Barmera SA 5345 (Pop 2 200)

Barmera is an attractive Murray River service town 220 km n-e of Adelaide. It sits on Lake Bonney and is surrounded by citrus areas, orchards and vineyards. Originally occupied by the Barmeedjie Aborigines, early drover settlements followed until an irrigation scheme was established (1921) when many soldier settlers moved into the area. Lake Bonney Yachting Regatta (Easter), SA Country Music Festival (June), Riverland Field Days (Sept).

Tourist Attractions & Info:
Donald Campbell Obelisk, Queen Elizabeth Dr commemorates his attempt to set a world water speed record (1964). 

Nearby:
Cobdogla Irrigation & Steam Museum (5 km west) home of the world’s only working Humphrey irrigation pump. Napper's Old Accommodation Hotel/House (10 km n-w) ruins of the well known hotel (1863). Loch Luna Game Reserve (16 km n-w) linking Lake Bonney and the Murray River, is a waterbird refuge and nesting area. Moorook Game Reserve (16 km s-w) spectacular wetlands surrounding Wachtels Lagoon. The Overland Corner (19 km n-w) the area’s first settlement includes the well known hotel (1859), historic graves, mine remnants and a scenic walking trail.

Accommodation:
Barmera has a couple of motels, 2 hotels, some holiday apartments, a nudist resort and 2 caravan parks. Visitor Information Centre: Barwell Ave. Tel (08) 8588 2289.

Airport:
Renmark Airport (RMK), off Sturt Hwy. (27 km east).

Hospital:
Barmera District Hospital, Hawdon St. Tel (08) 8588 2006.