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| Our 1st Campsite was at big Bend below Swan Reach |
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| Note the use of the tow hook to fish |
Our first campsite on the trip was at Big Bend, just below Swan Reach. Note
the use of the Tow link to hold the fishing rod. We had planned to stop between the Mildura/Adelaide Highway & Swan
Reach but although you have the right to camp on the river and there are many access points, all the land owners are too selfish
& have Private Property signs on all the gates. Unfortunately the S.A.Government has not the guts to force
landowners to allow others to enjoy this part of the Murray, All this is doing is driving tourists towards Mannum, or to Mildura
for their holidays and to spend the tourist dollars there.
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| At Big bend as the Murray Princess Aproaches |
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| Our whole trip was blessed with great weather |
We stayed at Big bend for 2 days, to find this spot drive out of Swan reach about 10
Kms, (If you reach Nildoltie then you have gone to far), you will see a signpost 'Big Bend 4kms'. This is a well
graded wide un sealed road to the river
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| A better photo of the Murray Princess |
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| Mark Twain once likened the Murray to the Missisippii |
When we visited Mannum for the day to stock up on food we made the mistake of shopping
in the supermarket, afterwards I stopped at the Butchers on the hill for some BBQ meat & found not only that they were
cheaper in Meat than the supermarket, but also sold cheap frozen vegetables & other produce.
After leaving Mannum on the Adelaide side we turned right at the first turn off believing we were turning
onto the Swan Reach road, (we were already on it), then followed it to the end. where we ended up was where the Marne
River meets the Murray River, a place set aside for camping with area's to park. Park benches and tables are provided
and it is a very peaceful place.
| This is what I call face rock |
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| The face part is about 3 Metres high |
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| Our 2nd stop was the Marne River meets the Murray |
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| We found this place by accident when we took a wrong turn |
When we got to Mannum the 'River Ramble' was on and around one hundred boats were lining
the water. The River Ramble is conducted every 2-3 years.
All types of boats from Houseboats, yatchs, and fishing boats to restored couta boats
& historic vessles travel up the river from town to town where evening meals are supplied by local service clubs.
We saw the boats at Mannum & then watched them pass at Marne river, we would see them
again at Swan Reach on out return.
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