A Slow Weekend in the Riverland: Your Itinerary
How to spend 2–3 days on the Murray River
Planning a Riverland weekend getaway?
If you’re wondering how to spend a weekend in the Riverland, the answer isn’t to pack it full.
This is a place that rewards a slower pace.
Where good food, river air and time outside shape the experience more than a strict itinerary.
This guide is designed to help you make the most of 2–3 days in the Riverland, without rushing any of it.
Day One: Arrive and settle into the river
What time should you arrive in the Riverland?
Mid afternoon is ideal, checking into the retreat at 2pm to make the most of a lazy afternoon beside the Murray River.
The light softens across the Murray, the air cools slightly, and everything feels like it’s beginning to slow down.
Ease into your stay
Once you arrive:
Unpack slowly
Open the doors and let the air move through
Step outside and take in the river
If you feel like stretching your legs, head out for a short walk along the river.
It’s the easiest way to get your bearings.
Keep the first night simple
There’s no need to go out.
A bottle of local wine is included in your stay and a good tip is to collect some local produce at Ilalangi Gourmet Providore in Waikerie on your way in.
As the sun drops:
light the fire
soak in the outdoor bath
let the day settle
This is how a Riverland weekend begins properly.
Day Two: Explore, taste and wander
This is your main day to experience the region.
Morning: start slow
There’s no rush here.
Wake naturally and take your time with the morning.
A good way to begin:
coffee outside
a simple breakfast
a quiet soak in the bath (because you’re on holiday after all)
If you feel like heading out, this is the best time for a walk.
Late morning: follow the food
The Riverland is one of Australia’s most productive food regions, and you don’t need to look far to experience it.
At Berri Visitor Centre collect local produce and at Riverland Sunfresh you can grab fresh fruit and veg for dinner at home.
A coffee at local roasters, Arrosto Coffee, is a must.
Afternoon: wineries and long lunch
No Riverland weekend is complete without time set aside for food and wine.
Choose one or two cellar doors and take your time.
You’ll find:
relaxed tastings
winemakers who are happy to chat
varieties you might not expect
Our Picks:
Riverland Wine Centre
919 Wines
Bassham Wines
Mallee Estate Wines
Where should you go for lunch?
Twenty Third Distillery and the Riverland Wine Centre are our favourite long lunch spots. Along with the Woolshed Brewery where you can make your own platter of BYO. NWB also gets an honorable mention.
Order something to share, pour a glass and let the afternoon stretch out. This is part of the experience, not something to fit between activities.
Evening: stay in and slow down
Head back before sunset.
This is where the day comes together.
open what you’ve collected
cook something simple or build a grazing board
run the outdoor bath
sit by the fire
Evenings in the Riverland are best when they’re uncomplicated.
Day Three: A gentle finish
What should you do on your last day?
Not much.
Let the morning unfold before making any plans.
A few easy options
A short paddle on the river
One last soak in the bath
Coffee outside with no agenda
The goal isn’t to fit something in. It’s to leave feeling like you had enough time.
How many days do you need in the Riverland?
Two nights is the minimum.
Three nights allows you to properly settle into the rhythm of the place and experience both the river and the region without feeling rushed.
Planning your stay
A few simple tips:
Choose 1–2 key things per day
Leave space between them
Prioritise time over activity
The Riverland isn’t about doing more.
It’s about experiencing things properly