The Murray River region is a charming destination within two hours drive from Adelaide. A cruise along the river seems to be the ideal local activity. Unfortunately during our stay the weather was a bit dismal. We therefore opted for another charming...and dry destination. Riverview Rise Retreats is a unique style of accommodation overlooking the river from the heights of Mannum. Choosing to stay here is like a dream come true and nothing less! Each of the retreats, three in total, are secluded from each other and extremely private. They are beautifully furnished in oppulent style. The attention to detail creates pure comfort. The view is fantastic. A luxurious getaway ideal for relaxation, romance and rejuvination. Staying at Riverview Rise Retreats is the guarantee to leave the stress of everyday life behind. It definitely deserves its five stars!

The writers were guests of Riverview Rise Retreats.

Photo: Riverview Rise Retreats

Visit the open-air museum of Old Tailem Town to get an idea of what life was like for pioneers in South Australia in the nineteenth century. It is so realistic that during our visit, we were wondering if it was a revival or an original town. Old Tailem Town has now over than a hundred buildings most of which were taken as is from their original location. The oldest building in the park is from 1870, an eternity in the history of this young country which is Australia. The owner is an enthusiast who has put a lot of heart into it, and it shows! He has paid great attention to detail furnishing each of the buildings with items from that era. A not to be missed activity on your travels across the Murray River!

Bordertown, in the north of the Limestone Coast, is the birthplace of former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke. But if we suggest you to go there, it is mainly because this border town of Victoria is home to the only colony of white kangaroos in Australia! They can be easily seen in a paddock that borders the main road on the eastern outskirts of the city. Bordertown is a good stopover between Melbourne and Adelaide and a good base for exploring the Ngarjat and Big Desert National Parks. And since it is a bit far (about 1h30 drive north of Coonawarra's vineyards), we also suggest you to spend a night there. With this in mind, we tried and tested Dunalan Cottage. More than just a bed and breakfast, you have access to one of the two houses in the compound of a family farm whose owners are very friendly. The rooms of the house in which iPhoneography Oz stayed are really spacious with high ceilings. A good excuse to warm up with a chimney fire. The cottage, fully equipped, is decorated with "old fashioned" furniture from the family patrimony, which has an antique home feel. The property is so big that you feel like lost in the wilderness. During your stay, be sure to visit the farm animals!

The writers were guests of Dunalan Cottage.

It is a place of choice, nothing short of perfect and just a few minutes away from Coonawarra's vineyards. Murray's Country Cottages, two in total, sit comfortably alongside the private golf course of the property (which customers have free access). The gorgeous log cabins are full of delightful character. Fully equipped, you quickly feel at home. The surroundings are peaceful and unique! The owners, Bill and Marg, are among the sweetest people we have encountered since the beginning of this project. We could easily dedicate them a full separate article in recognition of their generosity, culture and dynamism. Having met several people in the area, it seems also that much of the local community is just as warm and educated. A real love at first sight that we would recommend to anyone without any hesitation!

iPhoneography Oz was guest of Murray's Country Cottages.

Win 2 nights!

Coonawarra, an hour's drive north of Mount Gambier, is a little piece of paradise. The kind of paradise that foodies of the world love. Coonawarra has long been recognized as one of the best wine regions of Australia. With its mild climate and the unique composition of its soil, premium red wines with intense fruit character have been produced there for over a century. Cabernet Sauvignon, the local speciality, along with Shiraz represent 80% of the total regional production. Along the way, we stopped for a tasting at Zema Estate which is currently hosting its annual Winter Wine & Chocolate tasting. The marriage of these two indulgences is surprisingly complimentary. Enhancing the wine's already fine taste, it is a pleasure for the palate. We particularly enjoyed it. The property is reknowned for producing delicious red wines. Greg Clayfield, its winemaker, won the 1998 IWSC International Winemaker of the Year.
The "little" Coonawarra (less than 10% of the South Australia's wine production) might not be present in every single guidebooks, but we strongly recommend it to you!

Win 1 bottle of 2008 'Cluny' (Cabernet Merlot) or 2008 Shiraz from Zema Estate Wines!

Mount Gambier is our first stop in the state of South Australia. This small and friendly town on the Limestone Coast is the state's second largest after Adelaide. It is worth stopping there at least for one night. The area includes some geological sites of national or international importance. A few minutes walk from the centre of Mount Gambier, the Blue Lake fills the crater of an extinct volcano. In summer, the water is an incredible blue. In winter, it is tinged with gray. It seems that it is the only blue lake in the world. The Umpherston Sinkhole, located in the heart of the town, has a garden at the bottom of an impressive natural crater. We suggest visiting it at night to be able to approach and feed the possums that inhabit it.

Halls Gap is a small village located in the heart of the Grampians. This is where the "human presence" of the region is concentrated. The visitor information centre, a petrol station, several restaurants and cafes and a few shops are there. During our visit, we stayed at Halls Haven Holiday Units, located a few kilometers away from the village. This small friendly complex is ideal for relaxing. Far away from the road, every one can enjoy the silence. The units are located around a small pond with the Grampians as a backdrop. On site, visitors have access to different activities such as tennis, cycling or DVD rental. The self-contained accommodation is equipped with a full kitchen. In fact this is a perfect place for families and budget travelers who want to stay in Halls Gap!

The writers were guests of Halls Haven Holiday Units.