The Riverland
After creating the New South Wales and Victorian border for most of itslong journey from the Australian Alps, the Murray River finally enters South Australia at the region aptly referred to as the Riverland. The entire Riverland district once resembled much of the rest of South Australia's Outback; parched, dusty, and futile for agriculture. But through the implementation of Australia's first ever irrigation schemeby the Canadian Chaffey brothers in 1887, the great Murray was tapped and a transformation had begun. Today The Riverland is one of the state's richest pastoral areas, renowned for its vast orchards and vineyards which are supported by a scattering of charming old rural towns. The towns make not only an ideal base for visiting the wineriesand other attractions hidden away in the lush farmlands, but providethe facilities for a closer look at the Murray River itself. Houseboatshave become the most popular way for exploring this famous waterway, and can be hired from all of towns listed below. If you can't picture yourself as a river captain, there's a range of chartered cruises onoffer which run for a couple of hours up to several days. (for Cruises see Tours & Trips and for Houseboats see either Accommodation or Tours & Trips)
is a thriving arts and crafts community, well known for it's colourful galleries and gardens. The town's main attraction is the charming Loxton Historical Village, which is an amazing collection of over forty, fully furnished historical buildings including the pine andpug hut built by the area's original settler. On the outskirts of town,the Australian Vintage winery is open for tastings and sales every day except Sunday.
Back on the Sturt Highway 12 kilometres west of Berri, the township ofBarmera is beautifully set on the sloping shores of Lake Bonney,an ideal body water for fishing, swimming, and boating. There are evena number of sandy beaches to laze about on, and nudists can get their gear off on the beach at Pelican Point. The undulating landscape surrounding the lake is just as popular, shrouded in vineyards and orchards as well as a scattering of historical ruins now classified by the National Trust. Following the Murray another 44 kilometres west, Waikerie is the citrus centre of Australia, although the town isbetter known for its nearby lagoons and waterways, which attract anincredible array of water birds and parrots.
Branching north-west from the Sturt Highway at Waikerie, a secondary road begins its journey to Burra (see Yorke Peninsula) before reaching Morgan 39 kilometres later. The quiet town's impressive oldbuildings and 12 metre wharfs are the only indication that Morgan wasat one stage one of Australia's busiest river ports. On the Murray, thestates oldest operating paddlesteamer (the PS Mayflower) and thePort of Morgan Historic Museum play tribute to the town's thriving past.
