The River Block

The River Block is a private riverfront property at Bookpurnong on the Murray between Loxton and Berri, set up as a getaway house that also hosts weddings and events. It is one house rather than a complex, so it suits families and groups taking the whole place, and the visitor notes lean on the setting and the cleanliness as the draw.

Dogs at The River Block

Per the venue's own amenity list, the backyard is fully fenced and the house is dog friendly for outside pets only. That means the dog stays outdoors for the stay: the fenced yard is the dog zone and the house interior is off limits. No published pet fee is listed, so confirm any conditions directly with the owners when you book.

The yard is the working heart of the stay for a dog owner. It runs down towards the lagoon edge rather than away from water, so keep an eye on a water loving dog near the boundary, especially at dusk when kangaroos and birdlife move through the tree line. Regulars suggest packing the dog's own bed and a crate or blanket for the veranda, since the outdoor arrangement means the dog's sleeping spot is one you bring.

The setting rewards a few small habits. After a session up from the water's edge, a quick sweep of paws, ears and underbelly keeps the grass seeds that bother Riverland dogs out of the house, and the outdoor toilet by the utility area saves the interior floors after a muddy morning on the banks.

Make a day of it

The position between Loxton and Berri puts both Riverland towns within a short drive for supplies, and the river frontage is the walk most guests end up repeating: mornings and evenings along the water with the dog on lead, off lead play inside the fence in between. Bring what the dog needs because the nearest pet supplies are in the bigger Riverland towns, not at the door.

Working the river downstream, Swamp Hen Reserve at Walker Flat and the BIG4 Mannum Holiday Park cover the Murray towards Mannum, and the Sturt Reserve at Murray Bridge is a leg stretch stop on the drive in from Adelaide. More dog friendly stays in SA are listed for the wider trip.