Sounds by the River — Mannum’s Annual Music Event on the Murray

Sounds by the River is Mannum’s annual outdoor music festival, staged on the banks of the Murray River most years since 2009, with recent line-ups headlined by acts including Crowded House, Angus & Julia Stone and The Waifs. Riverview Rise Retreats sits directly across the water in Cowirra, giving festival-goers a private two-night base a few minutes from the gates, instead of a scramble for accommodation in Mannum itself.

A Brief History

The event began as the brainchild of promoter Duane McDonald, aiming to draw visitors to Mannum and put the Murray River on the map. It was historically staged at Mary Anne Reserve in the centre of town. When the 2022–23 River Murray flood emergency forced a venue change, the event pivoted to Mannum Golf Club with South Australian Government backing — a sign of how central it’s become to the local economy.

Why It Matters to Mannum

• Regional driver — the 2023 event generated an estimated $3 million in direct and flow-on tourism spending across the Mid Murray, Murray Bridge, Adelaide Hills and Barossa regions
• Sells out — recent years have topped 5,000 tickets, with Mannum accommodation booked out well ahead
• Resilience — relocated rather than cancelled after the floods, with state funding behind it
• A stage for Australian royalty — Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Crowded House and The Waifs have all played it

Your Base for the Festival

Book early — Mannum itself fills fast. From Cowirra you get a quiet, private setting away from festival noise, and a straightforward run home afterwards instead of sitting in post-show traffic back toward Adelaide. Whether you’re planning around an anniversary getaway or just want a calm landing pad after a loud day, choosing the right villa in advance makes the difference. Guests booking through our Right Decision Guarantee know the stay is assessed the moment they arrive, not after the fact.

Make a Weekend of It

• A morning cruise on a historic Murray River paddle steamer
• The Mannum Markets
• The Mannum Waterfalls trail
• Randell Street’s cafes and bakeries
• Dark Sky Reserve stargazing once the music stops

There’s a particular kind of quiet that settles over the river once the last act finishes and the crowd drifts home — a good festival day followed by a still one, with nothing between you and the water but a short stretch of dark road.

Quick Facts

Dates, venues and line-ups vary year to year — check official Sounds by the River channels before booking.

FAQs

How do I get from Riverview Rise Retreats to the Sounds by the River event?

Riverview Rise Retreats sits directly across the Murray River from Mannum in Cowirra. Guests cross via the free 24-hour Mannum vehicle ferry, then drive the short distance to Mannum Golf Club, the event’s current venue.

How far in advance should I book if I want to stay for the festival?

Mannum’s accommodation typically books out months in advance, and demand at Riverview Rise Retreats follows the same pattern. Booking as soon as festival dates are announced gives you the best chance of securing a villa.

What happens if the festival is cancelled or moved due to weather?

Sounds by the River has previously relocated rather than cancelled, moving from Mary Anne Reserve to Mannum Golf Club after the 2022–23 flood emergency. Always check the event’s official channels closer to the date for confirmed venue and weather updates.

Is Sounds by the River a good fit for a couples’ weekend?

The festival itself draws a broad, family-friendly crowd, but staying at Riverview Rise Retreats lets couples enjoy the music by day and return to a quiet, adults-only riverside villa by night, away from the festival crowds.

Do I need to stay in Mannum itself to attend the festival?

No. Riverview Rise Retreats is directly across the river in Cowirra, close enough for easy access to the event but far enough to avoid festival noise and the post-show traffic back toward Mannum’s town centre.