Posts tagged Tourism

Peace on the mighty Murray

By Neena Bhandari

The Murray River is to Australia what Nile is to Egypt. It gently meanders its way from the Snowy Mountains, irrigating fields and orchards, along its 2520 km journey to the Southern Ocean. In years gone by, it was a thriving route for paddle steamers transporting wool and wheat to and from the towns dotting the riverside. It is now an aquatic playground for families seeking a tryst with nature.

Raucous flocks of cockatoos and galahs swing from river red gums, a solo kingfisher plummets into the shallow waters and returns with its priced catch, fish abound here. Steep ochre tinted limestone cliffs lure visitors to make the climb as children frolic along the grassy riverbank.

In one of the driest states in the driest continent, where nature is beautiful yet unforgiving, the Murray invigorates life in the ecosystem and the communities that flourish along its banks.

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South Australia’s History Festival will celebrate the past, present and future

By Neena Bhandari

Autumn in South Australia conjures of bright sunny days and balmy nights with festivals galore.

Come May, venues across the state come alive with South Australia’s History Festival. It offers locals and visitors the opportunity to discover and celebrate the state’s distinct history from Aboriginal times to a free-settled society and a present day vibrant destination.

Organised by History SA, the festival offers more than 500 events. “One can attend talks in pubs, churches, schools and even graveyards; explore topics as diverse as fashion, food and farming; enjoy film screenings, music and dance performances; or indulge in archaeological digs. There is something for all ages”, says Allison Russell, History SA’s Senior Curator for Community Engagement.

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Milang-Goolwa Freshwater Classic Yacht Race

By Neena Bhandari

It is seldom that an argument triggers a boat race, but this is precisely what happened in December 1966.

Two Goolwa greats, the late Bill Appleby and the late Bill Ballard, set sail on their yachts from Goolwa to Milang to settle their argument about who had the fastest boat.

Their yachts almost matched the timing, but soon other boats joined in the competition. The numbers soared to 584 yachts in 1986, making it the largest individual freshwater classic yacht race in the country.

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