30 Mar 10 – Morgan

By Lou: Craig was keen to do some fishing on the Murray River in SA as it’s a favourite destination on the Victorian side. So we headed north hoping to find somewhere nice. There are a series of ferry crossings the whole way up which are free because they are part of the national road network so we ‘sailed’ across the Murray a couple of times. We drove for most of the day and were amazed at how different the riverscape was compared to Victoria, with the exception of the low levels they are both experiencing.
In particular, it was common for one side of the river bank to be metres lower than the other, resulting in steep cliff faces on the higher side. We ended up doing an overnight stay at a freebie campsite near Swan Reach, having failed to find anywhere suitable for a longer term stay. Next day we had a look around Blanchetown, where Lock No. 1 is situated (we had seen Lock No. 10 at Wentworth Victoria) and contemplated buying the local post office which was up for sale purely because we loved the sandstone building.

We arrived at the cute riverside township of Morgan by lunchtime. We had a picnic lunch at a park by the river and while Sam played with some kids on the play equipment we tried to work out where we might stay. From Morgan the Murray heads east to Renmark and we weren’t keen to head in that direction. We got chatting to the father of the other kids in the playground and mentioned we were looking for some free camping for about 4 nights. He kindly offered the use of his property but it was 150km away and not on the Murray so we let that one slide. Later, still at the playground, as we were winding up a conversation with some NT camper trailer owners, a fellow wandered over and started inspecting our boat rack. He and his wife had been having lunch at the pub overlooking the park when they saw us pull up (an hour or so earlier). He wants to manufacture something similar for his own boat so was keen to look ours over. He and Craig got chatting and free camping came up again. As luck would have it, he knew a great little spot (not free but at $10 per night still the bargain) near where he moored his houseboat, about 10km up the road near Pelican’s Point. Job done.


It was day 2 by the river when Craig was fishing from the bank and I heard a yell come from far away and then Craig respond in kind. I thought he was having a go at someone he’d possibly encountered the previous day whilst out in the boat, but lo and behold a houseboat started veering off course and head over to the bank. It was the Leavers (who we’d met at Kingston) who had just hired a houseboat for 3 days as a last hoorah for their holiday. Tom had spotted our car and then Audrey got out the binoculars and when she saw the scruffy looking bloke on the riverbank with a thick beard she confirmed his suspicions. Yes, it’s Craig! So with great excitement at our chance meeting we all jumped on board and excitedly caught up on all of 3 days absence and enjoyed dinner together (what else can I do all day on a boat except cook, say’s Audrey).
They moored the night in front of our campsite and next morning we all went for a sail in search of fish before they dropped us of and continued on their way, promising to return in a couple of nights’ time.



Next time they dropped by we had a campfire roast dinner and another great night.




By Craig: On the road to Morgan we passed through Mannum and by chance we arrived just as a beautiful old paddle boat departed for a river cruise. The Murray River in time gone by was a river boat highway, it was great to see one of the old ladies of the river in action. Onto another river town Murray Bridge, a town worthy of a little more time however we drove on through as time was getting away from us if we were to make Morgan allowing for reasonable time to set up before night.
After the chance meeting with the local farmer providing the opportunity for a good riverside camping spot it was great to get back to some bush camping, open fires and fishing on the Murray. I took the oportunity to snap a 'Mother & Son' perfect fireside moment photo. Bugger. Photos and children - I should have known!
A surprise moment was watching in the distance, a houseboat cruising along the Murray & thinking what a great time they’d have and then hearing shouts “It’s them“ and to our surprise Tom, Audrey, Henry and Angus crossed our path again. The meeting led to great conversation, a little bit of drinking and an opportune moment to watch Tom do a swan dive into, followed by a lightning quick exit, out of the fire (possibly helped by a couple of red wines). Although we had some laughs at Tom’s expense the seriousness of the matter was realised in the morning when he appeared with a piece of stick still in his neck We all promised to be a little more careful next time.
Another great catch up and we parted ways with a suggestion that we might catch up in Streaky Bay.