Riverland

The Riverland, also known as Big River Country, is a region of South Australia. It covers the area near the River Murray from where it flows into South Australia downstream to Blanchetown.The major town centres are Renmark, Berri, Loxton, Waikerie and Barmera. Each of these are accompanied by minor townships, the total area comprising approximately 30,000 people.Many of the towns were established for the re-settlement of soldiers after their return from World War I or World War II. Most towns were established as separate irrigation districts.

The region hosted an internment camp for people of Japanese, German and Italian origin or descent during World War II. This camp was based at Loveday and little remains to testify to its existence.The region grows about half of South Australia's grapes, and 90% of the citrus and stone fruit. Most major Australian wine companies source a significant amount of bulk wine from the Riverland. The Agriculture industry is the largest employer in the area.

Houseboating, water skiing and golfing are popular pastimes for visitors to the area.

Most RiverlandersFact|date=May 2007 share an active concern and interest in the health of the River Murray. [cite web
url=http://news.smh.com.au/national/xenophon-want-help-for-murray-river-20080702-30sg.html
title=Xenophon want help for Murray River
author=Sydney Morning Herald
publisher=Fairfax
accessdate=2008-07-2] The majority of the River Murray and surrounds in the Riverland area is a declared reserve. The predominant natural environment consists of River Red Gum and Black Box forests that line the river banks and flood plains, as well as steep cliffs. The Riverland is abundant in wildlife, the more common species encountered being Pelicans, Kookaburras, Brush Tail Possums and Perons Tree Frogs. Less common species include Koalas (introduced to Renmark), Bush Stone Curlews and Carpet Pythons (rated 'vulnerable' to extinction in the region).

ee also

*South Australian food and drink
*South Australian wine

References

External links

* [http://www.riverland.info/ Riverland Tourism Region]
* [http://www.southaustralia.com/product.asp?product_id=9002736 Tourism SA]
* [http://www.winediva.com.au/regions/riverland.asp Wine Diva]
* [http://www.murrayoutback.org.au/the_riverland_introduction.php Guide to The Riverland]