Loxton

Set on the south bank of the river, Loxton is a charming town that is the centre of the northern Murray Mallee area.

Also settled by pioneers in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, its history began in the romantic paddle steamer era when this type of travel was the only way to access the town.

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Loxton history

Originally a pioneering town settled in the late 1800’s, modern day Loxton remains an active community centre in the Riverland and is both a significant vine, citrus fruit and summer fruit growing area and a dryland farming and grain cropping area. It has a number of enjoyable events on its calendar including the Loxton Gift, the Loxton Pedal Prix and the Christmas Lights Up Loxton festivals.

Climate and geography

Loxton is the main town for the northern part of the Murray Mallee which is a dry land farming and grain cropping area. However, with the use of irrigation it is then ideal for vines and fruit orchards. It has a semi-arid climate with hot dry summers and cool winters. The average rainfall of Loxton is 259 millimetres, falling evenly throughout the year.

Things to do, places to go

Loxton is a lovely place to base yourself while in the Riverland. It has a range of accommodation, unique attractions, a nationally recognised golf course, a thriving main street promenade, beautifully maintained gardens to wander through, and a variety of river and nature based activities to enjoy including swimming, fishing, boating, bushwalking and canoeing. Newly designed cellar door, Cucina 837, based at the Salena Estate Winery is a stunning venue with delicious food and wine. If you are looking to find out more about the history of the region, the 1956 Murray River Flood Exhibition of images is an incredible record of this natural disaster, and you can step back in time when visiting the Loxton Pioneer Village to discover what life was like for the early settlers.

The wines

Like much of the Riverland, wine is grown and produced in a warm dry Mediterranean climate featuring cool winters with some rain and warm dry summers. Soils are diverse and ancient, and balanced between the river and the mallee scrub. River valley soils on the lower grounds are mostly loams and clay, while mallee soils on the higher grounds are windblown sand over lime and clay layers.

Both red and white, and traditional and alternative varieties can be found in this region and are grown with much success.

Traditional Varieties

Shiraz

Black fruit,
mocha, spice

Cabernet
Merlot

Raspberry, mocha,
vanilla

Cabernet
Sauvignon

Blackcurrant,
black fruit,
coffee

Chardonnay

Citrus blossom,
fresh apricot

Alternative Varieties

Touriga

Spicy fruit
Turkish delight

Bianco
d'Alessano

Pear, loquats
pineapple

Montepulciano

Spice, vanilla
creaminess

Graciano

White pepper, dried fruits,
ripe blackberries