Drying apricots at Loxton

Loxton
Substantial service centre on the Murray River notable for its excellent historic village.
Loxton is located 255 km east of Adelaide and 14 m above sea level on the banks of the Murray River. Loxton is a large and attractive modern town with very few old buildings or even moderately old buildings. The streets are wide and the Loxton Soldiers Memorial is a very impressive rotunda at the top of the hill above the river in the town's main street. The main street winds down the hill past the Loxton Hotel/Motel and is characterised by a park in the huge median strip.

Above the river there is the Sturt Memorial which celebrates the fact that Charles Sturt passed through the area on the 30 January 1830. He rowed downstream past Loxton and thus was the first European into the area. Prior to the arrival of Sturt it is thought the Yuyu Aborigines lived in the district.

The town was named after William Charles Loxton, a boundary rider on Bookpurnong Station, who lived beside the river in Loxton's hut from 1878-1881. By 1895 the district had been settled by predominantly German settlers who used the land for sheep and wheat. The town itself is relatively recent. It was named as recently as 1907. After World War II the War Service Land Settlement Scheme opened up the land (an irrigation scheme ensured the blocks of land had access to good supplies of water) to small holdings and large numbers of ex-servicemen moved into the area to grow grapes, citrus and stone fruits. This caused the town to grow quite rapidly so that it is now one of the most modern and substantial towns on the Murray River.

Things to see:  

The School of Arts and the Local Newspaper Building at the Loxton Historical Village

Loxton Historical Village
The Loxton Historical Village is one of the most impressive 'historical villages' in the country. It comprises over 30 buildings all laid out along a main street and all fully furnished to reflect the era. The Historical Village represents Loxton between 1890 and 1939. It is easy to locate as it is on the riverfront at the bottom of East Terrace. It is open most days from 10.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. For details of opening times contact (08) 8584 7194.

Peppercorn Tree
Near the Historic Village are the Loxton Nature Walk - a 3km walk along the river which lasts for about 75 minutes - and on one side is a peppercorn tree. There is a plaque beside the peppercorn tree: 'This peppertree was planted in 1878 by William Charles Loxton, a boundary rider on Bookpurnong Station who lived hereabout in Loxton's hut (or the Trap Hut) during 1878-1881.'

Australian Vintage Limited
Australian Vintage Limited is located in Bookpurnong Road. The cellar door is open every day but Sunday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m., tel: (08) 8584 7236.

Katarapko Game Reserve and Conservation Park
Katarapko Game Reserve and Conservation Park lies over the Murray River from Loxton. It is characterised by attractive shaded banks, deep channels and lagoons and ideal spots for swimming, canoeing, fishing and picnicking. It is a sanctuary for 150 species of birds.

	Motels
	Loxton Hotel/Motel East Tce Loxton SA 5333 Telephone: (08) 8584 7266
	Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouses
	Nadia Bed & Breakfast Murray Bridge Rd P.O. Box 877 Loxton SA 5333 Telephone: (08) 8587 4362
	Cottages & Cabins
	Loxton Riverfront Caravan Park Riverfront Rd Loxton SA 5333 Telephone: (08) 8584 7862 Facsimile: (08) 8584 7862 Rating: ***
	Caravan Parks
	Loxton Riverfront Caravan Park Riverfront Rd Loxton SA 5333 Telephone: (08) 8584 7862 Facsimile: (08) 8584 7862 Rating: ***1/2
	Restaurants
	Loxton Hotel/Motel East Tce Loxton SA 5333 Telephone: (08) 8584 7266