For over 35 years, I didn’t see the appeal of the Riverland, my South Australian childhood home. I ventured back for the first time to the region in three decades for Australian Life Magazine. Just two hours from Adelaide, and with towns dotted on the banks of both sides of the iconic Murray River, the Riverland, and its hard-working locals, supply wine and produce to Australians.

Waterways are a plenty here. The historic town of Barmera is located on the beautiful and undeveloped 7 kms long Lake Bonney which is famous for its fishing and famous water-sports. One of the best places to stay is right on the water’s edge at the Discovery Park. Catering for all budgets, there are caravans and campsites, along with spacious cabins that have their own private decks to watch the sunrise. With endless outdoor activities, parents can exhale while the kids roam on bikes or rental buggies, and bounce around on the jumping pad and playground. There is also a fantastic waterpark and water slide for kids of all ages.

The town has stunning parklands to sit and sample the local produce, while Barmera Hotel makes impressive pub food. But Bamera is all about the lake and you can book ahead for a jet ski or boat.

Nearby, Monash Adventure Park is in the hearts of every Riverlander. Like I did as a kid, I jumped onto the flying fox. But after a massive makeover, there is now a water feature and stream, so bring thongs and spare set of clothes, especially for the kids.

For the big kids (me), it’s a chance to sample what the region is famous for – wine.

Just six minutes away from Barmera, on a pleasant country drive through kilometres of vineyards, we end up at cult favourite Kristalana Wines. The charismatic winemakers Sandra and Sam O’Donohoe can guide you through a laid-back tasting or you can pour your own from their oak barrels. Pick up a couple of bottles of their 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Heading east for 15 minutes, past the roadside produce stalls, is the lovely river town of Berri. It was home of the iconic Aussie Berri juice company. There is a fantastic visitor centre in town, given its historic significance to the nation’s food and beverage culture. There is also a lookout tower with 360-degree views of the region. You can’t miss it.

The Riverland is now most well-known for its grapes, olives, almonds, stone fruits, pumpkins, cabbages, carrots, onions and potatoes. It’s a fresh food paradise.