Cruising the Murray River on a houseboat is about more than just drifting along calm waters, it’s an opportunity to indulge in the region’s finest wines and craft beers. Waking up in a houseboat on the Murray River is all about taking in the golden sunrise, coffee in hand, all before casting off toward picturesque cellar doors and riverside breweries. In this guide, we’ll showcase the Murray River wineries and the very best breweries on the Murray River.
From boutique cellar doors to historic pubs, these are our top pick breweries and wineries accessible by boat, so you can sip and savour without ever leaving your floating “home”.
- Tahbilk Winery (Nagambie Reach)
Located on the banks of the creek arm near Nagambie, Tahbilk is one of Australia’s most historic wineries. As you approach by houseboat, the century-old timber jetty comes into view, framed by lush vines and river red gums. Tahbilk’s shiraz and marsanne are local legends, and their cellar door welcomes groups of all sizes. Take a guided tour of the heritage-listed vineyards, then relax on the deck with a cheese platter and glass of amber marsanne. With plenty of shaded picnic spots, it’s one of the most memorable houseboat wineries the Murray River has to offer.
- Mitchelton Winery (Moorooduc Bend)
Further downstream, Mitchelton’s beautiful estate is easily reachable by boat. Their floating pontoon allows you to dock your vessel just metres away from the entrance, making Mitchelton one of the top wineries accessible by boat. Once ashore, wander through serene gardens before sampling tempranillo, sangiovese, and petite verdot in the barrel hall. Their onsite restaurant overlooks wetlands where kangaroos and waterbirds roam freely.
- Red Cliffs Estate (Red Cliffs/Chowilla Bend)
Set in the historic citrus orchards of Red Cliffs, the Red Cliffs Estate is a hidden treasure for houseboaters. Dock at Sundowner Bend, and you’re just a short stroll from the rustic cellar doors. Known for their classic cabernets and rich fortifieds, Red Cliffs Estate offers intimate tastings in an old sandstone shed. It’s an authentic Murray River wineries experience that feels off-the-beaten-path.
- Woolshed Brewery (Renmark)
If you crave a craft beer fix, point your bow towards Renmark’s Woolshed Brewery (also known as Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery). This spot has been widely regarded as one of the best breweries on the Murray River. Houseboats cruising into Renmark can moor near the riverbank and stroll into the brewery’s river-adjacent taproom. Their flagship pale ale and hoppy IPA showcase barley and pure Murray water, yielding a crisp, refreshing finish. Families and groups of friends will love the communal picnic tables overlooking the water; you might even catch live music on weekends.
- Loophole Brewing Co. (Moama)
For an off-the-beaten-path twist, consider an upriver excursion toward the banks of the Murray in Moama, where you’ll find Loophole Brewing Co. Recognised as one of the best breweries on the Murray River, Loophole offers a rotating selection of small-batch ales, lagers, and experimental brews crafted in-house. Don’t miss their signature Pilsner or the seasonal “River Red” ale, brewed with hints of native botanicals that pay homage to the surrounding river red gum forests.
Planning Your Wine & Beer Houseboat Holiday
When mapping your route, remember that most of these stops cater specifically to houseboats, either via floating jetties or nearby public wharves. Start in Echuca or Moama, booking Echuca Moama houseboat hire early ensures you’ll snag the ideal vessel and departure date.
Compare houseboat hire prices at Luxury Houseboats; peak season (December–March and school holidays) can fill up quickly. If you’re eyeing Renmark or Blanchetown, factor in distance: it takes roughly two to three days of cruising from Echuca, passing through multiple locks.
Raise a Glass to Murray Memories
From historic estates to boutique breweries, the houseboat wineries of the Murray River corridor deliver an unparalleled blend of scenery, flavour, and relaxation. Each stop is a chance to taste regionally expressive wines or locally crafted beers.
Ready to embark? Secure your houseboat hire on the Murray River, set sail for Australia’s most scenic cellar doors and craft beer havens.
