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Murray River Trails

Murray River Trails

Murray River Trails was founded by proud Riverland locals and passionate Murray River champions, Tony & Susie Sharley, following the launch of the award-winning Murray River Walk in 2016 and subsequent launch of the Murray River Safari in 2021.

The family-owned business started when the couple’s extensive background in river management, wine tourism, marketing and eco-tourism, created a determination to diversify the regional economy post the millennium drought.

Raising the profile and advocacy for Australia’s greatest river is central to the organisation's mission, through sharing the stories of the region's wildlife, landscapes, history, culture, people and environmental challenges.

Recently, the team has established the Murray River Trails Fund, supporting organisations at the forefront of improving the region’s biodiversity, river floodplain health and status of threatened species in the region.

Eco Certified Advanced

As part of our commitment to sustainability we have developed a Code Of Practice relating to our wildlife interactions. We have also sought independent verification of our practices through Ecotourism Australia. Our Advanced Ecotourism Accreditation is awarded to Australia's leading and most innovative ecotourism products, providing an opportunity to learn about the environment with an operator who is committed to achieving best practice when using resources wisely, contributing to the conservation of the environment and helping local communities.

Recent Awards

WINNER South Australian Tourism Award - Premier's Award for Service Excellence - 2022
WINNER Hall of Fame & Winner South Australian Tourism Award Ecotourism 2022
WINNER Hall of Fame & Winner South Australian Tourism Award Ecotourism 2019
WINNER South Australian Tourism Award Ecotourism 2021 • 2018 • 2017
SILVER Australian Tourism Award Ecotourism 2021 • 2017


Speciality areas

  • Birds
  • Land Mammals & Marsupials
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About the region

Riverland, South Australia

Boasting one of the most picturesque sections of Australia’s longest river, the Riverland Ramsar Wetland area includes an 80 km (50 mile) section of the Murray River and more than 200 km (125 miles) of meandering creeks. 

Adjacent River Red gum forests, ephemeral lakes and stretches of pristine mallee provide opportunities to spot wild Koalas, Brush-tailed Possums, Red Kangaroos, Lace Monitors and 180 bird species; including Emus, Wedge-tailed Eagles, migratory waders such as Sharp-tailed Sandpipers, Red-necked Avocets and Pied Stilts, along with numerous parrots including the nationally threatened Regent Parrot.

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Meet our guides

  • Meet our guides

    Tony Sharley

    Owner, founder and guide of Murray River Trails, Tony Sharley is a passionate advocate for the preservation of the vast Murray-Darling Basin. Throughout his guided tours, Tony educates guests about the crucial river health concept, underscoring the significance of balanced water sharing for the basin's future. Previously unregulated, the basin's water flow has drastically decreased due to irrigation and water storage, impacting floodplains and wildlife. Tony's tours, running from March to November, offer unique birdwatching experiences in the Riverland Ramsar wetlands, home to over 180 bird species...

    Meet our guides

    Tony Sharley

    Owner, founder and guide of Murray River Trails, Tony Sharley is a passionate advocate for the preservation of the vast Murray-Darling Basin. Throughout his guided tours, Tony educates guests about the crucial river health concept, underscoring the significance of balanced water sharing for the basin's future. Previously unregulated, the basin's water flow has drastically decreased due to irrigation and water storage, impacting floodplains and wildlife. Tony's tours, running from March to November, offer unique birdwatching experiences in the Riverland Ramsar wetlands, home to over 180 bird species. He provides special Swarovski spotting scopes for up-close views, sharing his contagious passion for birdlife and the importance of river conservation.

  • Meet our guides

    Cathy Schier

    Experience the symphony of nature's whispers with Murray River Trails guide, Cathy Schier. Transitioning from teaching to her passion for nature, Cathy connects guests to the environment through their senses. Towering river red gums, ancient Black Box forests, and vibrant berry bushes await on the Murray River Walk, where Cathy's knowledge and passion shine. Over four leisurely days, she shares local insights and incorporates mindfulness and sensory work, creating an organic connection with the surroundings. From encountering birdlife and wildlife to witnessing pelicans and emus in action, Cathy...

    Meet our guides

    Cathy Schier

    Experience the symphony of nature's whispers with Murray River Trails guide, Cathy Schier. Transitioning from teaching to her passion for nature, Cathy connects guests to the environment through their senses. Towering river red gums, ancient Black Box forests, and vibrant berry bushes await on the Murray River Walk, where Cathy's knowledge and passion shine. Over four leisurely days, she shares local insights and incorporates mindfulness and sensory work, creating an organic connection with the surroundings. From encountering birdlife and wildlife to witnessing pelicans and emus in action, Cathy's guided walks become therapeutic forest journeys, where the natural world takes centre stage and guests connect with their surroundings in a profound way.

  • Meet our guides

    Kym Manning

    Kym Manning, a passionate guide with Murray River Trails, builds impressive fish hotels, facilitating the growth of native fish populations in the Murray-Darling Basin. He also organises the SA Carp Frenzy, removing thousands of European Carp and funding community projects. Through guiding, Kym educates guests about the river's health, emphasising the importance of underwater habitats and environmental awareness. His dedication to the Murray River's ecosystem extends beyond fishing, making him an invaluable guide for understanding the river's intricate aspects and its significance to the region's biodiversity...

    Meet our guides

    Kym Manning

    Kym Manning, a passionate guide with Murray River Trails, builds impressive fish hotels, facilitating the growth of native fish populations in the Murray-Darling Basin. He also organises the SA Carp Frenzy, removing thousands of European Carp and funding community projects. Through guiding, Kym educates guests about the river's health, emphasising the importance of underwater habitats and environmental awareness. His dedication to the Murray River's ecosystem extends beyond fishing, making him an invaluable guide for understanding the river's intricate aspects and its significance to the region's biodiversity.

Our experiences guides tell it like it is

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