Waikerie is situated on the banks of the beautiful
Murray River, a mere 175 kms from
Adelaide. Enjoy the winter sunshine or summer tranquility by turning into Waikerie from the Sturt Highway between
Blanchetown and
Barmera or head towards
Morgan and
Cadell west of the town.
The name Waikerie is said to mean 'many wings', after the giant swift moth 'wei kari', the name given by the original indigenous community. It's an appropriate name, considering the teeming birds of the lagoons and wetlands that edge the river. Waikerie was established in 1894 when its first settlers arrived by paddle steamer.
Paddle steamer 'Waikerie'
A town that offers a wide choice of restaurants, accommodation, hospitality and shopping. Waikerie has developed from a lengthy affinity with '
Murray River matters' and the ensuing beauty. For more than a century, travellers have been welcome to use facilities that have now developed into a thriving country town on the Murray.
Broad acre farms, vineyards and citrus groves cover huge areas of agricultural development, sending thousands of tonnes of quality produce to Australian and overseas markets. Thousands of appreciative visitors annually enjoy a climate that challenges any other in Australia. Waikerie accurately boast more sunshine hours yearly than the famed Queensland
Gold Coast!
The chimney at the top of the cliff which was used for the steam boiler which powered the first irrgation pumps at Waikerie
Grower's Co-operative packing shed at Waikerie 1945
Waikerie Institute, it was here I seen Slim Dusty concert 1960's
The district is full of wildlife, natural history and ecological attractions that are very hard to surpass for beauty, selection and availability. Brilliant weather all year round ensures a most desirable climate for outdoor activities during short or long stays. Waikerie is a centre that caters to the interest of a wide variety of both visitors and residents alike.
Waikerie was first settled in 1894, and consists of well over 5,000 hectares of agricultural, horticultural and viticultural developments - plus excellent conservation, parklands and wetlands.
West of Waikerie toward Qualco and
Cadell is the 1700 acre Irrigation scheme of Sunlands, opened for settlement in 1961, myself and my Father were the very first settlers in March 1961 .
Sunlands Pump Station under Construction
Sunlands Pump Station
The Pipes Layed Ready at Sunlands
One of the 1st Orange Trees Planted ,a Tilley's Tree
The sprinkler heads were the Pope Typhoon , at Golden Heights the sprinkler heads were the Pope Monsoon, as seen in the photo watering trees at Golden Heights.
Watering young trees, Golden Heights Estate, Waikerie,
And this one at Sunlands belonged to my father, it's a 1961 Fiat 411R
Waikerie Gliding Club began with a small group of gliding enthusiasts in 1937. Since those pioneering days, the Club has gone through many changes.
Flags at World Gliding Championships, Waikerie 1974
Aerial view of World Gliding Championships, Waikerie 1974
Waikerie Gliding Championships camping area 1974
Waikerie is world renowned for the fantastic soaring conditions which prevail over a generally long, hot summer. The surrounding countryside offers excellent cross country soaring.
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