The town of Loxton dates back to 1895 when the area opened up for farming with the arrival of mostly Germans. After the second World War the Government started up a scheme under which fruit was grown in the vicinity using irrigation methods.

The town got its name from a man called William Loxton who was a stockman who had a hut in the area. His home became known as 'Loxton's Hut' by some, or 'Loxton's' by others. As time went on the name began stuck, shortening to Loxton, and hence the town's name came into being.


Museums

The Loxton Historical Village has captured a feeling for those early days of the first settlers. Here you will find an amazing thirty buildings - farm buildings, a school, store and much more besides. These have also all been appointed with the furniture of the time which they represent. Items on display include household goods and farm machinery from a previous era. The village is located on the Riverfront, adjacent to the main shopping centre, tel. (085) 84 7194. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 10 am until 4 pm, and at weekends and public holidays from 10 am until 5 pm.

Histrical Attractions

St. Peters Lutheran Church is a gothic styled building which dates back to 1926 and well worth a visit if you are in Loxton. It is to be found at Bookpurnong Terrace, tel. (085) 84 7919. Group inspection by appointment.

A memorial has been erected to Captain Charles Sturt who with his group of explorers made their way down the river and passed the spot where today Loxton stands. You will find the memorial at East Terrace.

The Loxton Fountain is where you will find a number of copper plaques which each tell a part of the town's past. It is also situated at East Terrace.

Arts and Crafts

The area around the town is renowned for its artists. One example of this can be found at the Wood Sculpture Display, where more than 200 wood sculptures are on show to the public. All of them have been sculpted at the hands of the artist Mike Elvey, who has used over thirty different wood types to craft them.

The Terrace Gallery has a wonderful collection of arts and crafts from the locality, with paintings, jewellery, pottery and various exhibitions. Located at East Terrace, tel. (085) 84 7840. Opening hours 10 am until 5 pm from Monday to Friday, 10 am until 3 pm on Saturdays, and 1 pm until 4 pm on Sundays.

Natural Attractions

Katarapko Reserve is half located on an island at a part of the Murray which has been split into many channels and lagoons. This offers you the chance to enjoy the tranquil and natural surroundings. You can fish, go bushwalking, see how many birds you can spot and if you can identify them, or just quietly take in the area in your own way, at your own pace. To get to the Reserve, go via the Winkie Road, Berri.

The town's nature walk will take you past areas which are of both historical and geological significance. Some of the gum trees which you will encounter are hundreds of years old. The walk will take you about 75 minutes to complete and is marked along the route by blue triangles which have been set into pine posts.

The Murray River National Park is located to the north of Loxton. It is basically made up of three distinct sections, namely Lyrup Flats, Bulyong Island and Katarapko. The park has considerable Black Box and Red Gum woodland, and is a great place to try a spot of fishing, canoeing or even take a refreshing dip in the water. For those more interested in taking a walk through the park, there is a nature trail to follow which will take you to the back of the Katarapko Creek. There are many scenic areas to view, and an information shelter where you can inform yourself of various interesting facts relating to the park. It is also possible to camp overnight in the park.

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