The South Australian government will look to every opportunity to keep Murray River communities connected as floodwaters continue to cut roads and shut down ferry services.
Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said it was vital locals were still able to cross the river to see family and friends and for work.
He said the government was working on what alternative services could be provided.
"I can't tell you how important it is to river communities to be able to get across the river," he said.
"The ferry services we have across south Australia are vital. Quite frankly we can't keep on having communities cut off."
On Friday, the government announced a free passenger service between Mannum and Cowirra, east of Adelaide, to offer locals a temporary option for accessing essential supplies and services within the Mannum township while the regular ferry is out of action.
Mr Koutsantonis said while the temporary ferry would not provide the same level of service, it would help to keep the community connected.
The alternative was to force locals to drive an hour or more to access the nearest bridge.
"The impact of this generational flooding event is being felt right along the river, particularly in Mannum where the community lives on both sides of the river," the minister said.
Wherever it could, the government would look to similar arrangements on other parts of the river, including communities further upstream.
About 4000 properties across the length of the Murray in SA are expected to be inundated with water flows forecast to peak between 190 and 220 gigalitres a day.
More than 1100 have been flooded so far.
An estimated 255 businesses and 4000 hectares of agricultural production will be impacted.
SA Power Networks said about 400 kilometres of powerlines and 4000 power poles were already within the flood zone.
The high water mark is expected to reach Renmark in the next few days, Waikerie between December 29 and January 9, Swan Reach between January 2 and 13 and Murray Bridge between January 3 and 14.
River heights are likely to be around those experienced during the 1931 floods but still well below record levels experienced in 1956.
So far the State Emergency Service has reported problems with more 100 levees across the length of the river but only 14 of those have suffered catastrophic failures and cannot be repaired.
That has not resulted in major issues for property owners, although a small number of homes have been isolated.
More issues were expected in the coming days as water levels continued to rise.
Earlier this week all non-essential activity including recreational boating, fishing and swimming was banned on the Murray as a safety measure.
There are exceptions to the prohibition with people requiring access to the river for work, including tourism operators or those visiting their properties able to do so.
The supply of food and other provisions will also be allowed.
