trains that were the lifeblood of the town. The Landseer Building has vintage vehicles and a 12 m mural depicting the old Murray River lifestyle. Other highlights are the restored wharf and permanently moored PS Mayflower. Open 2–4pm Wed, Sat and Sun; Riverfront; (08) 8540 2085. Houseboats: for hire; contact visitor centre for details. Heritage walk: self-guide trail covers 41 historic sites, including the impressive wharves (1877) standing 12 m high, the customs house and courthouse, the sunken barge and steamer, and the rail precinct; brochure from visitor centre.
Nearby
Morgan Conservation Park: a diverse landscape of river flats, sand dunes and mallee scrub with abundant birdlife; across the Murray River from Morgan. White Dam Conservation Park: well known for red and western grey kangaroo populations; 9 km NW. Cadell: scenic 12 km drive east from Morgan via a ferry crossing (operates 24 hrs) to Cadell, a major citrus-growing region.
Fishing spots near town
Ardrossan 166 km
Located on the east side of the Yorke Peninsula, Ardrossan is bountiful water just 150 km west of Adelaide, so is a popular weekend fishing destination. Looking out on the long pier at Ardrossan, it’s striking how... Find out morePort Broughton 168 km
Port Broughton is a favourite destination for anglers wanting to fish from charter boats. The boat ramp in the sheltered harbour is next to a small pier complex and is popular for small fish including salmon, Tommy ruff,... Find out moreWallaroo 189 km
The small SA seaport of Wallaroo, north of Moonta, offers an excellent base for anglers wanting to catch big snapper, King George whiting, Australian salmon and yellowtail kingfish. Many of the reef systems are close to... Find out moreFort Courage 191 km
One of my favourite destinations is Fort Courage. Little more than a caravan park with a boat ramp, Fort Courage is about 20 km drive out of Wentworth on the road to Renmark. It has great fishing for families or angling... Find out moreWentworth 208 km
As you work your way down the Murray, you’ll find locks near most of the major towns. The locks create deep, holding water, which is especially good news for anglers chasing Murray cod. There’s one at... Find out morePoint Lowly 208 km
The Point Lowly lighthouse marks the southern extremity of Fitzgerald Bay. Near the lighthouse is a small community of shacks. These lighthouse cottages are cared for by the Uniting Church, and are available for hire. It... Find out moreFitzgerald Bay 214 km
Snapper fishing has a language all of its own. In Queensland and NSW, anglers talk about small snapper as ‘squire’. In Victoria, small snapper are ‘pinkies’; in SA, they are known as... Find out moreCurlwaa 215 km
Curlwaa is downstream of Mildura, between Dareton and Wentworth. The boat ramp is nothing flash – a basic dirt facility suited to smaller boats. A kilometre or so upstream from the ramp is the old Abbotsford... Find out moreWhyalla 221 km
Whyalla is snapper central for anglers. Every Easter the Australian Snapper Championships are based here and the top ten snapper weighed in are always over 10 kg. As you would expect with a destination where fishing is... Find out moreEco-friendly activities around town
Banrock Station, Kingston-on-Murray 65 km
A world leader in sustainable wine-making and tourism, Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre should be high on any ecotourist’s South Australian wish list. Sample the inexpensive wines at the centre, which is 40... Find out moreWine-tasting - Nuriootpa and Angaston 78 km
Elderton Wines near Nuriootpa is a carbonneutral winery. Its cellar door is partially solar-powered and the vineyard is using biodynamic methods of production. Yalumba in Angaston has three organic wines and an... Find out moreCycling in the Barossa 85 km
In the Barossa, you can hire bikes from the visitor centre in Tanunda and take the paved 7-kilometre cycle path to Nuriootpa. For a guided, multi-day supported bike tour, sampling the best of the region’s cuisine... Find out moreAdelaide Zoo 138 km
With its catchphrase ‘We exist to save animals from extinction’, this is another of Australia’s excellent zoos. The sea-lion display and walkthrough rainforest aviary are particularly recommended.... Find out moreAboriginal gallery, Adelaide 139 km
The Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery at the South Australian Museum holds the largest collection of Aboriginal artefacts in the world. Some 3000 are on display at any one time.... Find out moreMorialta Conservation Park 139 km
One of the most stunning parks in the region and located only 10 kilometres north-east of Adelaide, this has waterfalls and deep gorges, woodlands, koalas, echidnas and southern brown bandicoots. The pick of the walks is... Find out moreSwimming with dolphins off Glenelg 149 km
Since 2002, the eco-accredited Temptation Sailing has offered a ‘swim with the dolphins sail’ on a 17-metre catamaran out of Glenelg, in which the bottlenose and common dolphins reputedly come to the vessel... Find out moreBirdwatching around the Fleurieu Peninsula 182 km
Abutting the Coorong, and with wetlands, beaches and a wide variety of terrain, the Fleurieu Peninsula is a top spot for birdwatching. There is a hide off Barrage Road at Goolwa, and the Goolwa Effluent Ponds can have... Find out moreWhale-watching on the Fleurieu Peninsula 189 km
Between May and October, southern right whales often cruise right next to the shore of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Popular viewing spots include Port Elliot, Goolwa, Middleton and Victor Harbor, but your best starting point... Find out moreSwimming along the Fleurieu Peninsula 194 km
There are plenty of great swimming beaches along the peninsula. Victor Harbor has a plethora to choose from – including Kent Reserve and Dump Beach – but there is also Horseshoe Bay at Port Elliot, and the... Find out moreGolf courses around town
The Grange Golf Club (East Course) 143 km
Vern Morcom was working on the final changes to The Grange’s West course redesign when the club announced plans for a second course. Morcom was asked to design it, on 150 acres of adjoining land, and the East... Find out moreRoyal Adelaide Golf Club 143 km
In the city of churches, Royal Adelaide is the golfing equivalent of the Vatican. Every visiting golfer should make a pilgrimage to this Dr Alister MacKenzie-designed layout, one of Australia’s top 10 courses,... Find out moreThe Grange Golf Club (West Course) 143 km
Melbourne’s sandbelt wasn’t the only region in which golf course construction was booming during the 1920s. Various sites in Adelaide’s western suburbs – Kooyonga in 1922, Glenelg in 1926... Find out moreKooyonga Golf Club 144 km
Kooyonga is a thinking player’s golf course. One of the game’s greatest strategists, Peter Thomson, gave an insight into what is required to play well at Kooyonga after winning the 1972 Australian Open... Find out moreGlenelg Golf Club 147 km
Glenelg is to Adelaide what Bondi is to Sydney – the city’s most popular beach suburb. The terminus for the City to Bay tram, a Glenelg icon, can be found where Jetty Rd meets the beach, where you will... Find out moreLinks Lady Bay Resort 201 km
‘A pleasurable golf course,’ Dr Alister MacKenzie once wrote, ‘is not necessarily one that appeals at first sight, but rather one that grows on a player like good music, good painting, or good... Find out moreCafes & restaurants around town
Nearby eco-friendly places to eat
The Locavore 139 km
The Locavore (‘local eater’) at Stirling in the Adelaide Hills sticks to the ‘100-mile’ philosophy of sourcing food, which in its case includes the Barossa, Adelaide Hills, McLaren Vale and the... Find out moreThe Organic Market and Cafe 139 km
This bustling cafe and organic produce outlet in Stirling was the national winner of the best organic retailer award. Something of an institution in the area, it has delicious antipasto platters and great coffee. About... Find out moreGoodlife 149 km
This innovative restaurant and takeaway not only makes carbon-neutral pizzas, but also places an emphasis on sourcing produce that is organic and local. Takeaway pizzas here even come tied up with string.... Find out moreNearby breweries
Knappstein Enterprise Brewery 100 km
History has turned full circle for the Clare Valley’s Enterprise Brewery, which ceased beer-making operations in 1916, but was revived for its original purpose in 2006. In between time, this gorgeous sandstone... Find out moreAdelaide Hills Craft Brewing 121 km
Located in the former Onkaparinga woollen mill complex at Lobethal in the Adelaide Hills, this brewery/bar is run by Alistair Turnbull and Phil Jones. The pair turned their backs on careers in banking to study brewing in... Find out moreCoopers Brewery 137 km
More than any other Australian brewery, Coopers has grown significant market share over the past two decades on the back of increased demand for alternative beer styles. It was established in 1862 by Yorkshireman Thomas... Find out moreBrewboys 137 km
One of the country’s newest craft beermaking enterprises, Brewboys is a partnership between Stephen Nelsen and Simon Sellick, who also operate the contract brewing company Fresh Cellars. At present they utilise a... Find out moreSouth Australian Brewing Company 140 km
Established in 1888, the South Australian Brewing Company became the state’s dominant beer-maker by steadily acquiring competitors like the Kent Town Brewery, West End Brewery and the Walkerville Co-operative... Find out moreThe Steam Exchange Company 182 km
South Australia seems to have more than its fair share of craft breweries in significant historical locations, and The Steam Exchange Brewery is no exception. It’s housed in a heritage-listed former railway goods... Find out moreMildura Brewery 231 km
Breweries pop up in some rather exotic locations but this is the first I’ve encountered in a former cinema. Once known as the Astor Theatre, the main building is a lovely example of Art Deco architecture, which has... Find out moreCampsites around town
Morgan camping area (bush camping) 2 km
Sites for bush camping (permits required) are reached by ferry from Morgan or via Cadell Rd on the eastern side of the river.... Find out moreHogwash Bend camping area 18 km
This camping area is halfway between Morgan and Waikerie in the Renmark to Morgan stretch of the Murray River. It is off Morgan–Waikerie Rd, 21 km north-west of Waikerie.... Find out moreRamco Point camping area 30 km
Situated 5 km west of Waikerie on Ramco Point Rd in the Renmark to Morgan stretch of the Murray River, access to this camping area is signposted off Waikerie–Cadell Rd.... Find out moreMaize Island camping area (bush camping) 36 km
Bush camping with no facilities is reached from Holder Settlement Rd. As always, you need a permit to camp here.... Find out morePooginook Campground 42 km
Coventional vehicles can access this basic campground, though other park tracks are 4WD only. It’s situated 28 km north-east of Waikerie along the Morgan–Renmark Rd, 29 km west of the Nappers Bridge turn-off.... Find out moreGluepot Reserve camping area 52 km
Five separate sites for self-sufficient campers (gas/fuel stove only) are located within the reserve, 64 km north of Waikerie. The reserve is accessed from Lunn Rd off Morgan–Renmark Rd.... Find out moreBurra Creek Gorge camping area 64 km
Mighty river red gums feature in this extensive reserve on Robertson Rd, 26 km south from Burra. After winter rains the creek environment is a lush habitat for birds and other wildlife. It’s a good spot for relaxed... Find out moreSwan Reach camping area (bush camping) 65 km
Sites for self-sufficient bush camping are signposted off Swan Reach–Sedan Rd, 10 km west of Swan Reach. Near here, on an unsealed road off the Swan Reach–Walker Flat Road, are spectacular views of the Murray... Find out moreMallee camping area 66 km
Striking red cliffs are a feature of this camping spot in open mallee country, 15 km east of Burra. Follow the signpost from Eastern Rd, and come equipped with firewood and preferably a gas/fuel stove.... Find out moreRidley camping area (bush camping) 69 km
Self-sufficient bush camping is permitted in the park, 8 km south of Swan Reach on the road to Mannum.... Find out moreCaravan parks around town
Waikerie Caravan Park 33 km
A large council park close to the river on the edge of town, this is in a pretty setting, easily located, with good amenities and a range of facilities. Bookings are required in peak periods and a minimum-length stay... Find out moreBIG4 Blanchetown Riverside Holiday Park 36 km
This well-maintained park is in a picturesque spot on the banks of the Murray River, just below the Blanchetown lock. It is a smaller, good quality park with a range of accommodation, about 500 metres from the town... Find out moreKingston-on-Murray Caravan Park 67 km
This is a quiet, waterfront, owner-operated park just off the highway and ideal for a few restful days on the riverbank. The park has good basic facilities and is an enjoyable base for exploring the local area, including... Find out moreCobdogla Station Caravan Park 72 km
This is a good quality waterfront park in the heart of the Riverland, with expanses of lawn and shady trees. It is easily accessed from the highway and has appeal for those looking for a quiet holiday on the river.... Find out moreDiscovery Holiday Parks – Lake Bonney 77 km
On the shores of Lake Bonney, this popular park is a great holiday base or ideal for an overnight stop. The park is about 1.5 km from the town centre, has a range of accommodation, good amenities and shade. Waterfront... Find out moreBurra Caravan and Camping Park 78 km
This picturesque park is situated alongside a creek just two minutes walk from the centre of Burra, a historic mining town. The park has good basic facilities and plenty of large shady trees. It is an excellent base from... Find out moreBarossa Valley SA Tourist Park 78 km
This good quality Barossa Valley caravan park has a large number of sites, a choice of accommodation and a range of facilities including tennis courts. It is within walking distance of the town centre and close to... Find out moreTanunda Caravan and Tourist Park 86 km
Enjoy the Barossa Valley experience from this popular park; it is a great base for exploring the fabulous wine-producing region. Located 1.5 km from the town centre, with easy access, it offers patrons a good range of... Find out moreBerri Riverside Caravan Park 92 km
This is a large and very good park about 1 km from town and just across the road from the Murray River. It has extensive facilities including a state-of-the-art camp kitchen. We stay here when passing through Berri.... Find out moreLoxton Riverfront Caravan Park 94 km
This is a neat, tidy and spacious park with good amenities and large shady trees along the banks of the river. Several sites are above the high flood level; many of the flood levels of past years are recorded on a tree... Find out moreHotels, motels & B&Bs around town
Eco-friendly places to stay around town
Clarion Hotel Soho 138 km
Completed at the end of 2008, this five-star boutique hotel was designed with many hidden environmental features, such as water-recycling systems, sustainable building materials and airflow and passive cooling to reduce... Find out moreCoorong Wilderness Lodge 207 km
Opened early in 2009, the five beautiful cabins here on a limestone cliff on Aboriginal lands have 180-degree views over the Coorong, with pelicans, ducks and other birds flying past at window height. The cabins have... Find out moreRidgetop Retreats 218 km
Three funky, architecturally designed cabins sit in quiet seclusion in Deep Creek Conservation Park at the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. They have solar hot water, composting toilets, two bedrooms, floor-to-ceiling... Find out moreAntechamber Bay Ecocabins 243 km
This low-key, out-of-the-way spot in the east of the island is next to a beautiful and isolated beach. There are two fairly basic self-contained and solar-powered cabins with room for up to eight people each, half a... Find out moreRest areas around town
Angus Rest Area 21 km
24 km E of Morgan (R) or 64 km W of Sturt Hwy (L) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. GPS: S34 03.24 E139 53.31... Find out moreRosies Rest Area 22 km
25 km E of Morgan (L) or 65 km W of Sturt Hwy (R) Small area just off the highway around a few trees. GPS: S34 03.409 E139 53.588... Find out moreHolder Bend Camp Area 37 km
T/O 3 km E of Waikerie (L) or 45 W of Barmera (R) Large camping area on the banks of the river 2 kilometres north of the highway via Holder Top Road and Holder Bottom Road. GPS: S34 11.11 E140 00.43... Find out moreWaikerie Lookout Park Area 37 km
2 km E of Waikerie (L) or 46 km W of Barmera (R) Small area just off the highway. Good views over the river. GPS: S34 11.14 E140 00.43... Find out moreAnnadale Rest Area 45 km
29 km E of Truro (L) or 17 km W of Blanchetown (R) Large area just off the highway among numerous trees. Limited shade. GPS: S34 23.22 E139 25.55... Find out moreAriverrun Rest Area 53 km
58 km E of Morgan (L) or 32 km W of Sturt Hwy (R) Large area around trees just off the highway. GPS: S34 09.026 E140 12.986... Find out moreBurra East Rest Area 59 km
21 km SE of Burra (L) or 64 km NW of Morgan (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S33 45.801 E139 07.059... Find out moreBanrock Rest Area 60 km
28 km E of Waikerie (R) or 20 km W of Barmera (L) Large area just off the highway. Good shade. GPS: S34 11.36 E140 17.09... Find out moreBurra Creek Gorge Camp Area 61 km
T/O 16 km SE of Burra (R) or 69 km NW of Morgan (L) Large secluded campground located 11 kilometres south-east of the highway in a natural bush setting on the banks of the creek. Good facilities and shade. GPS:... Find out moreTruro East Rest Area 64 km
1 km E of Truro (L) or 45 km W of Blanchetown (R) Small area just off the highway among a few large trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 24.30 E139 08.07... Find out moreCooba Camp Area 70 km
T/O 36 km E of Waikerie (R) or 12 km W of Barmera (L) Large campground located 5 kilometres south-east of the highway on the riverbank in Moorook Game Reserve. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS: S34 16.01 E140... Find out moreKaiser Strip Camp Area 71 km
T/O into Cobdogla Several small camping sites just off the highway on the banks of the river in Loch Luna Game Reserve. Good shade. GPS: S34 14.02 E140 23.18... Find out moreMoorook Camp Area 71 km
T/O 36 km E of Waikerie (R) or 12 km W of Barmera (L) Grassed area located 6 km south of the highway by the river just off the road through town. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 17.18 E140 22.05... Find out moreBarmera Park Area 77 km
West side of town Large parking area on the shores of Lake Bonney. Good facilities but only limited shade. GPS: S34 14.58 E140 27.35 ... Find out moreLake Bonney Camp Area 78 km
T/O at Barmera Small camping area located among the trees on the shores of the lake in Lake Bonney Reserve 3 kilometres north- west of Barmera via Queen Elizabeth Drive. GPS: S34 13.38 E140 28.12... Find out moreMoppa Road Rest Area 79 km
29 km NE of Gawler (L) or 3 km W of Nuriootpa (R) Small area just off the highway behind a few trees. GPS: S34 27.33 E138 58.26 ... Find out moreHanson Rest Area 80 km
13 km S of Burra (L) or 28 km N of Manoora (R) Large area among numerous large pine trees. Good shade. GPS: S33 45.158 E138 50.405 ... Find out moreWinkler Park Area 82 km
2 km S of Saddleworth (L) or 7 km N of Riverton (R) Very small area adjacent to the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 05.892 E138 46.465... Find out moreRiverton South Rest Area 86 km
South side of town Large area among trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 10.287 E138 44.769... Find out moreTarlee Park Area 86 km
Middle of town Small parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 16.471 E138 46.258... Find out moreKatarapko Creek Camp Area 87 km
T/O 9 km E of Barmera (R) or 5 km W of Berri (L) Large sprawling area located 10 kilometres south of the highway along the banks of the Murray River in Murray River National Park. Numerous sites among the trees. Good... Find out moreMount Bryan Rest Area 89 km
Middle of town Town park opposite the hotel. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S33 33.007 E138 53.532... Find out moreMartins Bend Camp Area 94 km
T/O 3 km NE of Berri (R) or 17 km SW of Renmark (L) Large camp area located 3 kilometres south-east of the highway among numerous large trees on the banks of the Murray River. Good facilities and shade. GPS: S34... Find out moreColigans Camp Area 94 km
T/O 8 km NE of Berri (R) or 12 km SW of Renmark (L) Large area among trees on the riverbank 3 kilometres south-east of the highway in Murray River National Park. Facilities located nearby. NOTE: Access road part... Find out moreBlack Box Camp Area 95 km
T/O 8 km NE of Berri (R) or 12 km SW of Renmark (L) Large area among trees on the riverbank 4 km south-east of the highway in Murray River National Park. Facilities located nearby. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. ... Find out moreRotary Park Rest Area 98 km
14 km NE of Berri (L) or 6 km SW of Renmark (R) Small area adjacent to the highway. GPS: S34 12.391 E140 42.136... Find out morePlushes Bend Camp Area 103 km
T/O 17 km NE of Berri (R) or 3 km SW of Renmark (L) Large camp area located 4 kilometres east of the highway among numerous large trees on the banks of the river. Good shade. NOTE: Access road part unsealed. GPS:... Find out moreParinga Park Area 104 km
West side of town Bert Dix Park is located on the banks of the river adjacent to the bridge. Good facilities. Limited shade. GPS: S34 10.989 E140 46.600... Find out moreSpalding Park Area 114 km
Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S33 29.990 E138 36.435... Find out moreYamba East Rest Area 118 km
18 km E of Paringa (L) or 6 km W of Victorian Border (L) Large areas on both sides of the highway. Limited shade. GPS: S34 16.137 E140 54.278 ... Find out more