Another roundup from Mel and Brenden of All Around Oz! This one is about exploring Renmark, a lovely town set along the Murray River in South Australia.
Although we could have easily spent the day lazing in the shade on the banks of the Murray River, we thought we would do a little bit of exploring around the area.
We like to call into the local Visitor Information Centre to find out what there is to do in town. The Renmark Visitor Information Centre is right in the middle of a gorgeous park on the river’s edge. There is even parking for long vehicles such as motorhomes and caravans. The staff were super helpful, and we were soon on our way to check out the sights.
Just across the road from the Visitors Centre you will find the Renmark Hotel. This lovely old hotel was first established in 1897. The first licensee of the Hotel was Jane Meissner in the days when women weren’t even allowed in the front bar. Upstairs is a museum with lots of memorabilia from the early days of the Hotel. Entry to this display is free.
Another great spot to get a quick history lesson on Renmark is Olivewood Homestead. Olivewood was the home of Charles Chaffey who was in charge of the Renmark Irrigation Colony when it was established in 1887. The house is a log cabin design and stepping in the front door is like stepping into a time capsule. A very interesting place to wander through.
Just around the corner from Olivewood, I couldn’t resist visiting one of my favourite wineries – Angove. They make a great selection of organic wines but something I didn’t know is that they also make Stone’s Green Ginger Wine and St Agnes Brandy. The Angove family have been making wines in the Renmark area since 1910. Tours of the St Agnes Distillery are also available, but bookings are required.
Lunchtime saw us enjoying the view of the Murray River Queen – a disused paddle steamer that now sits at the Town Wharf. Another great park area with lots of green grass and stunning views!
Our next stop was to the Wilkadene Woolshed. Before we got there we spotted a sign to Murtho Forest Lookout and we thought we would take a look. And we were so pleased we did. Some may not know that the Murray River has towering orange and red coloured cliffs and these were absolutely stunning to see from up high.
On to Wilkadene Woolshed, which was once a famous sheep and wheat station before becoming a craft beer brewery in 2009. It is a fantastic spot and once again right on the edge of the river. In fact, you can pull up in your boat and walk up the steps to the bar! They brew a range of different beers. We bought a $20 tasting paddle and took it outside to drink and enjoy the views. Another magic afternoon on the Murray.
-Mel and Brenden
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