Blanchetown

South Australia's riverland

Blanchetown, a charming little town nestled along the banks of the River Murray in South Australia, has a captivating history that dates back to the mid-19th century. As one of the region's earliest river settlements, it was surveyed in 1855 and named by Governor Sir Richard Groves McDonnell in tribute to his wife, Lady Blanche McDonnell.

Initially, it functioned as a stop and watering point for mail contractors and coaches ferrying passengers along what was then known as the "Sydney Road." Among the town's original buildings still standing today are the Post Office, Hotel, School, and Police Station, all of which showcase its early development.

The towering cliffs surrounding Blanchetown are famed for their breathtaking vistas, which change colour with the shifting light. A closer inspection reveals fossilised treasures, including starfish, shells, and fish. This land was traditionally owned by the Ngarrindjeri people.