Discover the Twin River Towns of Paringa and Renmark.
Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River in South Australia, Paringa and Renmark offer a warm welcome to travellers crossing the historic Paringa Bridge. As you make your way over this iconic lift-span bridge, still operational, and rich in history. You’ll be greeted by two distinct yet closely connected towns, each offering its charm and array of experiences.
Whether you’re drawn by the region’s rich river heritage, stunning landscapes, or relaxed country hospitality, Paringa and Renmark provide the perfect gateway to explore the Riverland at its finest.
Interesting Facts About Renmark
- Australia’s First Irrigation Settlement – Renmark holds the title of Australia’s first irrigation colony, established in 1887 by Canadian brothers George and William Chaffey. They introduced an extensive irrigation system that transformed the semi-arid land into a flourishing agricultural hub.
- Fruit Bowl of South Australia -Renmark is a major producer of grapes, citrus fruits, almonds, and stone fruits. The region’s fertile soils and irrigation system make it one of South Australia’s most productive horticultural areas, exporting produce.
- Historic Paddle Steamers – The mighty PS Industry, a historic paddle steamer built in 1911, is based in Renmark and still operates on select days. It played a vital role in maintaining river locks and is now a treasured attraction where visitors can experience life on the Murray as it was over a century ago.
- Paringa Bridge – One of Two Lifting Bridges in SA – Paringa Bridge, opened in 1927, is one of only two operational lift-span bridges in South Australia. It still lifts for river traffic and is a vital connection between Renmark and Paringa.
- Home to the Oldest Distillery on the River – The 23rd Street Distillery, located in a beautifully restored 1914 building, combines rich history with modern craft spirit-making. It has become a popular spot for tastings, tours, and food events.
- Community-Owned Renmark Hotel – The Hotel, established in 1897, was the first community-owned hotel in the British Empire. Profits from the hotel are reinvested into community projects, and it remains an iconic building overlooking the riverfront.
Renmark Discovery Riverfront Holiday Park
We stayed at the Renmark Discovery Riverfront Holiday Park (formerly the Big4). Nestled along the banks of the majestic Murray River. Our powered caravan site, shaded by mature trees, offers a serene setting just a short stroll from the river’s edge.
Being close to the park’s clean and well-maintained amenities ensures convenience, while the Camp Kitchen’s proximity adds to the ease of our stay. The park’s array of facilities, including a water park, outdoor movie theatre, and adventure playground, promises entertainment for all ages. There is also an indoor gym and games room, for those wet days.
We were able to relax by the river, enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, and take full advantage of the park’s offerings. You can also follow a walking track from the park into the town centre, while enjoying the river. This is an easy walk that takes you past houseboats to the information centre, the Hotel Renmark, and the Renmark Club.
Renmark Paringa Visitor Centre
The Renmark Paringa Visitor Centre is perched right on the Murray River’s scenic riverfront at 84 Murray Avenue. It is the ideal first stop for anyone exploring the region. The friendly, well-informed staff and volunteers offer a warm welcome, guiding visitors. Detailed brochures, maps, and insider tips on local attractions, river cruises, bike trails, and houseboat adventures.
Some of the local tourist attractions don’t open every day. So it is good to know when they do, allowing you to plan your visit accordingly. The forecast of rain can also play a part, as it did for us. During our stay, it was expected to rain, so we planned indoor activities for that day.
Inside, you’ll find interpretive displays detailing the rich history of the Riverland. A curated selection of souvenirs and locally grown produce, and booking services for experiences like the PS Industry paddle steamer.
Morning Coffee Break At Arrosto Coffee
Arrosto Coffee has breathed new life into Renmark’s decommissioned fire station. Transforming the building into a vibrant café and micro‑roastery. Since taking over the site in the early 2000s, the owners have lovingly restored the historic space while retaining its original character. Today, guests can savour in‑house roasted specialty coffee brewed straight from the back‑of‑house roastery, blending past and present in every cup.
Inside, the café celebrates its firefighting heritage with décor from its former life. Vintage fire trucks, and bold “fire‑themed” blends like the Firehouse Blend and Ladder 59. Offering more than just coffee, Arrosto delights patrons with house‑made muffins, cakes, breakfast burgers on weekends, and a chilled outdoor courtyard complete with grassy play areas for kids and even throw rugs on cooler days.
With rave reviews consistently ranking it as Renmark’s № 1 coffee spot, visitors praise the “exceptional” service, “delicious” brews (including inventive cold‑drip infusions), and the warm, community‑focused atmosphere. We had coffee with nice muffins, Blueberry for me and apple crumble for Leo.
Paringa’s Artistic And Natural Highlights
Next, we ventured into Paringa, where the Paringa Silo Art caught our eye. Artist Jack Fran’s towering murals depict local legends like Captain Pearl Wallace and Charles Chaffey, celebrating the region’s rich heritage. There is a shelter where you can read about the four people who are silhouettes on the silo. What there contributions to the Renmark Community and their achievments.
The iconic Paringa silo art was painted in early 2021 by celebrated Australian artists Jack Fran and Sam Brooks, with the murals officially becoming the 45th addition to the Australian Silo Art Trail. The artwork, collectively titled “The River at Renmark”, uses four silhouette portraits of local figures as canvases to tell the Riverland region’s unique story. Linking these images are soaring pelicans and stylised scenes of key waterway elements: houseboats, paddle steamers, the Murray Cod, the Paringa Bridge, and the river’s dramatic cliffs.
Within the silhouettes are four notable people connected deeply to the area. Charles Francis Chaffey (1859–1938) helped establish irrigation in Renmark and Paringa as part of the pioneering Chaffey brothers; David “Possum” Jones was an Aboriginal tracker famed for bushcraft and kindness.
Sister Elaine Balfour‑Ogilvy (1912–1942) was a Renmark-born WWII nurse tragically killed by Japanese forces; and Captain Pearl Wallace (1911–2005) became Australia’s first female certified riverboat skipper and inspired the famed “All the Rivers Run” book and series.
Each portrait spotlights their contributions, weaving local history into a breathtaking public artwork that celebrates both people and place.
Headings Cliff Lookout
A short drive from Paringa along Murtho Road led us to the breathtaking Headings Cliff Lookout. Perched atop golden limestone cliffs, this vantage point offers panoramic views of the Murray River as it gracefully winds through the landscape.
The lookout features both ground-level viewing areas and an elevated platform, catering to all visitors. We were captivated by the vibrant hues of the cliffs. With ample parking and easy access, it’s a must-visit spot for anyone exploring the Renmark region.
As you drive along the Murtho Road, you pass by a lot of orange plantations. Continuing past the lookout is the Woolshed Brewery, which only opens on certain days and was closed the day we were there.
Lock 5 Murray River Paringa
Just before crossing the Murray River to Renmark we turned left and followed the road past the houseboats to Lock 5. An engineering marvel from the 1920s that regulates the Murray River’s flow. The adjacent park, with its lush lawns and picnic spots, was perfect for a midday break.
It was well worth the drive, as we could see the difference in the level of the Murray River on each side. There was water flowing through the outlets right across the river. While we were there, a houseboat was returning from Berri, and we were able to watch as they came through the lock and water entered to bring them up to the level of the other side. This took roughly ten minutes, and the gates were opened up, allowing them to continue on their journey upstream.
Bunyip Barge
Nestled beside the historic Lock 5 on the River Murray near Paringa, the Bunyip Barge is a striking relic from the region’s river heritage. This 80‑tonne composite barge was built in Morgan and launched in 1962, where it served a vital role maintaining infrastructure, transporting goods, clearing snags, and supporting river operations during the thriving paddle steamer era.
Now permanently on display within the peaceful parklands of Lock 5, the Bunyip offers visitors a unique, up‑close experience. A ramp allows you to walk aboard the vessel and explore interpretive panels that tell the story of its river‑working days and the construction of the lock itself. Surrounded by lawns, picnic tables, and BBQ facilities, it’s not just a historical exhibit; it’s a hands‑on touchpoint with the Riverland’s living river story.
Almondco Almond Hut
Almondco’s “Almond Hut”, located on the Sturt Highway in Renmark, South Australia, is the retail‐outlet storefront of Almondco Australia Ltd, a cooperative founded in 1944 by local growers to unite and market Australian almonds. Operated by the main Almondco processing facility, the Almond Hut offers visitors a curated range of over 80 premium almond products, including natural, roasted, and flavoured nuts. Blanched slices and almond meal; ready‑made gift packs.
Visitors can browse and shop while learning about the almond industry. There are no public factory tours available. But the store staff provides educational insights on operations and products instead. There were also videos to watch, which were informative and showed the different stages of the growing season and harvesting. The hut opens at 8:30 am, is staffed by friendly, helpful people.
This local destination is noteworthy for its direct link to the cooperative’s growers, Almondco now represents more than 80% of Australian almond producers and supports long-standing relationships between growers and consumers through high‑quality retail offerings sourced from its award‑winning processing operations.
In short, the Almond Hut provides a warm, informative experience and access to top‑quality, locally produced almond products in the heart of South Australia’s almond country.
Olivewood Historic Homestead And Museum
Olivewood Historic Homestead & Museum, nestled at 205 Twenty‑first Street, Renmark, holds a cherished place in South Australia as the original home of Charles Chaffey, brother of the renowned irrigation pioneers George and William Chaffey.
This state-heritage-listed log-cabin-style house, built in 1889 using Murray pine and the traditional drop‑slot method. Not only preserves the original family home, but it is also complemented by the Charles Chaffey Centre.
Visitors can explore an array of historical treasures including printing machines, photographic equipment, and a rare 1926 Garford fire engine. The museum complex also features the original olive‑oil processing shed with a replica crusher. A 1890 packing shed filled with period fruit‑industry machinery, and about 90 olive trees planted over a century ago.
Surrounding the homestead, beautifully maintained gardens and a spectacular palm‑lined drive set the stage for an immersive historical experience. The museum is staffed entirely by volunteers under the National Trust of South Australia, offering guided tours, morning or afternoon teas, and group lunches on request.
Notably, the site also includes the Argo Barge, an 80‑tonne floating pumping station integral to South Australia’s river‑management history—and has recently introduced exhibits detailing the pioneering “Liba Liba” houseboat operations. Olivewood offers both locals and visitors an enriching journey through Riverland’s early settlement, agricultural innovation, and enduring community spirit
Murals In Renmark
Back in Renmark, we explored the town’s vibrant street art. The standout was the R.M. Williams mural behind Yates Menswear. This 14-meter-high artwork, completed in March 2025 by local artist Jarrod Loxton, honors the iconic bushman and entrepreneur, reflecting the town’s deep-rooted connection to Australian heritage
Renmark Riverfront Interpretive Walk
We embarked on the Renmark Riverfront Interpretive Walk, a 5-kilometer trail that meanders along the Murray River’s edge. This leisurely path is adorned with informative plaques and interpretive signs, shedding light on the town’s rich history, river trade, and early irrigation efforts.
Starting near the Visitor Information Centre, we enjoyed scenic views of the river, historic sites, and the iconic PS Industry paddle steamer. The trail’s flat terrain made it accessible and enjoyable, offering a perfect blend of nature and heritage.
Renmark Hotel
Here are some fascinating facts about the historic Renmark Hotel in Renmark, South Australia. An iconic landmark on the banks of the Murray River:
Heritage And Ownership
- Established in 1897, the Renmark Hotel was the first community‑owned hotel in the British Empire, created so that its profits could be reinvested into local infrastructure and benefit the wider community.
- To this day, it remains community‑owned, managed by a locally elected board, continuing to support local schools, sporting clubs, and public works.
- Early profits helped build key institutions in Renmark: hospital, fire station, gardens, public amenities, roads, and even a caravan park.
Architectural Highlights
- The hotel began as a simple single-storey building; a second storey was added in 1902–03 and a major Art Deco remodel in 1935 gave it its striking, heritage-listed appearance today.
- It was officially heritage-listed in 1996, recognized as a prominent example of Riverland architecture and community spirit.
Historical Tidbits And Legends
- In 1957, the hotel opened what was then the longest bar in the Southern Hemisphere, stretching 62 metres with 20 taps and encircling the room.
- The first licensee, Jane Meissner, was a trailblazing publican at a time when women rarely managed pubs. She secured the licence a few days after a lengthy court hearing via coach and paddleboat travel.
- Local lore includes colourful stories of the infamous Harry “Breaker” Morant riding his horse into the bar, and the hotel sometimes features on lists of reportedly haunted South Australian sites.
Royal And Notable Visitors
- The hotel has welcomed several distinguished visitors over the decades: aviator Sir Charles Kingsford Smith in 1932; the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester in 1946; and the Prince and Princess of Wales in 1983, along with numerous government dignitaries.
Museum And Community Focus
- In 2018, a free museum was opened on the first floor. Displaying photographs, memorabilia, vintage uniforms, and stories of the hotel’s role in town life. It’s open daily from 9 am to 5 pm with no admission fee.
- The Nanya Bistro, an on-site restaurant named in honour of the local Aboriginal group, has earned awards like Best Country Bistro in 2008 and 2010
Renmark SA In Conclusion
Whether you’re cruising the mighty Murray, exploring rich riverland history, or simply soaking up the laid-back charm of a vibrant country town, Renmark offers a memorable experience for every traveller.
From iconic landmarks like the Renmark Hotel to scenic riverfront walks, lush rose gardens, and welcoming cellar doors, this riverside gem is brimming with reasons to stay a little longer. With its warm hospitality and strong community spirit, Renmark is more than just a stop on the map—it’s a destination that invites you to slow down, connect, and return again.