South Australia (Riverland)
Loxton
Loxton's earliest white settlers were mainly of German extraction; their determination, hard work and spirit of community continues today in the pride residents have for their town.

Loxton was first sealed in 1895, and the Loxton Historical Village recreates the look and feel of the town as it was in its early years. The town is renowned for the work of its local artists.
From Waikerie, about 35km further along the Sturt Highway, the Murray makes another large loop away from the highway, with Loxton at its southernmost reach. Leaving the highway at Kingston-on-Murray, you pass the Moorook Game Reserve, a large swamp fringed with river red gums and home to many waterbirds; at the other end of the loop there’s a 24-hour free ferry across the river to Berri. 

In Loxton itself, the Tourist & Art Centre, at Bookpurnong Terrace (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm, Sat 9.30am–12.30pm, Sun 1–4pm; tel 08/8584 7919), acts as an agent for Stateliner and can fill you in on local attractions such as the riverside Loxton Historical Village (Mon–Fri 10am–4pm, Sat & Sun 10am–5pm; $5), a replica of a turn-of-the-century Riverland town. 

Altogether more compelling is the Katarapko Game Reserve, opposite Loxton, where Katarapko Creek and the Murray have cut deep channels and lagoons, creating an island. Access is by water only – perfect for canoeing and observing birdlife; to camp you need a permit from the NPWS, 28 Vaughan Terrace, Berri (tel 08/8595 2111). Loxton Riverfront Caravan Park, Habels Bend (tel & fax 08/8584 7862; cabins $31–45, on-site vans $19–30), is a peaceful spot opposite the game reserve, with canoes for rent ($7.50 hr, $25 day) and safe river swimming.

WOOD SCULPTURE DISPLAY
A display of more than 200 different hand-carved wood sculptures designed and crafted by Loxton artist Mike Elvey. The collection consists of around thirty wood species, including mulga, river gum, river oak and blackwood.

Back in town, the best accommodation option is the Loxton Hotel-Motel, East Terrace – inexpensive, friendly and down-to-earth, with decent counter meals and bargain en-suite rooms with TV. On the same street is the Loxton Palace Chinese Restaurant, at no. 39 (tel 08/8584 6825; BYO).