Our Region
We live and work in a truly amazing region known as the Riverland.
We are connected by water to more than 1 million square kilometers of the Murray Darling Basin, an area four times the size of the UK. We explore an area recognised for its high diversity of both terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including habitat types that are now rare in the broader region. Of particular significance is the largest remaining area of natural river red gum forest in the lower River Murray, which supports a sub-population of the nationally threatened Regent Parrot.
The permanent creeks and ephemeral lakes on Chowilla comprise a range of aquatic habitats that provide spawning habitat for populations of native fish of conservation significance, including Australia's largest freshwater fish, the Murray cod.
The combination of permanently inundated water bodies and ephemeral wetlands on Chowilla provide refuge for one of the last remaining strongholds of the Nationally Vulnerable southern bell frog in the upper South Australian Murray region, whilst the large ephemeral lakes create critical foraging habitat for a variety of wetland birds, including migratory wading species.
Rain in the Australian alps brings life to our region and enables towns and communities to live and flourish here. The Murray River started flowing through this region 600,000 years ago creating a wide valley with wetlands and forests that we explore on tour.
Our region has been home to the first people of Australia for over 40,000 years where the Meru Nation exists and the Erawirung people live today.
Our region is on the southern-most edge of the desert regions of Australia, connecting our region to the Northern Territory and Western Australia.
Our topsoil's were blown over this landscape during ice-ages 12,000 years ago and 40,000 years ago forming dune fields that extend for thousands of kilometers either side of the river valley.
We are a crossroad where water enriches the life of the region, supporting bird migrations from north to south and east to west, and supporting fish movement throughout the rivers of the Murray Darling Basin.
Our region is connected, precious, rich and diverse with stories that we love to share so that you understand the innovation and challenges required to live sustainably on the Murray River.
