Renmark, a great destination no matter what the season
Renmark was transformed by Australia’s first irrigation scheme, is 258km north-east by road from Adelaide in the Riverland. The dry climate and year-round sun make Renmark and nearby Paringa a great destination no matter what the season.
There are galleries made for browsing, fruit stalls to stock up on the district’s famous products, beckoning wineries, billabongs and secluded creeks to explore by canoe, and fish and yabbies to be caught. The town is also well off for riverfront picnic spots. And be sure to set aside an hour or two to check out the thousands of varieties of blooms on show at Ruston’s spectacular rose garden.
The lookout tower, part way along the road to Murtho and Customs House presents a panoramic view over the cliffs at Whirlpool Corner and the river plains. Renmark is a convenient launching pad for journeys into the region’s internationally significant conservation parks, including the Bookmark Biosphere.
Things to do and see in Renmark
Renmark Houseboats
Renmark was the original creators of houseboating with Ian Showell conceiving the idea of a floating house while in Egypt. The boats he saw along the Nile became the inspiration for what is now a multi-million dollar Murray River industry. Mooring is available on the riverfront.
Woolshed Brewery
Being a 100 year old woolshed, the iconic Woolshed Brewery do not have any kitchen facilities so do not offer meals. Instead, we have our popular ‘local produce selection’ of locally made goods such as biscuits, dips, mettwurst, olives, cheese, capers, dried fruits, almonds and more. Guests can pick and choose individually priced items to create your own platter. They also stock a range of chips and jerky for bar snacks.Free BBQ facilities are also provided, just BYO your own meat and utensils.
Wine and Dine
The Award Winning Renmark Club overlooks the magnificent River Murray in South Australia. Renmark Club is a fully licensed venue with a welcoming atmosphere. Enjoy alfresco dining and high quality great value meals at our family friendly, bistro Club Cafe. Enjoy Breakfast on Saturday, Sundays & Public Holidays 9am to 11am.
Sample the local drop at Angove Winery or 23rd Street Distillery cellar doors.
Arrosto Coffee
Arrosto Coffee was born and bred in the Old Renmark Firestation, decommissioned in the late 90s, Arrosto Coffee founders Callum and Lauren Benda purchased the property from the South Australian government and established their coffee roastery onsite in 2011. Arrosto coffee utilise a 5kg roaster and a 15kg roaster producing multi award winning blends and single origins at both national and international level. Our recently opened licensed Coffee Cellar door showcases our best specialty coffee, Woolshed brewery firehouse coffee stout and our own Firewater coffee liqueur . Open 7 days, Proudly South Australian operated and owned located at 152, 18th Street Renmark.
PS Industry
The historic PS Industry fires up on the first Sunday of every month. It’s one of the few remaining paddle steamers from the busy river trade days.
Olivewood Estate
The watershed in the town’s history was the development of the irrigation schemes in the late 1880s that turned this countryside into Australia’s food bowl. The Canadian-born Chaffey brothers are often called the founders of Renmark. Their original home, Olivewood, is now a National Trust museum and gives an important insight into the history of the town. See more…
Riverfront Walk
Take a stroll along the Renmark riverfront interpretive walk. This easy five kilometre walk (also suitable for bikes) interprets historical information about the town and river. An extension of the walk takes you to the nearby town of Paringa.
Dinghy Backwater Tours
Discover the backwaters of the Murray on a backwater tour with Canoe the Riverland. You will see a very different side to this great river. Allow 2 hours for this guided Dinghy Tour of the Murray Rivers creeks and lagoons above Renmark.
Chowilla Station and Reserve
Just 40 kilometres from Renmark, where the outback meets the river, are a wealth of natural, historic and cultural experiences at Chowilla Station. Go with a group and stay in the Shearers’ Quarters overlooking the Murray River, hire a canoe and explore this pristine natural bushland or discover this peaceful location on a houseboat. Camping and tours are available.
Interesting Renmark Facts
- Renmark Hotel opened in 1897 as the first community owned hotel in the British Empire.
- Ian Showell built the first commercial paddle powered houseboat on the River Murray. Launched 1961.
- PS Industry holds the oldest boiler in a paddle steamer, which was built and installed in 1934 and is still in operation.
- At 500 ha Angove’s Nanya vineyard is one of Australia’s largest.
- Angove’s ranks among the largest and longest running privately owned wine companies in Australia.
- Largest Rose Garden in the South Hemisphere.
- Chaffey Brothers were the founders of Australia’s first irrigation settlement in Renmark in 1887. Renmark was the first irrigation colony in Australia.
- The first selection of fruit trees grown by the chaffey Brothers included the first navel orange tree brought to Australia and later on grapefruit.
- The Paringa suspension bridge is one of only 4 still spanning the River Murray. Built in 1927 and still carries B-double trucks as part of the Sturt Highway.