Riverton, South Australia.

Riverton a town of distinctive character and interest to travellers, is situated in the heart of the Gilbert Valley on the banks of the River Gilbert, only 90 km north of Adelaide on Highway 32 (Barrier Highway), heading towards the famous wine-growing district of the Clare Valley and an historic copper mining town at Burra.

Riverton is an ideal base for visiting Burra and also the two famous Australian wine producing regions - the Barossa Valley and the Clare Valley.

The town was first settled in the mid 19th century to serve the many small farms which had sprung up in the district following James Masters, a wealthy pastoralist, who had taken up a large tract of land stretching from Riverton to Saddleworth and west to the River Wakefield, Masters purchased Sections 461 and 500 and laid out the township which he called "Riverton" as it was situated alongside the River Gilbert.
The name was suggested by John Jubb Horner, the first postmaster and storekeeper whose premises were situated at No.73 Torrens Road, Riverton.

Local Government was proclaimed in July 1866, the first Court House and Police Station were opened that same year, the railway line was laid as far as Riverton in 1870, the new Post Office and the Community Hall were both built in 1874.

The discovery of copper at Burra in the 1840's hastened the town's development as the bullock drovers used Riverton as a stopover en route to Port Adelaide.

The fine old railway station stands today as a tribute to the enterprise and architecture of those early days. The scene of the only political assassination in Australian history in 1921, the railway station is currently under restoration and re- development. Upon its re-opening during 1998 it will feature a conference centre, a gallery featuring exhibits of primarily South Australian artists, arts and crafts workshops, and accommodation in restored railway carriages.

The visitor's first impression of Riverton will be the obvious care and pride of the townspeople , in their town.

• Scholz Park is a fine example of this, right in the centre of the town where in 1865 August Scholz built his wheelwright shop. Almost 100 years later the smithy ceased operating and the property was sold to the District Council of Riverton

• The Riverton Caravan Park provides first class amenities in a pleasant, shaded setting close to the town's many recreational and shopping facilities. It has a number of on-site caravans available as well as cabins (which include an ensuite). The Caravan Park is a popular venue for caravan clubs.
• Within the Recreation Park is and adventure playground, electric barbecues and a picnic area for visitors and locals alike.
  Surrounding the Recreational Park are excellent recreational facilities, such as a 25 metre swimming pool, a turfed oval and hard tennis courts.
• A 9 hole Golf Course is just across the road from the park. In winter this is a picture and provides a relaxing, rural environment for the golfer.
• The Riverton Bowling Club and Tennis Club are within easy walking distance from the Caravan Park. New synthetic, floodlit tennis courts allow all year round tennis; the Riverton Easter Tennis Tournament being a feature of the sporting year, bringing hundreds of players from throughout the State and their followers to this lovely town.
• The Gilbert River Park is also nearby. An idyllic location, it encompasses a picnic area with electric barbecues available alongside the banks of the Gilbert River.

The Gilbert River

The pride of the townspeople is reflected in the condition of many fine early buildings, such as the stately Community Hall. This was re-opened in 1985 after an 18 month refurbishment which restored it to the original splendour of 120 years ago.

The town's hospitality shines through in the two historic hotels, the 'Riverton' and the 'Central'. The two 'locals' provide welcome refreshments, meals and accommodation for travellers, and the opportunity to pause awhile and share the company of the local characters. Riverton offers a peaceful venue in a Mediterranean climate to intrastate, interstate and overseas visitors, all within an hour's drive of Adelaide.

Notes taken from brochures A Walk through the Heritage of Riverton", "Riverton - Heart of the Gilbert Valley" and "Riverton Railway Station"

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