About Waikerie

Waikerie is the ultimate destination for travellers looking for a unique river escape just two hours from Adelaide. Known for its iconic citrus industry, magnificent artscapes, birdwatching, golfing, and of course a beautiful stretch of the Murray River – it makes a perfect base for your Riverland adventure.

Perfect for travellers from all walks of life, Waikerie is a must to add to your South Australian holiday itinerary.

Explore the beauty of the River and feel the world wash away on a relaxing 2 or 3 hour cruise with award-winning Rivergum Cruises. They also offer 'Design your own cruise', giving you the option to decide what you'd like to do!

With 200 species of different birds in Gluepot Reserve nearby, Waikerie really is a twitcher’s paradise - further celebrated through murals across town. Waikerie is home to many of the Riverland’s arts experiences, including the famous Waikerie Silo Art, the Rain Moth Gallery and River Glenview Art glass studio. Learn about Waikerie’s art straight from the locals in a podcast tour of town.

In Waikerie, you’ll also find one of the longest stretches of accessible riverbank and the width of the river makes it popular for water sports, fishing and excellent for houseboats. The main Riverfront reserve in town boasts beautiful lawn-covered banks with barbeque facilities, shelters, shady trees, swimming jetty, and a children's water and nature play area. Check the calendar for the regular riverfront markets, allowing you to unearth some excellent creations from local artists, producers, and more!

A stop in Waikerie wouldn’t be complete without calling in to the famous Nippy’s factory for some delicious juices, flavoured milks or sparkling beverages, or keep your taste buds tingling by visiting the friendly locals at Illalangi Gourmet Foods to try some local treats.

Stay in Style

For the ultimate luxury stay in Waikerie, a few nights at the Waikerie Villas are a must. There are also some beautiful riverfront and inland holiday homes for rent, including heritage cottages, restored homesteads for farm-stay style experiences and modern waterfront homes and houseboats for those keen to get out on the water.

The Waikerie Holiday Park is perfect for a family getaway. Featuring a lush outdoor area complete with a swimming pool and jumping pillow, outdoor barbecues and a camp kitchen - the park has everything you need for your time away. The nearby fauna reserve is also the perfect opportunity for the kids to see kangaroos and emus up close!

For those looking for comfort in the middle of town, the recently upgraded Waikerie Hotel and Motel offers everything from a single to family room and a range of styles to suit all budgets.

Avid campers can really reconnect with nature by rolling out a swag, setting up a tent, or pulling up a caravan at a number of free public campgrounds on the banks of the Murray.

Natural Indulgence

Waikerie is full to the brim with experiences for you to connect with the natural environment. The name Waikerie itself is derived from 'Wei kari', meaning 'Many Wings' in the local Aboriginal Peoples language. The term 'Many Wings' refers to the giant swift moths, known today as Rain Moths, emerging from their cocoons from beneath the ground after heavy rain.

Though you’d have to be lucky to see the real deal, the Rain Moth is celebrated throughout the town through local artwork - keep an eye out! Waikerie’s public artwork showcases so much more of the Riverland’s local flora and fauna too, like a giant yabby and regent parrot on the silos, a giant Murray cod and some special wings.

For an indulgent experience in nature, cruise up river with the experts from Rivergum Cruises, taking in breathtaking views of the 100-foot limestone cliffs and glorious native gum and mallee trees. If you’d like to be on the river on your own schedule, hire some kayaks from Woody’s Variety Store and explore the river as well as paddle through Waikerie’s backwaters and lagoons.

The 2km Rotary Cliff Top Walk offers spectacular views of the river with excellent photo opportunities. If you’re after something for the kids to get involved with, head to the Waikerie Water and Nature Play Park by the riverfront featuring a climbing wall, 40 metre double flying fox, six water play areas, a 6 metre-high teepee and a wheelchair friendly merry-go-round.

A visit to Hart Lagoon and numerous walking trails truly ingrains Waikerie as a bird-watcher’s paradise. Internationally recognised and protected Gluepot Reserve is home to some 200+ species bird species (including the elusive mallee fowl) just 40km north of Waikerie and with great bush camping facilities, along with 14 walking trails.

To really indulge surrounded by the River’s awe inspiring view, stay nestled amongst the vines at the cliff top Whistling Kite Cottage where you can enjoy a glass of local wine while watching the sunset over the Murray.

Fun and Adventure

There’s no shortage of all-ages action in and around Waikerie. The main riverfront reserve and its new Water and Nature Play Park is ideal for families who are ready to let the kids run wild.

For the ultimate Riverland adventure, nothing beats a few nights on a houseboat. Waikerie’s Green & Gold Houseboats have a fleet of boats ranging from 2-12 berth, perfect for couples looking for a relaxing private gateway or groups wanting to maximise their river time fun.

If you’re seeking even more adventure, set for the skies with the Riverland Gliding Club on a gliding flight to see the Riverland from an awe-inspiring vantage point.

For those keen on taking a swing, spend some time on the green at the Waikerie Golf & Country Club, a long and undulating course with dog legs and mounds to add to the challenge.

Rev heads will enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with visiting local motorsport events like the Riverland 300 or the Waikerie Sunline Speedway.

Haven of Flavours

Famous for its thriving citrus industry, Waikerie is a fruit-lover’s haven. A stop at the Nippy’s factory is essential to try the best oranges around and the delicious fruit juices made from locally-grown citrus.

Foodies, home cooks, flavour lovers and everyone in between will love dropping in to the famous Illalangi Gourmet Foods. Owner, Keryn, not only creates her own award-winning products (with the best of Riverland produce in her roadside providore), Illalangi offers carefully curated grazing boxes to complete your Riverland picnic.

For a traditional pub-style feed, head to the Waikerie Hotel or the Waikerie Club. Travelling downstream from Waikerie, you’ll find Burk Salter Wines - and if you’re after a truly unique cellar door experience, book a Tour of Burk Salter vineyard and wetlands onboard their restored 1927 Chevrolet truck.

To eat like the locals - pick up award-winning sausages, barbeque meats and produce from iconic Rollbusch Quality Meats, breads from the bakery and enjoy your feast in the sunshine at one of the free riverfront barbeques.