The birthplace of the first paddle steamer in Australia

If you enjoy relaxing and gazing at a backdrop like no other, the historic river port of Mannum is the place to be.

Birthplace of the paddle steamer and home of the PS Marion, Mannum is only 80km down the freeway from Adelaide where you can escape, recharge and enjoy the ambience of the town.

Take the scenic route through the Adelaide Hills via Tungkillo and Palmer and relax by the river at the picturesque Mary An Reserve with playgrounds for the children including disabled equipment.

Did you know the first car was also built in Mannum 10 years before Ford by David Shearer and the Port of Mannum was a busy boat building centre following in the footsteps of William Randell who built the first paddle steamer at Noa Noa Landing at Mannum in 1852, the PS Mary Ann.

You can see the PS Mary Ann’s original boiler and a replica of the vessel at the Mannum Dock Museum along with extensive photographs and visual presentations on how the 1956 flood overtook the town.

Take a cruise, hire a canoe, jet ski or speedboat or just lay back on the river bank, drop in a fishing line and take in the myriad of birdlife and breathtaking views.

The Mannum Waterfalls are a must to visit with their cascades moving through a magnificent gorge ending in an inviting picnic area where children can enjoy the natural mallee landscape.

Mannum is the houseboat capital of Australia and if you would like to try your hand behind the wheel on the Murray River, houseboats are an excellent way to cruise the Murray and see the sites.  Dining and business services are within easy access from the riverbank, so put on your Captain’s hat today and enjoy meandering down the river and enjoy the ever-changing landscape.

Bric a Brac and vintage shops are well worth a look in Mannum’s main street where you may find that hidden treasure and there is always a new exhibition on offer at the Arnold Gallery at the Mannum Dock Museum.

The world renowned Hermann Gass Bird Sanctuary is nestled on the banks of the river with boardwalk viewing and riverside picnic facilities adjoining the scenic Mannum Caravan Park offering superb cabins and an extensive bunkhouse fitted with a well equipped kitchen, ideal for groups.

If you are looking for luxury accommodation, Riverview Rise Retreats is just a short ferry ride across the river along with Bolto Reserve and Haythorpe Reserve riverside camping.

The Mannum Motel offers views across the river with excellent accommodation and riverview rooms or if you are looking for a B&B contact the Mannum Visitor Information Centre or budget accommodation at the Mannum Hotel.

Mannum offers many dining experiences with river views at the Mannum Community Club, Pretoria Hotel and Mannum Hotel and many main street cafes.

River history comes alive at the Mannum Dock Museum near the 24 hour free Mannum Ferry and don’t miss the Randell Dry Dock built in 1876 with the fully restored Keys Beam Steam Engine built in 1850.  The new ‘All Steamed Up’ interactive display is not to be missed where the kids and the big kids can be a river boat captain and steer their heritage vessel down the Murray.

With Mannum’s short distance from Adelaide it is ideal to visit for one of their many special events including the annual South Australia Truck and Ute Show held on the Sunday of the June long weekend, Sounds by the River in January, the Hot Rod Show on the March long weekend and the ‘All Steamed Up’ event in November at the Mannum Dock Museum.

Drop into the Mannum Visitor Centre where you will find the information you are looking for or details on up and coming regional events.  There is an extensive selection of local produce from the region and loads of bus parking is available at Arnold Park next door. If you are looking to keep in shape, visit the 24/7 Mannum Leisure Centre and gymnasium.

Make your river story with family and friends now at Mannum.