Day 70: Sun 23 Apr 23 - Renmark

Day 70: Sun 23 Apr 23 - Renmark

Down to 6 Deg this morning, reaching 25 Deg by mid afternoon. It was another glorious sunny day with not the slightest breeze and no clouds - perfect weather for us to celebrate our 35th Wedding Anniversary, and so pleased we stayed in Renmark for the occasion. 
After our morning coffee at the van, I went off for a short walk along the river, then we drove into Renmark for a nice breakfast at the Renmark Hotel  - it was very enjoyable in the morning sun overlooking the Murray. From there we went for a stroll along the riverside to kill a little time before stepping on board the Paddle Steamer 'Industry' at 1030 for a one hour cruise up the Murray and back. The 'Industry' became operational in 1911, and was designed to remove snags from the river, then later used in the construction and maintenance of the locks and weirs along the Murray. It was retired in 1969 becoming a static museum until 1990 when it was restored by volunteers, who now also run one hour tours every few weeks. We were very lucky to be in town today and to secure tickets. At $25 per head, it was excellent value, and we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was also nice chatting with the volunteers and one local retired (lady) farmer who took her two grandkids on the tour. I even spotted a Koala in a gum tree along the river bank - very cool. When we stepped ashore back in Renmark, we drove 5 km out of town to Rushtons Rose Garden for late morning coffee and cake, and a stroll through some beautiful rose gardens. Rushtons Rose Garden, covers about 26 acres and has more than 50,000 rose bushes with more than 4,000 varieties - It's an amazing collection of roses. When we left, we called into the nearby 23rd Street Gin Distillery for a quick look, but we didn't feel like any tasting, so we returned to the van. Noeleene sat outside under the awning doing some knitting, while I climbed on the bike for a ride back into town and along the river. As soon as I returned, I got changed, and we got back in the car to drive 15km out of town through Paringa to the Woolshed Brewery for a refreshment. The brewery is located in the historic 100 year old shearing sheds of Wilkadene Station, about 15 kilometres away and has magnificent waterfront views. We only had one drink, but it was a very pleasant, visit. On our return to the caravan park, we drove the short distance off the main road into the Headings Cliff Lookout which has stunning views along the Murray. This would have been even more spectacular to see at sunset (the golden light), but we were happy enough with the what we saw at 1700 to call it the day.  We returned to the van, and packed away the awning and outdoor furniture for our departure tomorrow morning. TV reception here is - well there isn't any, so its another early (and quiet) night after dinner, which isn't a bad thing, because its been a long day, but most enjoyable.


Murray Cruise on the Paddle Steamer 'Industry'


Paddle Steamer 'Industry'


Paddle Steamer Industry

Paddle Steamer Industry


Paddle Steamer Industry

 

Paddle Steamer Industry

 

Paddle Steamer Industry



Murray Cruise on the Paddle Steamer Industry 

Rushton's Rose Garden

Rushton's Rose Garden

Rushton's Rose Garden

Rushton's Rose Garden

23rd Street Distillery

Afternoon Bike Ride along the Murray

Afternoon Bike Ride along the Murray - Recent flood level marked on the walls

Afternoon Bike Ride along the Murray - Still running strong


Afternoon Bike Ride  - The Argo Barge (now a Static display at the Olivewood Historic Home and Museum), was once the largest barge to operate on the Murray. 

Post ride rehydration - An ale at the Woolshed Brewery

A beautiful afternoon at the Woolshed Brewery

Woolshed Brewery -  a picturesque setting

Woolshed Brewery....and a nice tasting brew too

Headings Cliff Lookout


Headings Cliff Lookout - Opposite direction


Headings Cliff Lookout - end of a great day.




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