The Murray River, the Mississippi of Australia.

We planned a short trip of 3 days around a coupon offering the delights of the Murray River region.

'Tasting platter to share includes a selection of gourmet and locally sourced delights:
Toasted Turkish bread, Olive oil, Wattle seed balsamic, Native dukka,
Apple and tsumi jam, Local salami, cured ham and pepperoni,
Dried apricots, Local olives, Local salted capers, Local caper leaves
Enjoy with FIVE amazing wines from the following selection:
Mediterranean range: Chardonnay, Semillon, Verdelho, Tempranillo, Sangiovese, Shiraz
Caudo Vineyards range: Rose, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon
Bubbly Summers range: Sparkling Rose, Sparkling Fiesta
Top it all off with a cup of coffee.'     
The Caudo Vineyard is located on the Cadell to Waikerie Road about 2.5 hours drive from Adelaide.
We decided to drive further on to Renmark stay 2 nights in the Riverbend Caravan Park at Paringa and then drive the 80 odd kilometers back to Waikerie for lunch at the vineyard on the return trip home.
The caravan park is dog friendly so Leo came along on his first holiday.
It was dog heaven.
A dip in the river was welcome relief from the overcast hot humid weather.
Leo persisted for hours to get us to throw the ball in.
The caravan park overlooks the historic Paringa Lifting Bridge opened in 1927.
A stream of double B trucks uses the narrow two single lane bridge at all hours en-route on the Sturt Highway A20 between Adelaide and Mildura.
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sturt_Highway
There is a  dual pedestrian bike-way along the middle of the bridge where once was a railway line.
More information on Renmark tourist attractions can be found here:
http://www.visitrenmark.com/attractions/
The Lifting Bridges are not covered not as old and not designed for the same function but are our equivalent of the famous covered bridges of America.
Our history from European occupation is more recent.
The bridge is regularly maintained. It opens twice a day at 9.30am and 2.30pm with a minimum advance booking of 2 hours.
Apart from sampling local delights this trip provided the opportunity to road test an SUV tent purchased to enable all weather access from the rear of our campervan.
Construction provided some testing times until a friendly neighbor offered advice.
Deconstruction was a breeze.

A Golden North icecream shared at Truro

In the morning light.

Don't go out into the woods today!

Beautiful 'free' camping sites are located along the river.

Maintaining an aesthetic.

The river is popular for skiing.

Sunset at Riverbend.

A River Gum, centuries in the making.

Plenty of room for everybody.

Historic Paringa Lifting Bridge C1927.

Bridge opening times 9.30am and 2.30pm with advance booking of 2 hours.
A warning on the right to 'Check Underbridge Clearance Before Proceeding'.

Single lanes each way and pedestrian/bike path.

A beautiful place to stay.

Caudo Vineyard.......

.......located at Hogwash Bend

Your hospitality was much appreciated - and the wines as well!!