Two different Aboriginal groups lived along the Murray River and today you can still find "canoe trees" that were used to make eucalyptus bark fishing boats. Visit Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal site, where local guides take visitors to the birthplace of the Black Duck dreaming and Australia’s first archaeological dig.

At Camp Coorong, just out of Meningie, learn the art of basket weaving or join a nature walk with Aboriginal elders.

A tribute to the early pioneering days can be seen at the Mannum Dock Museum: home to the PS Marion, which was built in 1897. It's one of the last operational wood-fired, steam-driven, overnight passenger carrying, side paddle steamers in the world.

Back on dry land, Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village boasts 12 streets of memories and more than 90 buildings that will take you back “to the old days”.

 

Just about every ingredient you would find on a pizza, from cheeses to salami, tomatoes, onions and olives, can be found in the region. Stock up on fresh seasonal fruit and vegies, oven-baked breads and pizzas, home-made baked delights, honey, olive oil and more at the weekly Murray Bridge Farmers Market.

Grab some famous Coorong Mullet from a small stall on the Princes Highway, just out of Meningie, or try catching one yourself. The region is also prized for its Angus Beef while nearby Jervois is well-known for its dairy farms.

Mypolonga is the place for apricots and oranges, or stop at The Big Olive at Tailem Bend for an olive oil tasting and freshly brewed coffee.

For a spot of wine tasting, take a short drive to Willow Point Wines, just south of Murray Bridge or visit Heward Estate Wines at Mannum, which bottles under the name of "Mannum Cliffs Wines".