Latest News

Save The Date - RCBC Annual General Meeting - Saturday 13 September 2025 Place: Blanchetown Hotel, 1 Egerton Street, BlanchetownTime: 11.00am startMeals: Order your meal after the meeting and enjoy the company of other RCBC members More details to follow closer to the event.
Next Event - Dinghy Dawdle - Lindner's Landing 28 February - 3 March 2025 We are returning to the very popular Lindner's Landing, near Renmark. More details to follow, but this will be an event planned around a single campsite over an extended weekend. There will be opportunities to explore adjacent creeks and lagoons by tinny, canoe and kayak. Event Organisers: Jill and Graham Rainbow and Lissa Selga.
Lock 3 Closure It is proposed that Lock 3 will be closed for maintenance from late April 2025 for approximately 16 weeks. Source: The Murray Pioneer, 11/12/24.
Restricted River Use - Renmark - 6th, 7th and 8th December (posted 27 November 2024) A section of the Renmark Riverfront will be closed on Friday December 6th - 4.00pm - 10.00pm for a Fireworks display to follow the Renmark Christmas Pageant. This will close access to the west side of the area upstream of the Renmark Club to downstream of the PS Industry. A transit corridor on the eastern side of the River Murray will be provided for otherboat users to pass through the area when it is safe to do so and in between display times.. The Renmark Rowing Club will be hosting the Riverland Rowing Regatta and 2nd grade State championships on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th December 2024, at Jane Eliza, Renmark. Restrictions to river traffic will be in place from 7am to 5pm on both days. Please note there will be a travelling lane in place on the eastern side of the river and boats requiring through access will be accompanied by a support boat. The entrance /exit to Ral Ral creek at the Jane Eliza end will be restricted to traffic and signs will be erected at the relevant boat ramps. Please contact Renmark Rowing Club President, Tony Townsend (0408 856 011) or Secretary Heather McNaughton (0400 237 641) if you need to discuss any aspects of this closure.
Annual General Meeting 11am 12 October 2024 Swan Reach Hotel (posted 5 September 2024) To be held at the Swan Reach Hotel from 11am and followed by an informal lunch (at own cost). Please contact the Secretary at secretary@riverlandcruisingboatclub.org.au to register your interest in staying on for lunch. Places must be booked. For further information about the AGM, please contact the Secretary at the above email address.
Calperum Dinghy Dawdle 20 - 23 September 2024 (posted 14 August 2024) See our Next Event page for more details.
2024 River Run 1 - 9 May Kingston-on-Murray to Renmark (posted 21 March 2024) See our Next Event page for more details
2024 Sponsored Youth Adventure Voyage on the Sail Training Ship One and All (posted 7 February 2024) Members, friends and family of the Riverland Cruising Boat Club (RCBC), the Wooden Boat Association of South Australia (WBASA) and the Knot for Profit Wine Buyers group, please see the documents below detailing an offer of a fully sponsored berth, valued at $1,395 for a 5 day voyage for young people on the STV One and All. The voyage departs from and returns to Port Adelaide 20 - 24 April 2024 and is open to people aged 15 to 18 years. The sponsorship is intended to give a young person a life-building opportunity and to encourage their interest in boats and active boating. If you have kids, grandkids or even friends or neighbours with kids in this age range (and they don’t need to be Members of your club), please let them know of the opportunity. This year the award is primarily funded by the Knot for Profit Wine Buyers Group and is in memory of Jamie Kathleen Davis.
Click here for the Application and Medical Forms and the Information Document. Applications will be assessed by the STV One and All management team. Applications close 5pm. Sunday 10 March 2024 and the successful applicant will be announced on or before 20 March if possible.
Applications should be submitted as per the Application Form, but please also send a copy of your Application Form only to the Coordinator of this sponsorship by email (preferred), to lindsay.dent27@gmail.com or by post to Lindsay Dent, 27 Tapson Crs., Pasadena, South Australia, 5042.
REMEMBER: CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THIS SPONSORSHIP: 5PM 10 MARCH 2024
Next On-Water Event: 3 - 8 March 2024 - Camping and Cruising on the Glenelg River (re-posted 7 February 2024)
Suitable for trailerable boats, including putt-putts, tinnies and a few smaller trailerable cruisers, we will be camping in the Glenelg River National Park at Pritchard's Landing for three nights and at the Kywong Caravan Park in Nelson. Activities will include out and back cruising from our camping sites. More details, click here see our Next Event page. Event organizer: Peter Cannon (email: pmcannon@adam.com.au).
Update on Proposed Event Dates (5 December 2023) The following dates and locations are subject to minor changes, but will be approximately as presented. 3 - 8 March 2024 - Camping and Cruising on the Glenelg River 2 - 11 May 2024 - River Run - Moorook to Lindner's Landing 20 - 24 September 2024 - Dinghy Dawdle at Calperum More details to come soon. See also the Next Event and Events pages
Boat for Sale - Modified Trailer Sailer (26 November 2023) See advertisement on our Members' Boats For Sale page
Our Next Events - Annual General Meeting (AGM) 7 October and Alawoona Car Collection 8 October 2023 (posted 27 September 2023)
Our AGM is to be held at the Swan Reach Hotel from 11:00am on 7 October. The AGM is open to Members and guests, but attendees must register by RSVP to our Secretary at secretary@riverlandcruisingboatclub.org.au. Attendees are invited to join us afterwards for lunch at the hotel, but again, must make a reservation via our Secretary. The next day we will be visiting a private collection of cars, motor bikes and other vehicles near Alawoona. This event will commence at 10:00am. Registration and more details can be obtained from our Chairman at lindsay.dent27@gmail.com. Registrations close 1 October.
Our Next Event - Dinghy Dawdle: Lindsay River and Environs 22 - 25 September 2023 (14 August 2023) See our Next Event page for further details.
Our Next Event - Mini-Run: Morgan to Big Bend - 6 to 10 20 July 2023 (3 May 2023)
See our Next Event page for further details.
Our Next Event - RCBC at the SA Wooden Boat Festival 29 - 30 April 2023 (19 April 2023)
RCBC will have a marquee at the SA Wooden Boat Festival at Coorong Quays on Hindmarsh Island over both days of the Festival. The primary objectives are to raise the profile of our Club and to recruit new members. We are asking Members for donations and other items for sale and raffle. Please contact lindsay.dent27@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer at the marquee and otherwise, drop in to meet with other Members and friends.
Our Next Event - Camping and Boating at Clayton Bay - 17 to 20 March 2023 (23 January 2023) See our Next Event page for further details.
Safety Advice for High River Levels (1 December 2022) The Marine Safety SA website (www.marinesafety.sa.gov.au) has much useful information, including the SA Boating Safety Handbook and information on lifejackets, vessel speeds, boat capacities and hazard marking. The site also has a short video on safety on the Murray River whilst in flood and it brings home some key points regarding floating and submerged obstructions. There is also a web page dedicated to safety during high flows, including information on ferry operations and boat ramp closures and it can be found here. There are also links to live web cameras at boat ramps.
More Items for Sale (11 October 2022)
We have some more items for sale: another boat, Chasing Rainbows (with more details to come) and a dog personal flotation device (PFD) - see our For Sale page here.
Boat For Sale (24 September 2022) Steber Persuader on trailer, for sale by club member Rob Ballard. See our For Sale page for more information.
RCBC Co-Sponsors Youth Voyager on the STV One and All (18 July 2022) The RCBC will be sponsoring a person between the ages of 15-18 years for a 5 day all-inclusive sail training adventure on South Australia's own Sail Training Vessel One and All in October 2022. Should you know of a member, family member of friend in this age group, please let them know about this great opportunity. Application forms and more information will be available this week. This Youth Voyager opportunity, valued at $1,350, is co-sponsored by the Wooden Boat Association of South Australia.
Provisional Dates for 2023 RCBC Events and Committee Meetings (18 July 2022) Dates have been selected for events in 2023 and can be viewed here on our Events > Events 2023 page. Dates and activities are subject to change, but please pencil these into your diaries because the Committee will endeavour to stay with them were possible.
River Run 2022 - Lock 6 to Moorook 9 - 19 September 2022 (18 July 2022) Registrations are now open for the next major RCBC event, a multi-day cruise from Lock 6 (or Customs House) to Moorook on the Murray River. This event will include town and bush boat-based camping, some catered meal opportunities, use of the amenities trailer at some stops, tour of the Loxton Historic Village and provision for transfer and storage of cars and boat trailers. Registration forms are available now and registrations close 7 August and more information is available at the Next Event page.
Website Updates (9 July 2022) New entries this month: - new supporting members at Wompinni Station and Kulcurna Homestead - updated reports on the Dinghy Dawdle in March (now with photos) and the Mini-Run in May (text and photos) - Artists of the Murray River - Link to River Flow Levels - Membership Renewals now due - AGM, Swan Reach Hotel, 22 October, 2022 and associated casual cruise.
Changes to Renmark Riverfront Boat Access 3 June - 2 July 2022 (29 May 2022) The Illuminate Adelaide “In Depth” light and sound event, projecting over the Murray River, will operate from the Renmark Riverfront from Friday 3 June through to Saturday 2 July from 6pm nightly. The team will commence set up along the riverfront between the Taylor Riverfront Precinct and Visitor Information Centre from 28 May. There will be no mooring access along the riverfront throughout the period of Saturday 28 May to Sunday 3 July. No mooring signs have been installed along this area to advise approaching river traffic. Alternate short term moorings are available upstream from the Murray River Queen and New Landing Way. The same timeframe applies to these sites – maximum stay of 96 hours.
Next Event - 2022 River Run - Customs House to Moorook - 9-19 September (25 May 2022) This is the longest event held by the RCBC and occurs every two years. More information can be found at Next Event.
Changes to the Website - Whose Country Am I On? (4 March 2022) See the latest entry under the pull-down menu About the River > Whose Country Am I On? to learn about who walked on this land before us. You will see information and links to our First Nations people, their language, cultural and tribal groups along the Murray River. This is an ongoing project that will be updated, corrected and extended as time and information permit. Feel free to offer comment and additional information.
2022 Sponsored Youth Adventure Voyage on the Sail Training Ship One and All (3 March 2022) Members, friends and family of RCBC, please see the the following documents detailing an offer of a fully sponsored berth, valued at $1,150 for a 5 day voyage for young people on the STV One and All. The voyage departs from and returns to Port Adelaide 22 - 28 April 2022 and is open to people aged 15 to 18 years. - About This Award - One and All Youth Voyage Information Pack - One and All Youth Voyage Application Form The sponsorship is intended to give a young person a life-building opportunity and to encourage their interest in boats and boating. If you have kids, grandkids or even friends or neighbours with kids in this age range, please let them know of the opportunity. Please note that this is not sponsored by RCBC, but is open to our members and to those of other boating groups and associations.
Next Event - Dinghy Dawdle Lyrup Flats 18 - 21 March (14 February 2022) See Next Event for more details, including a link to the Registration Form and Running Sheet.
Newsletter (4 December 2021) It’s time to compile the Summer Newsletter for 2021/22. This is your chance to contribute by sharing news, items for sale, information useful to members. Please send items through to : ashej54@bigpond.com by 30th December, 2021. Looking forward to receiving your contributions. Elaine Ashworth.
RCBC Annual General MeetingDate: Saturday 30th October 2021 Time: 11.30am Place: Swan Reach Hotel See Next Event page for more details.
Registrations Open - Dinghy Dawdle at Calperum Station 15–18 October 2021 See Next Event page for further details and links to Registration forms. Registrations close 1 October.
Mini-Run August 2021 - Renmark to Customs House (13 September 2021) A collection of 12 boats made this run in fine weather over the course of an extended weekend. Most did the return leg over the following few days. We camped in National Park sites and, with the permission of owners, on private land. Warm campfires and quiet paddling in the backwaters were features of the event. See Last Event page for more details and photos.
Free First Aid Courses (30 May 2021) St John Ambulance SA has been awarded a grant from Masonic Charities SA & NT to train 6,000 people over three years in lifesavingmasoniccharitieslogo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Participants will receive: 1 x FREE Nationally Accredited CPR course* delivered by St John Ambulance SA; 1 x FREE Personal Leisure First Aid Kit; A Statement of Attainment upon successful completion of HLTAID001 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation. To find out more, call 1300 78 5646 or email courses@stjohnsa.com.au and quote Masonic2020.
Activities of other River-Based Clubs (30 May 2021)*** The Riverland Dinghy Club has advised that the next two races will be held as a double round event: the Dash 4 Cash on Friday 10th September and the Enduro on Sunday 12th September. Water movement restrictions may apply. The location and times of these events have not yet been advised. *** The Renmark Rowing Club are holding the Annual Wharf to Woolshed Long Row on Saturday 19th June, departing the Rowing Club Wharf and heading upstream from 7am. There will be in excess of 100 rowers out on the water heading to the Woolshed Brewery on that day. There will be a staggered start for the rowers and boats should arrive at the Woolshed Brewery by about 1pm. Some boats will not have forward vision, i.e. no cox.
Registration Now Open for Renmark to Customs House Mini-Run in August (27 May 2021) Details of another end-to-end Murray River cruise section can now be found on our Next Event page. The Registration Form and Schedule is available for download from this page. Registration closes 3 August.
Recent Club and Committee News (27 May 2021) - the Committee met on 16 May; - our Secretary has obtained an Active Clubs grant for purchase first aid equipment; - the new Club bank account is now open with BankSA and the NAB account is about to close; - the Winter Newsletter should be out soon; - the Club's AGM scheduled for Saturday 30 October, Swan Reach Hotel (to be confirmed); - in early June the Committee will be planning some events for 2022 (suggestions welcome); - next Committee meeting 16 August, Customs House; - Want to see the RCBC continue? Nominate for the new 2021-22 Committee.
Farewell to Mal (27 May 2021) A memorial Dinghy Dawdle was held at Kingston-on-Murray in April to commemorate our friend and member Mal Todd, who was taken from us by SARS-CoV-2. The event was attended by more than 30 people and 13 boats. Participants cruised wetlands that Mal loved so well and they raised a glass or two as Mal no doubt would have appreciated.
Wanted Ads. Popping (31 January 2021) We have had a number of new ads. recently, with people wanting houseboats and caravans. If you are thinking of upgrading or downsizing your fleet, take a look at our Wanted page and you might find some healthy cash in your pocket. A member has also recently sold a camper trailer previously listed on our For Sale page, so why not consider submitting an ad. for some of those valuable treasures in your shed, yard or mooring?
Celebrating Our Stayers (27 January 2021) Congratulations to Neville Lemon and Joy and Graeme Stoeckel, who were recognized on the 2020 River Run for 30+ years of continuous membership of the RCBC.
New Members (27 January 2021) Peter & Margaret Cannon - Medina (wooden cruiser)David Jones (No.2) & Amanda Miller - Krackacan (houseboat)Michael Harry & Pauline May - Proteus (trailer-sailer)
The Summer 2021 Newsletter . . . . . (24 January 2021) . . . is now available to Members in digital format or, subject to negotiation with the Secretary, by post. This 17 page newsletter contains stories about recent events, information about UHF radio ettiquette, news about new and long-established members, funding-raising activities, humour, ditties and lots of photos.
New Advertisements in our For Sale and Wanted Pages (15 January 2021) Camper Trailer For Sale, Pop-up Camper Wanted, Mooring Wanted. See Members' Boats > For Sale and Members' Boats > Wanted.
Update on the Environmental Watering of the Pike River Floodplain (27 December 2020) See Events > River News for more information.
Notice of 2021 Race Dates for Riverland Dinghy Club Inc. (27 December 2020)High speed dinghy racing will occur in creeks of the Riverland and on the Murray River on the following dates in 2021: 7 February, 20 March, 29 May, 10 & 12 September, 30 October. Seedinghyderby.com.au for more details.
Walker Flat General Store Change of Ownership (22 September 2020)This store has recently changed ownership. Boaties are offered special services, including deliveries to the waterfront. See Events > River News for more information, including a link to a flyer describing what the store can offer.
New Katarapko Creek Environmental Infrastructure (22 September 2020)The new environmental infrastructure has begun operating. This includes temporarily raising Lock 4 water levels. See Events > River News for more information on localised flooding a link to a factsheet, a graph of changing levels and map of the areas of inundation. Water levels downstream at The Splash will rise by up to 2.8m as a result of increasing levels upstream at Lock 4 by 0.3m. Conditions within the creeks will vary with water speed, depth and size where the water is on the floodplain. Care should be taken when driving, boating or canoeing.
Tailem Bend Riverfront Upgrade (22 September 2020) At Dickson Reserve, a new fixed floating pontoon has been constructed suitable for all boats including large paddleboats. New aluminium mooring posts have been installed on the grassy bank suitable for houseboats and /or smaller boats. There is a large shelter with two tables and seating, including two electric BBQ’s. A set of stairs leads to the township with all amenities including a laundromat. Riverside Hotel is within walking distance. A courtesy bus is available to patrons. Public toilets are at the reserve. Small boats can be launched at Fred’s Landing about 4km downstream from Tailem Bend at the 86km mark. See Events > River News for photographs. (Information provided by E and G Nicholls)
New and Rejoined Members (25 August 2020)New:David J. Jones and Amanda Miller - Kingston on MurrayRejoined:John and Margaret Vandeleur - MorganBarry Johnson - Keswick (Adelaide)
Fruit Fly Containment Restrictions in the Riverland (19 August 2020)New restrictions apply to what fruits, vegetables and plant products can be taken into the Riverland from interstate and from other parts of South Australia. Fines apply to infractions. See Events > River News above for more details or visithttps://pir.sa.gov.au/biosecurity/fruit_fly_in_sa/plan_your_trip
Camp Cooking Products Discount on Purchases (11 July 2020)Tony Upton of Hillston, NSW, is a new member of the RCBC. Tony manufactures and sells a range of camp cooking equipment, most notably the Biji Barbi. Some members will have seen these devices in action on our most recent Loxton to Renmark Mini Run. Based on the old idea of the plough disc hotplate, these more up-market versions retail for $68-89 plus postage. Tony is offering a 7.5% (group) discount to RCBC members on product purchases over $300 if delivered to a single South Australian address. For more detail on the range of products available, see www.biji-barbi.com.au. Contact Lindsay Dent (lindsay.dent27@gmail.com) if you are interested in joining a combined members' discount order.
Next RCBC Committee Meeting (11 July 2020)Your Committee meets again on 8 August at Kingston on Murray. Planning continues for the River Run from 25 September to 5 October.
Welcome to New Members (11 July 2020)Stephen Conway (Brighton, SA)Tony Upton (Hillston, NSW)
Next RCBC Committee Meeting (3 July 2020)Your Committee meets again on 11 July at Kingston on Murray. A major agenda item will be the continued planning for the River Run from 25 September to 5 October.
The June Mini Run from Loxton to Renmark - How Was It? (3 July 2020)See the new page "Last Event" Under the "Events" pull down menu above for a few of the highlights and some photos.
RCBC Wine Fundraiser - Get in Quick (3 July 2020)Our fundraiser wines are selling fast, so please place your orders asap. We have a Chardonnay and a Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon blend, both from the 2019 vintage of fruit grown in the Adelaide plains and hills and McLaren Vale. Wines can be obtained for a donation of $8/bottle or $84/dozen. Wines may be obtained from Lindsay Dent (lindsay.dent27@gmail.com) and Committee members in the Riverland (contact Lindsay for details on current availability and location).
RCBC Wine Fundraiser (5 June 2020, revised 3 July)Now available, our latest wine fundraiser, available to members only. We have a Chardonnay and a Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon blend, both from the 2019 vintage of fruit grown in the Adelaide plains and hills and McLaren Vale. Wines can be obtained for a donation of $8/bottle or $84/dozen. Wines may be obtained from Lindsay Dent (lindsay.dent27@gmail.com) and some Committee members in the Riverland (contact Lindsay for details on current availability and location).
RIVER NEWS (1 June 2020) Graham Rainbow has provided information from the SA Government re. installation of woody habitats for fish near Loxton, Bookpurnong and Overland Corner. A second public notice advises of the temporary closure of the Loxton River Vessel Waste Disposal Station until 30 October 2020. See the new River News page under the Events pull-down menu. Also on this new page are links to the SA National Parks and Wildlife (including information on the Murray River National Park) and from SA Department of Environment and Water (including links to water flow reports). EMERGING FROM THE COVID-19 LOCKDOWN (20 May 2020) Our Committee met by teleconference on 16 May and we now have a plan of action as COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease. The Club will continue to follow State/Federal government advice and requirements re. COVID-19, but we now have some opportunities to stage our first on-water event for this year. The Mini Run has been delayed, but only by one week. We will now be cruising from Loxton from 12 June. Please see Next Event under the RCBC Home tab above for further details. Planning continues for the River Run (Morgan to Berri) from 25 September to 5 October. COVID-19 UPDATE (3 April 2020)Our Club is following State/Federal government advice and requirements regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. As a consequence, the Dinghy Dawdle and the Mini Run scheduled for May and August respectively, have been postponed until further notice. The RCBC Committee may cancel these events as the pandemic develops. At this stage planning continues for the River Run in September-October, but this may also be postponed or cancelled according to developing circumstances. Members will be notified of changes via personal email and this website. The Committee will meet via a teleconference on 16 May. The amenities trailer will no longer be hired out or otherwise used by anyone until the COVID-19 risk is greatly reduced. We regret the disruption to our events programme but obviously the health of our members and the general public must always be our first priority.

RIVERLAND CRUISING BOAT CLUB INC.

Boating on the Murray River in South Australia and Beyond1