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| There are also many regular festivals and events
in the region such as the Hot Air Balloon Regatta
each May, the Barossa Classic Gourmet showcasing
restaurants and wineries in August or the International
Music Festival in October, to name a few. |
Pop up map of Barossa Region (102kb)
Coonawarra
In the far South East of SA, north of Mt Gambier and next to
the Victorian border are the towns of Coonawarra and Penola. Together
with Padthaway, 80 kms north, these are two of Australia's premier
wine regions. Many wineries offer tasting and cellar door sales
with picnic and bbq facilities.
Clare
Valley
Just over 100 kms north of Adelaide, the vine covered hills
of the Clare Valley have been producing wine for over 150 years.
The Adelaide Cup lond weekend in May sees the Clare Valley Gourmet
Festival with gourmet food and fine wine. Originally settled by
Irish, Clare now also hosts a Spanish Festival over 4 days each
April.
Nearby Sevenhill Winery was established
by Austrian Jesuits in 1848. The brothers still make both table
and alter wines and visitors are most welcome.
Murray
River Region
Australia's longest river is most easily travelled in the lower
reaches which flow through South Australia. The Murray has sufferred
in recent years from low water levels due to drought and irrigation
schemes but there's a concerted effort to ensure the Murray's long
term survival.
Fishing is popular along
the Murray, with fish species including Perch, Catfish and the famous
Murray River Cod (which can grow up to 2 metres long).
Pop-up map of Murray River region (156kb)
| Heritage
paddle boats cruise the Murray all year. Some are quite luxurious
and many offer longer cruises and accommodation and dining
facilities. |
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Renmark
Established in 1887, Renmark means 'Red Mud' in Aboriginal.
The town has all major facilities and boasts several museums and
nearby nature reserves including the large Bookmark Biosphere Reserve
north of town. Bredl's Wonder World of Wildlife on 28th Street is
one of the country's largest private zoos with Australia's biggest
collection of reptiles including snakes and crocodiles.
Murray
Bridge
The largest town on the Murray in SA, with a population of about
20,000, this is a major commercial and holiday centre with boating
and fishing being popular activities.
Coorang
National Park
At the mouth of the Murray River a series of lagoons separated
by sandhills forms the unique Coorang National Park. Enjoy bird
watching with over 240 species of native and migratory birds. Yachting,
camping, canoeing and beach fishing are also popular.
Small group eco-tours
are available and boats cruise into the northern Coorang from Goolwa
near the western edge of the park.
Coober
Pedy
In
the northern part of South Australia, close to the Northern Territory
border, the small town of Coober Pedy is home to a diverse group
of Australians afflicted with Opal Fever. They all dream of striking
it rich - and many do!
Many also toil
in the desert heat for years and barely scratch a living.....but
the big strike may come any minute so they are loathe to give up.
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Opal
Field diggings surround the town and Coober Pedy is a good
place to buy opal retail. It's a good idea to research prices
in city shops first.
For
a unique down to earth experience, stay in an underground
hotel - see accommodation link above.
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| Hire
a 4WD car or campervan if you want to explore off the highway.
Local tours are also available from Coober Pedy. |
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