DESTINATION: Renmark

Australia's oldest irrigation town, Renmark was settled in 1887. It was pioneered by the Canadian Chaffey brothers, who reached an agreement with the government for a grant of land on which to test their irrigation scheme. The scheme proved successful, and the town and district still flourish using water pumped from the Murray River to irrigate the vineyards, orchards and other crops that line the river.

Main Attractions

Olivewood, the pine-log home of pioneer, George Chaffey, is run by the National Trust and holds a collection of relics and photographs of Renmark's early days. There are a number of galleries that display locally produced paintings, pottery and crafts. An Interpretive Centre located within the Renmark/Paringa Visitors Centre links the past with the present by tracing the river's history from ancient times. Moored close to the centre is the fully restored 1911 paddlesteamer PS Industry. This wonderful old paddlesteamer cruises on the first Sunday of each month. Cruises on the modern Big River Rambler depart from the town wharf daily.

Nearby attractions

About 3km east of Renmark is the town of Paringa, its attractions include historic Customs House (1884), now a general store, a suspension bridge that is one of only 4 still spanning the river and Lock 5, built in the 1920s to regulate the waterflow of the river. There are 2 major wineries south-west of town: Renmano Winery and Angove's Winery. The 9000km Bookmark Biosphere Reserve is to the north and south of the town. Bredl's Wonder World of Wildlife is 7km south on the Sturt Hwy.

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Region: Riverland

The Murray Riverland produces close to half of South Australia's wine grapes and is becoming increasingly known as a wine area in its own right. Murray Riverland is the heart of the fruit bowl of South Australia, where more than 90% of the state's citrus, stone fruit and nuts are grown; local produce can be sampled from stalls along the roadside. Attractions include Banrock Station, Fresh Fish and Dried Fruit Outlets, Loxton Historical Village, River Cruises and The Big Orange. Accommodation in the main towns of Berri, Loxton, Barmera and Renmark. more

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Murray Ave, Ph: (08) 8586 6704

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