At the park you’ve got the camp kitchen with a BBQ and pizza oven, plus a kiosk stocked with snacks, ice and essentials. On weekends, there’s a coffee cart on site at the Park run by local Vendor Elly Jayne. You can even schedule your coffee order from the convenience of your cabin or site. 

Just up the road from the Park is Cafe Mannum, another great spot to get your morning brew or even a bite to eat for breakfast/brunch/lunch. This relaxed riverside setting is highly popular with locals and the weekend visitors from Adelaide.

A 5 minute walk downstream and you’ll Randell Street Bakery - a local institution. Pies, pasties and sausage rolls are the main fare here. From the moment we bite into that hazelnut eclair, we vowed to return. It’s almost overwhelming looking at the vast tray of delightful treats to choose from (because there’s always room for dessert, right?). The bakery is strategically located next to the public boat ramp, meaning it can get busy around the peak lunch hours. 

For dinner and a view, we loved the Pretoria Hotel on the riverbank. Serving up modern Australian pub dishes coupled with an enviable regional wine list. Sit outdoors on the balcony overlooking the water. Often they’ll host trivia and live music night to liven up the vibe.

Launch your kayak or boat from the Park’s private boat ramp and explore the bends of the Murray River right from your doorstep. Many come here for waterskiing and wakeboarding with the vast clifftops shielding the wind and often providing glassy conditions for the thrill-seekers to slice up.

Cast a line for Murray Cod (or more likely European Carp). There’s plenty of riverside space at the Park and no boat is needed to improve your chances.

Kids can bounce between the playground, tennis court and basketball hoop, or join in a friendly lawn game near the camp kitchen.

Within walking distance, step into the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre, home to the heritage-listed PS Marion and full of interactive displays on the region’s rich riverboat and steamship history. You can even board the paddle steamer itself when cruises are scheduled. Be sure to book in advance.

Take a quiet loop through the Herman Gass Bird Sanctuary, just upstream of the park. A haven for birdwatchers, this wetland reserve has a short boardwalk where you might spot pelicans, spoonbills and water hens in the shallows.

Just 5km from Mannum, hike the scenic trail to Mannum Waterfalls. Best after a decent rain, this rocky gorge walk follows the Reedy Creek to cascading falls surrounded by native bushland.

The park is within easy walking distance to Mannum’s main street, but note that shops and cafés often close early, especially outside of peak season. Plan ahead and stock up on supplies or book in for dinner ahead of your arrival if arriving late. The local IGA is open 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm.