Day 7 Thursday 9/5/24 Renmark, overcast 22

It was heaven to have a sleep in. With a fridge devoid of fruit and vegetables we do a little shopping. But we do baulk at the price of $9 for a kilo of tomatoes considering that we’re in the state that grows most of them.

Itching for a look around we take a short drive to the riverside town of Berri. The road hugs the cliff top with the Murray River far below. We’re a bit disappointed with the town until I consult the map and we find the riverfront, houseboats and a high bridge spanning the river.

Not wanting to retrace our path, we take the bridge and pass through orchards of almonds, citrus, olives, and vineyards interspersed with dry tracts of saltbush. It shows what irrigation can do. Untended areas look as though they are good for nothing but add water and it is nothing short of miraculous!

It was only 18kms from Renmark to Berri, so when we’ve driven about 15kms and see a sign saying 42kms to Renmark, Woody gets somewhat edgy. Switching quickly to Plan B, I suggest we take the Lyrup (as in syrup I presume) ferry and we’re on the river and then scooting back up the cliffs and into Renmark. On our left we spot the Almond Company factory, hit the anchors and do a U turn. The Dark Cranberry Almond Clusters are worthy of the stop.

After lunch Woody walks into town to keep his km’s up. I find a sunny spot on the riverbank and sketch a lagoon. A purple swamphen keeps me company walking round and round muttering in ‘swamp’ language.

Woody cooks a Thai curry for dinner, and we chat with our neighbour.

Accom: $40.00

Note: Being part of the National road system, the many ferries on the Murray River in South Australia are efficient and free of charge.