The main street is the best attraction. We suggest you start at ‘Shuffles’ and head up to the ‘Big Ram’.

Shuffles, for those who aren’t familiar, is the new art installation, made up of six cylindrical steel screens that look like heads of wheat ‘shuffling’ in the wind. Located at the southern end of the main street, the sheer size of the Karoonda Shuffles is awe-inspiring, the more you walk or drive around the artwork, the more real it becomes. Recently lit, the tribute to one of the major industries in the area – wheat – is now even better at night, with the green gum trees also on display, making for an amazing tourist attraction.

Once you’ve finished taking in the shuffles, head up the walkway to find the Big Ram – which is exactly that, a statue of a big ram. Another tribute to its rich livestock history, a photo with the Big Ram is a must.

Off to the playground next, from the farmyard to outer space. Based on the Karoonda Meteorite, the playground boasts a three-level summit tower, complete with ‘black hole’ slides, a ‘space tether’ flying fox, orbiting carousel and much more.

By now you’ll have worked up a thirst. Stop in at Cathie’s Café, the best family-friendly place to eat in town – just ask any of the locals. Well-known for its milkshakes, coffee, and frappes. You could also drop-in to the Karoonda Community Craft Shop, with lots of arts, crafts and knick-knicks for sale, all made by locals.

Next is the silos, which aren’t just any silos – part of the Australian Silo Art Trail, these aren’t to be missed. Combining a unique mix of a large-scale mural by day, and colourful art projections by night, this is the perfect depiction of Karoonda’s rural lifestyle. Painted by Australian street artist Heesco, animals are the key feature of this mural, starring locals Diamond the sheep and Whiskey the Kelpie. The night projections are an ever-changing digital display, with a mix of SA artists having their art splashed across the huge space every month of the year.

Image credit: @4touring

Lastly, the recently renovated Pioneer Park, with a display a historical items and buildings, including a church, old machinery, and the kids’ favourite – trains.

Soon, your experience of Karoonda will be unlike any other you’ve had before. District Council of Karoonda East Murray’s partnership with the Storytowns podcast (coming soon) will allow you to tune in and hear meaningful, immersive stories of the attractions you’re seeing while you wander through the town.

If you’re heading out towards Mannum, take a short detour to Mypolonga’s cosy new café, Lot 23. It has quickly become a family favourite hangout for locals and travellers.

Kelly Johnson of Woodlane Orchard has recently renovated this old stone church to create a casual space for people to come together, and to showcase a fantastic range of local produce, including her own much-loved Woodlane Orchard dehydrated meals, snacks and garnishes, Bakehouse Farm’s honey, Rio Vista Olives, and more. Don’t forget to take a few home with you so you’ll be able to taste the magic long after you’ve hit the road!

After you’ve had a browse, it’ll be time for a caffeine hit. Wrap your hands around a perfectly frothed latte (a roadtrip essential), send the kids off with a babyccino, and fill your bellies with a sweet treat from the fridge or a freshly made toastie to top it off.

Image credit: Mannum Dock Museum

Full of river history, the Mannum Dock Museum is located on the pristine banks of the Murray River and is a great add-on activity while visiting Mannum. The fully restored and operational PS Marion is one of the last steam-driven, wood-fired paddle steamers to exist and you can experience it in action on a short cruise (see dates here). You can also head upstairs of the museum and play with the interactive displays to learn more about how river boats operate.

But it’s not all just paddle steamers, take a look at the geographical displays of rare fossils, Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal display, collection of small boats, a wool press and historic milling and baking equipment – the perfect history lesson for the holidays.

Travellers within South Australia have long been familiar with the ‘bring a receipt’ rule when travelling into the Riverland – previously if you could show appropriate proof of purchase for your fruit and veg you could take it in with you.

To further protect Riverland growers, new changes are now in effect meaning the ‘bring a receipt’ rule is no longer recognised. These changes were made to protect South Australia’s internationally recognised Pest Free Area in the Riverland.

This change will help protect the local horticulture industry, the value and cost of premium export trade and local jobs. If you are found travelling into the Riverland with certain fruit and vegetables, you may be fined. Buy local produce when you arrive.

Find out what fruit and vegetables can travel with you as well as travel snack ideas at fruitfly.sa.gov.au