The Riverland is located approximately 250 kms north-east of Adelaide (approximately a two hour drive) and 150 kms east of Mildura. The major towns located in the Riverland region are Berri, Barmera, Loxton, Waikerie, Renmark and Paringa. The council areas are Loxton Waikerie, Berri and Barmera and Renmark Paringa.
The Riverland is a popular tourist destination due to its scenic location, with an abundance of lakes, creeks, wetlands and waterways, national parks and limestone cliffs. A Mediterranean climate benefits the region. These attractions are also favoured by residents.
The heart of the Riverland is the Murray, which spans over 230 kms across the Riverland. The Riverland forms part of the Murray Darling Basin and is one of the 12 major irrigation areas in Australia. There are more than 130 kms of underground pipes located in the Riverland drawing water from the Murray to irrigate the surrounding farms, orchards and vineyards.
The Riverland has a long history as one of Australia’s main food producing regions. The climate and topography make it ideally suited to agricultural production and in particular grape growing. The Riverland has a Mediterranean climate, characterised by hot dry summers and mild winters. Humidity in the region is low, reducing the region’s risk to disease. The Riverland has long periods of sunshine enabling fruit to fully ripen. The region has a low average annual rainfall of approximately 250mm which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. There is direct access to the Murray enabling crop production to be well supported by irrigation. The undulating topography of the Riverland region minimises damage to crops from frost bite.
Seriously Fresh
Whether it’s the abundant harvests of citrus fruits, the wines from world class vineyards, the sight of the Mallee plains, or the majestic Murray River itself, everything about the Riverland is something fresh for the senses.
Set within a panoramic backdrop of limestone cliffs, with their layers of colour and texture, the Riverland follows the twists and turns of the Murray as it rolls toward the Ocean.
Along the way, the waters spread out into wetlands, lakes, and billabongs.
These water systems are the lifeblood of the region’s agriculture, providing for the rows of orchards and lush farmland that produces almost all of South Australia’s citrus fruits, stone fruits and almonds, as well as the region’s own acclaimed vineyards.
So when you visit the Riverland, you can be sure that there’s plenty to sink your teeth into.
Seriously Wild
The unique nature of the river system is also the reason why the region’s wetlands and National Parks are home to abundant wildlife, including rare and protected species of birds and native fauna.
The Riverland biosphere is protected by UNESCO – the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation – and by the region’s expert ecologists, who can tell you everything you need to know about the environment, the wildlife, and the best way to spot a Black Eared Miner bird.
Seriously Fun
The Riverland’s unique ecology gives you the opportunity to let your hair down – both on the river, and on the shore.
You can spend a day – or a few – fishing for callop (also called golden perch). All you need is a hand line, something to drink, and a bit of patience.
You can get out on the river, and go skiing, sailing, canoeing, or just enjoy a simple cruise along the river banks.
On the shore, after a day of golf at one of our top quality greens, you might spend an evening at a local pub and enjoy the local hospitality.
The Murray River weaves its magic for 300 glorious kilometres through South Australia’s Riverland. Here, you can hire a houseboat for two or 12. Canoe through wild wetlands. Take a backwater dinghy or safari tour through the small creeks that flow from the River. Try your hand (and feet) at water skiing. Pitch a tent on a sun-drenched stretch of riverbank and watch the world go by.
The Riverland offers some of the Murray River’s most dramatic scenery, a remarkable diversity of wildlife, as well as tour operators and landowners committed to environmental sustainability. The Riverland will provide you with a naturally unforgettable holiday experience.
It’s easy to get off the beaten track and explore the many hidden secrets of this relatively untouched river environment, especially in the National Parks and protected areas that include long stretches of the river, wetlands and Mallee.
In the Riverland we crush 60 per cent of South Australia’s wine grapes which equates to 30 per cent of the Australian crush. We’re home to Berri Estates, the southern hemisphere’s largest winery and distillery, as well as wine companies large and small, a dozen of which offer tasting at cellar doors.
Accommodation info:
http://www.southaustralia.com/Accommodation.aspx
