Our final journey took us through the Adelaide Hills and on to follow the mighty Murray River back to the New South Wales border.
After leaving Kangaroo Island the final part of our trip began in the Barossa Valley. Somewhat fortuitously we managed to catch a stage of the Santos Tour Down Under which allowed me to have a go at a bit of sports photography. Not being used to things moving so quickly past my camera it was a challenge to say the least. I don’t think I’ll be taking up cycling photography any time soon!
Once the tour had passed through town we had to make a tough decision on whether to stay another day and visit some of the local wineries or push on to the Murray River. After a couple of seconds deliberation we decided a tour of the local vineyards would be a good idea (exploring the local area is sometimes the best way to find new locations to shoot!).
We made our way along one of the well signposted wine routes and that’s how we came across the small hamlet of Marananga, complete with church, vineyards and rolling hills; a picture perfect place to revisit for the following morning’s sunrise. Out of all my many dawn vigils on this trip, this had to be the most spectacular of sunrises.
No visit to the Adelaide Hills region would be complete without calling in to photograph the picturesque Burra homestead. A favourite spot for many a landscape photographer, the homestead stands proud as a testimony to the regions pioneering past.
The Murray River is Australia’s longest river at 2,508 km (the world’s third longest navigable river) and therefore affords plenty of opportunity for the photographer.
Finding ourselves on a tight schedule in our final few days I decided to kick things off with an evening shoot at the aptly named ‘Big Bend’. The 60 meter cliffs drop vertically down to the river making for an awe inspiring sight, especially in the last light of the day.
As you travel along the Murray it’s lazy waters tend to slow you down to their leisurely pace. So pulling up for the night alongside the river we watched as all manner of craft cruised on by. Even the rowers didn’t seem to be in that much of a hurry.
We finished our journey along the Murray at the historic Port of Echuca whose main commodity during the 1800′s was wool, transported from the surrounding stations. Today Echuca is still home to Australia’s largest fleet of steam-driven paddle steamers who’s commodity is now the many tourists who visit the town.
I suppose that following the Murray River back towards home was a very apt way to complete such a great tour of the diversity that is South Australia. I hope I’ve been able to give you a glimpse of what this great state has to offer.
Best Regards,
Richard
Pictures of Country and Outback NSW
Pictures of the Oodnadatta Track
Pictures of Kangaroo Island
Pictures of Murray River
All of my pictures of the Murray River are available to buy as high quality photographic prints or on Canvas, I also have many framing options available.
For enquires about image licensing and corporate purchases of my pictures of the Murray River call Richard on 0410191288.
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