This SA Town is an Unmatched Outdoor Escape

Cruise north out of Adelaide for an easy hundred kilometres and you’ll find yourself in the picturesque town of Riverton.

Set in the Gilbert Valley next to the Gilbert River from which the town got its name, Riverton is almost smack-bang in the middle of two of South Australia’s best spots for weekend warriors and road-trippers alike: the Clare and Barossa valleys, home to some of Australia’s most acclaimed wines. Vino not your thing? Riverton’s got so much more to offer than just its proximity to wine country—so whether you’re a hiking enthusiast or a history buff, read on for more on Riverton camping.

Where to stay

Edgehill Farms

Seven kilometres off the main drag in Riverton are the idyllic surrounds of Edgehill Farms. If you’re looking for a camping experience that offers space, privacy, gorgeous views, and space, you can’t go past any one of Edgehill’s exclusive Riverton camping sites to set up your base camp.

Hosts Kadee & Hannah offer campsites across three of their family properties, all under the Edgehill Farms name. Their Riverton offerings are the most plentiful and accessible, with all sites offering 2WD access and suitability for tents, campervans, caravans, and camper trailers. You’ll find shared pit toilets, and of course, you can always BYO dunny and small tent to create your own private ensuite—it’s the way of the future, we reckon! Drinking water is available, but there are no showers or power hookups, so make sure you plan accordingly. 

Sprawling across their sheep and cropping property, Edgehill Farms’ seven Riverton sites offer space and solitude that’s hard to come by elsewhere. Sites are big—really, really big.

Each camping area can hold a group of 20 or more campers, making them perfect for multi-family trips or large group getaways without living in each others’ pockets. It’s not a camping trip without the kids and pets in tow, and luckily both are welcome at Edgehill Farms Riverton. Kids under 3 stay free, while kids aged 3-16 are only $5 a night. Pets won’t cost you, but you’ll need to ensure they’re well-behaved and under control at all times—even horses are welcome! Campers with horses are encouraged to book the Gum Tree Paddock site, which is close to the holding yards so you can camp in peace knowing your four-legged friends are safe.

Things to do

Get moving

Edgehill Farms Riverton is located just below the Heysen Trail, which campers can access from the property. If your thirst for outdoor adventure leans less toward hardcore hiking and more toward a leisurely stroll or bike ride with the family, duck into Riverton proper where you can access the 19-kilometre Rattler Trail, a walking and cycling trail that heads up to Auburn. Those who are particularly ambitious can hop onto the Riesling Trail from Auburn and leg it a further 35 kilometres through the Clare Valley.

Get fed

Riverton’s proximity to the Clare Valley means you’ll never be too far away from a delicious bite (or drop). Not only is it home to some 50 wineries, the Clare Valley also has an outstanding reputation for its local produce—much of which is served with great pride in the region’s restaurants. Our pick? Pikes Wines at Sevenhill boasts not only a cellar door, art gallery, and brewery, but it also features a beer garden menu and restaurant, both of which are kid-friendly.

Get cultured

Riverton has much to offer history buffs and art aficionados. Two free Heritage Walks can be taken through town, starting from the History & Information Centre, and both feature historically significant sites and outstanding examples of early Australian architecture. (Don’t miss the magnificent Riverton railway station!) The Scholz Park Museum offers insight into the town’s history thanks to the Scholz family cottage, a blacksmith shop, and a wheelwright shop; while the Riverton Light Gallery exhibits artworks by world-renowned artist Richard Hannaford.