Explore Australia

Morgan

Main street, South Australian Tourism Commission

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

www.riverland.info

Nearby national parks

  • 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

  • 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 more


Port 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 more


Wallaroo 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 more


Fort 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 more


Wentworth 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 more


Point 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 more


Fitzgerald 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 more


Curlwaa 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 more


Whyalla 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 more


Eco-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 more


Wine-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 more


Cycling 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 more


Adelaide 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 more


Aboriginal 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 more


Morialta 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 more


Swimming 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 more


Birdwatching 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 more


Whale-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 more


Swimming 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 more


Golf 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 more


Royal 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 more


The 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 more


Kooyonga 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 more


Glenelg 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 more


Links 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 more


Cafes & restaurants around town

Mallyons on the Murray

This historic overlander’s watering hole has been revived as a bush cafe and gallery. It’s a wonderful expression of the good life, River Murray style. Organic home-grown produce is at the heart of the... Find out more


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 more


The 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 more


Goodlife 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 more


Nearby 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 more


Adelaide 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 more


Coopers 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 more


Brewboys 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 more


South 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 more


The 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 more


Mildura 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 more


Campsites 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 more


Hogwash 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 more


Ramco 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 more


Maize 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 more


Pooginook 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 more


Gluepot 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 more


Burra 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 more


Swan 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 more


Mallee 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 more


Ridley 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 more


Caravan 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 more


BIG4 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 more


Kingston-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 more


Cobdogla 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 more


Discovery 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 more


Burra 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 more


Barossa 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 more


Tanunda 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 more


Berri 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 more


Loxton 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 more


Hotels, motels & B&Bs around town

Bessie’s of Morgan

There’s real history here. Dating from the 1870s, this was one of the first cottages built in the town. Much of its original personality is still intact, especially in the kitchen and old dining room – sunny... Find out more


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 more


Coorong 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 more


Ridgetop 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 more


Antechamber 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 more


Rest 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 more


Rosies 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 more


Holder 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 more


Waikerie 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 more


Annadale 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 more


Ariverrun 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 more


Burra 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 more


Banrock 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 more


Burra 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 more


Truro 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 more


Cooba 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 more


Kaiser 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 more


Moorook 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 more


Barmera 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 more


Lake 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 more


Moppa 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 more


Hanson 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 more


Winkler 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 more


Riverton South Rest Area 86 km

South side of town Large area among trees. Good shade. GPS: S34 10.287 E138 44.769... Find out more


Tarlee 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 more


Katarapko 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 more


Mount 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 more


Martins 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 more


Coligans 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 more


Black 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 more


Rotary 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 more


Plushes 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 more


Paringa 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 more


Spalding Park Area 114 km

Middle of town Parking area adjacent to the highway. Good facilities. GPS: S33 29.990 E138 36.435... Find out more


Yamba 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


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