River Info

Everything from how to get a boat license to how to report incidents and voice your concerns when using the River Murray.
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Boat Licenses
If you are going to drive a boat on the River Murray then you will need a boat license from Transport SA.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and be able to prove their identity.
License examinations can be undertaken at any Transport SA Customer Service Centre between the hours of 9am and 4pm.
There is a special permit available for children between the age of 12 and 16 which requires passing the written examination and then undertaking a brief practical test conducted by a Marine Safety Officer.
The written examination is multiple choice and consists of 20 questions of which 6 compulsory questions must be answered correctly (for further information, here is the link ).
As of July, 2001, it costs $26.00 to take the written examination and then a further $25.00 to pay for the boat operator's license.
Comprehensive information on obtaining a boat license can be found at this link.
The Transport SA Marine Group website has a wealth of information on recreational boating safety:-
http://www.transport.sa.gov.au/safety/marine/rec_boating/index.asp

Sandbanks
The Murray is famous for its rather muddy appearance.
This means that you really can't see things below the surface. As a general rule of thumb when you are north of Swan Reach you should keep one third of the river's breadth in from the bank.
It is also a really good idea to become familiar with any local sandbanks to avoid potential mishap. Either ask a local before embarking or check out The River Murray Pilot, (Goolwa to Renmark, South Australia) a book which gives comprehensive navigational details for the river.

River Murray Fishing
Freshwater fishing along the River Murray is popular amongst both solo anglers and holidaymakers, and also club anglers, with fish species including Perch, Catfish and the famous Murray River Cod. The river's waters also sustain a commercial fresh water fishing industry with strong local demand for both human consumption and also the bait market. For a precise of local information, including fish species, river levels, fishing reports, bag limits and more .... use the following link:
River Murray Fishing

River Murray Camping
Either staying at a Caravan and Camping Park along the River Murray, or at one of the many designated camping areas along the banks of the Murray, offers a great way to take in the natural beauty of the river and its surrounds. Camping along the Murray is a great way of extending a fishing or waterskiing day trip. For all your 'need to know information' when planning and undertaking a camping trip along the River Murray use the following link:
River Murray Camping

River Murray Golfing
Golfing along the River Murray is especially enjoyable due to the fantastic weather which the Riverland and the Murraylands enjoy. There are 11 great golf courses in close proximity to the River Murray. To see a listing of the courses and other useful information on golf use the following link:
River Murray Golfing

Murray Watch
Murray Watch is a contact point for the report of incidents of concern along the River Murray (accessable 24hrs a day, 7 days a week).
Incidents to do with vandalism, boating safety, national park and wildlife issues, illegal netting, illegal fires, to mention a few, can be reported to Murray Watch.
Murray Watch can be contacted at Ph: 8531 0710
For a comprehensive overview of what Murray Watch do check out their website:-
http://www.murrayriver.com.au/misc/murray_watch/default.htm

River Levels
Check out the current river levels using the daily flow report, kindly supplied by the River Murray Operations Unit.

River Kilometre Guide

TOWNS	UPSTREAM	DOWNSTREAM
Customs House	560	0
Murtho	525	35
Renmark	490	70
Paringa	487	73
Lyrup	460	100
Berri	449	111
Loxton	413	147
Kingston on Murray	359	201
Waikerie	306	254
Morgan	243	317
Murbko	222	338
Blanchetown	197	363
Swan Reach	169	391
Nildottie	147	413
Walker Flat	130	430
Purnong	114	446
Bowhill	108	452
Younghusband	90	470
Mannum	74	486
Murray Bridge	36	524
Tailem Bend	11	549
Wellington	0	560