A caravan park at Morgan is almost surrounded by Murray floodwaters, but owner Leigh Cock has backed calls for tourists not to forsake the South Australian Riverland.
Mr Cock's property, northeast of Adelaide, is being protected by a levee, though he has already lost his 32 unpowered campsites to the rising waters.
He said the slow rise of the Murray, where landmarks were gradually being submerged, "makes it very surreal".
But he said the surging river was an incredible sight, and people should make the trip to witness something special.
"There's no doubt about that," he said on Tuesday.
"One day we'll sit around, have a beer and explain to our kids that we were driving a boat where they're having lunch.
"We'll talk about it as a significant event that we survived."
Mr Cock said the most heartbreaking element was the potential loss of trade, both for him and others, coming off the back of losses during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier Peter Malinauskas, who visited Morgan on Tuesday, also urged tourists not to forget the Riverland both to see the Murray and support local businesses.
"We do call on South Australians to get up here and visit. It is spectacular, it is safe to see," the premier said.
"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.
It will construct 16 self-contained huts at the Riverland Exhibition Centre near Barmera, with the same site providing space for up to 200 caravans.
The government has also taken a lease over a fully accessible site that is suitable for people with mobility issues and care needs, should it be required.
"We continue to encourage people to make their own plans wherever possible," the premier said.
"But be reassured, we have taken prudent steps to make sure people will be supported If they have nowhere else to go."
Levee construction along the river is 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.
