Murray River Pilot

The “Pilot’ chart book, since 1976, has assisted travelers on the river to explore and travel safely the waters of the Murray River in South Australia and the more challenging lakes and waterways leading to the Murray Mouth. 

It is the nature and charm of the Murray that on the surface it appears unchanging, however, sandbars, mudbanks, and snags can shift and be unpredictable. Therefore, the 'Murray River Pilot', with its charts (noting fuel points, locks, camping areas, etc) should be used with caution as a guide to navigating the waters of the River Murray in South Australia, the Lower Murray, the Lakes, and the Coorong waterways.

We can only hope that many more generations can appreciate and safely travel Australia’s Greatest River, with all its nature & beauty, and truly welcome the priceless heritage of the River Murray.

The original ‘Murray River Pilot’ (1976-1984) and ‘Coorong Pilot’ (1978-1986) books/charts and the combined “Murray River Pilot (1987-current) was compiled and published by Ronald & Margaret Baker and William (Bill) Reschke, pictured.

Ronald and Margaret charted the river, lakes, and waterways within these pages, whilst traveling the river system for over 40 years.  Also charting 70 km of the Darling River on the "Shady Lady" in 1980, resulting in the publication - "River Darling Chart" (Wentworth to Ellerslie).

When Ronald and Margaret were no longer able to continue their journeys on the water, their son and daughter-in-law, James & Christine Baker, carried on the publishing, distribution, and cruising the thousands of river miles to update and revise the Charts, thus continuing the well-received “Murray River Pilot” for all to enjoy. 

In 2022, we welcome the next generation, with James & Christine’s oldest son, Scott Baker, and his partner Sue taking on the inspiration, the travel of the majestic waterways, the researching, publication, distribution, and the future of the “Murray River Pilot”.