We started our morning in Waikerie, South Australia, with a walk along the banks of the Murray River. The view from the escarpment overlooking the river was quite stunning, with the sun glinting off the water
. It was a surprisingly tranquil scene, punctuated only by the gentle chugging of the local punts. It seemed every few minutes, a vehicle or two would roll onto the ferry and then be slowly conveyed across the river. Practical, if not speedy.
After our riverside ramble, we wandered into the town centre. Our attention was immediately drawn to the Rainmoth Gallery. The building itself is an old sandstone structure, nicely maintained
. The gallery features local indigenous art, but the exterior display is almost as interesting as the interior. There's a large sculpture just outside the gallery, crafted from metal and stone. It depicts native fish and birds of the Murray River system
. It's an impressive piece and a testament to the area's connection to the river.
Waikerie is known as the "Gateway to the Upper Murray", and there's a mural in the town centre reflecting that heritage. It’s a grand piece of work incorporating imagery of the town’s history, local birdlife, and the surrounding citrus and grape growing industries
. One thing is certain, Waikerie is a town with a story to tell, and it seems very proud of its past, present and future.
