"The Port of Mannum" Mannum by tiabunna

Mannum Travel Guide: 15 reviews and 52 photos

First Port on the Murray

Port of …? What’s that about? This place isn’t on the coast! Time for another little ramble into some Australian history….

If I mention steam powered riverboats, most people probably think of stern-wheel Mississippi paddle steamers, replete with the requisite double stacks, riverboat gamblers, flash ladies and so on. Well, gentle reader, I’m happy to say that Australia also has a proud riverboat history, though virtually all the original boats were side wheelers and (as far as I’m aware, anyway) were somewhat lacking in riverboat gamblers and flash ladies.

I’m sure that by now you’re way ahead of me when I let you know that Mannum, on the Murray River in South Australia, not only was once a major downstream port for the riverboat trade, but the very place where the legends began. Eventually rail and, later, road transport finished off the riverboats, by taking the passengers and later by picking up the heavy freight haulage – think of giant stacks of baled wool.

Although I’ve been a regular visitor to Mannum for many years, until recently little effort was made to cater for tourists – that, at last, is changing. It’s not far up the road from Adelaide and I’m now happy to say that Mannum, combined with a visit to the Barossa Valley, should be on the agenda for anyone visiting that part of the world. I should add that Mannum has become a popular short trip from Adelaide, and that it (and the Murray in general) are a favourite place for boat-related activities of various kinds.

Under Construction (commenced 15 Feb 2010)

Pros and Cons

Pros:An interesting day trip from Adelaide
Cons:Nothing really, but can be very hot in summer
In a nutshell:Get your riverboat history here!

Intro Updated Feb 15, 2010
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Reviews (2)

Then go to the Museum Things to Do (2)

You can’t help seeing the 1875 vintage wooden drydock (that redgum timber really lasts!) as you enter the Information... more travel advice

Start at the Visitor Information Centre Things to Do (2)

As you drive into Mannum on the main road from Adelaide, the main street heads downhill parallel to the river. While not... more travel advice

Comments (3)

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Mikebb Feb 23, 2010 at 3:34 PM

Hi George, we visited in May of 2005, the only reason being we attended a Travel Expo in Perth and won the free raffle. Prize return airfares to Adelaide and 3 day on the "Murray Princess" a stern drive paddlesteamer.
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lynnehamman Feb 18, 2010 at 5:34 PM

George- a new page! And what a great start. I will look out for more info here, which as always will be filled with amusing anecdotes and information. Hugs
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Nemorino Feb 15, 2010 at 2:02 PM

A fine start on your new Mannum page! I've just read the first two tips; will return later when you have added more.