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South Australia's premier has urged tourists not to forget the state's Riverland as surging Murray waters continue to inundate riverside properties.
Peter Malinauskas says the Murray is a spectacular sight and can still be viewed safely by travellers who would be supporting local businesses at the same time.
"We do call on South Australians to get up here and visit. It is spectacular, it is safe to see," the premier told reporters in Morgan on Tuesday.
"You can book an accommodation provider and then support the local pub or the local cafe or restaurant."
Up to 4000 properties in SA are forecast to be inundated by the water surging down the Murray, with more than 450 of those considered permanent residences.
The first peak in the river level is tipped to reach Renmark, near the Victorian border, about Wednesday.
The peak is expected to reach Mannum, east of Adelaide about December 27.
After a brief settling of water levels, a second and higher peak is forecast to reach the SA border towards the end of the year.
That could result in daily flows of up to 220 gigalitres.
Mr Malinauskas said the state government had secured more than 22,000 overnight beds for people forced from their homes and hundreds had already been booked.
Levee construction along the river is also nearing completion with the last work expected to be finished in towns including Mannum, Berri and Loxton this week.
Most ferry services across the river have closed or been moved to higher ground.
The SA government has provided a $51.6 million assistance package, including support for tourism and other businesses, as well as direct emergency payments to homeowners.
Mr Malinauskas said the government was considering what other measures could be put in place to support local residents and businesses as the flood event evolved.
"We are seeking to be flexible where we can and make the adjustments that are required," he said.
