We stayed 2 nights in Renmark, so today’s route took us on a loop through Berri and Loxton, to a couple of remote silos, along the banks of the Murray and finally into Waikerie before heading back to Renmark.
BERRI
The name “Berri” originated from the word, “bery bery” from the local Aboriginal tribe, Meri, meaning “a wide bend in the river”. It is known for the profusion of vineyards and fruit orchards (such as citrus, apricots and peaches) and the former home of Berri Juice.
A highlight in Berri was the Berri Bridge Mural. The original Ngurunderi Dreaming Story Mural was commissioned in 1997 by Transport SA, now DPTI, and artist Garry Duncan was engaged to facilitate the project and mentor local indigenous artists Shane Karpany, Jason Karpany, Isaac Lindsay and Gladys Sumner. The original mural was created on large slabs of creosoted Jarrah, which was generally resistant to termite attack (however apparently not in the Riverland). However after 20 years of weather and terminate damage, it was determined that the majority of the panels required replacement with more durable materials. The original design was adapted to become laser cut steel panels which have been placed at the entrances of the Ngurunderi Dreaming trail along the riverbank. A new design was then painted on bridge pylon, the site of the old mural, augmenting the original wing design.
LOXTON
For a relatively small town (pop around 4000) there’s a lot of art in Loxton. Most of it painted by Jarrod Loxton, which may not be a coincidence!
This is Jarrod Loxton Country, apparently
Leaving Loxton we left behind paved roads and internet access (including our maps!) and continued to Mantung, one of the towns along the former Waikerie railway line which is now closed. Only a handful of people live there, but there is a substantial community hall, with a toilet block painted by (you guessed it) Jarrod Loxton. Our next stops were at the Galga and Copeville, two more towns which have dwindled since the railway closed. They do however each contain impressive silo art. We stopped off at Big Bend Lookout for a great overview of the Murray River before arriving at Swan Reach on the banks of the Murray.
WAIKERIE
Our last stop for the day was Waikerie. The silos there are by Jimmy Dvate and Garry Duncan and are worth the trip alone, but there’s also plenty of art around town, as well as lovely river views.
Jimmy Dvate (pronounced D-V-ate, by the way – real name Jimmy Beattie) has also painted some impressive murals in the town. The name Waikerie is thought to be derived from “wei kari” a local indigenous name for the giant swift moth, or rain moth, so there is a recurring moth-related theme in the local art.
Phew – this was a long post! No wonder we were worn out at the end of the day!
Share this:
Discover more from The Other Pages
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.