Paringa

Although the area encompassing Paringa had been occupied by settlers granted annual occupation licenses since 1846, development of the township of Paringa didn't commenced until 1913, when William Stoeckel of Paringa House began subdividing and selling lots within the current town site. Along with the shop and the saleyards, land was sold to the Commissioner of Railways. Land was also reserved for a hall and church to meet the needs of farming families.

The punt crossing was established in 1909. The old Paringa Ferry was manually operated by a hand winch. As time progressed a motorised ferry replaced the manual operation, though this ceased to operate in 1927 with the completion of the Paringa Bridge.

The original design of the bridge was for rail only, but State Cabinet later wisely decided to have lanes constructed for road traffic on either side of the railway line. A lift span was included to allow the passage of the steamers.

Variations in the river levels caused great concern for many people who relied on the river for irrigation. The installation of the lock system and construction of Lock 5 at Paringa during the 1920's brought much relief to growers, with more regulated flows and water levels in the Renmark Paringa district.

Construction began on wheat silos after several years of negotiations between the District Council of Paringa (now merged to form the Renmark Paringa Council) and the South Australia Co-operative Bulk Handling Ltd in 1966, to support the dry land farming of the area. Initially grain was railed from the silos, though now it is road freighted.

In recent times, Paringa has become the home of a number of permanent houseboat mooring areas, a solid commercial hub, and has seen new housing development and ongoing population growth. Headings Cliffs, Chowilla Game Reserve, Border Cliffs Walk and the Old Customs House areas are well worth a visit.

Our Proud History