A DAY IN....
Loxton
Where the Mallee meets the Murray, on the outskirts of the Riverland, you’ll find a quaint little town called Loxton.
Words: Jeremy Rochow
About three hours’ drive from Adelaide, on the banks of the mighty Murray River, sits Loxton. As part of the Riverland fruit bowl, the town and surrounding area is an agricultural hub, producing a large chunk of the state’s wine, citrus, almonds and stone fruit. So, sink your teeth into a juicy peach and grab a bag of roasted almonds, as you spend the day exploring Loxton.
See
Visit the Loxton Historical Village and be transported back to the 1890s when the township was just being developed. Wander through more than 45 buildings that are fully furnished with historical artefacts.
If you have the little ones in tow, enjoy a picnic at the Loxton Pioneer Playground. With a 9m-high cubby as its centrepiece, this exciting play space offers something for all abilities and age levels.
At the river front, just outside the town centre, you’ll find Loxton’s Tree of Knowledge. This old river gum in Lions Park shows the impact of flooding, with markers for each flood that’s inundated the region in the past 100 years.
Loxton's Tree of Knowledge.
Eat and drink
Enjoy a cuppa and piece of cake at Coffee at 96 or grab a reuben sandwich for a quick lunch. Pen and Lu serve Riverland Arrosto coffee and freshly made juices, and afterwards you can peruse their range of giftware and clothing.
You can’t visit a rural town without checking out the bakery, and The Country Bakehouse will ease any hunger pangs. It has a wide range of award-winning pies and pasties as well as family favourites like custard Berliners, lamingtons and vanilla slices.
The Loxton Hotel offers a range of dining options. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in the 1908 Café or have a pub meal in the modern Bistro.
Loxton Historical Village.
Stay
Stay on the water aboard the permanently moored Murray River Queen – one of the country’s biggest paddle boats – which offers an oasis for rest and relaxation only minutes from Loxton’s town centre.
If you’re looking for self-contained options, the former Loxton courthouse and police station has been transformed into five stylish apartments. Offering either studio, two-bedroom or four-bedroom options, the apartments are perfect for a couple’s retreat or family getaway.
1908 Cafe at Loxton Hotel.
Shop
If you’re looking for locally made gifts or homewares, check out The Collective Loxton. Located on East Terrace – Loxton’s main street – the gift shop has everything from bird houses, mini pots
and pet treats to art and delightful edible gift baskets made from local produce.
Take a stroll along East Terrace and you’ll find other shops, including Little Vibes – a boutique selling children’s clothing and gifts.
IMAGES: Bec Shaw Photography, Loxton Hotel, Hugh Schuitemaker.
