Welcome to Karoonda – the heart of South Australia’s Mallee region. It’s a place known for its rich agricultural history, unique natural environment and welcoming community.
Named for the Aboriginal word meaning ‘winter camp’, Karoonda was first surveyed back in 1910, and by 1914 had grown dramatically to become a thriving railway and farming town. These days it’s still a vital farming region, producing grains, pulses, canola, wool and livestock. Karoonda’s agricultural tradition is celebrated in its attractions and artwork.
Located 60 kilometres northeast of Murray Bridge, Karoonda was first proclaimed as a town on 11 December 1913.
Early 20th-century farmer settlers created a thriving wheat industry and diversified into raising Merino sheep renowned for the high quality of their fleece.
The current town boundary incorporates the former town of Lowaldie, which was the next stop along the railway line from Adelaide.
Karoonda’s rich farming heritage is acknowledged throughout the town in the form of the local icon – the Big Ram – as well as public seating designs that incorporate the ram’s head symbol, and the giant mural on the Karoonda Silos.
Agriculture continues to be Karoonda’s largest industry and each year the town draws over 10,000 visitors for its annual two-day Karoonda Farm Fair & Show.
A visit to Karoonda isn’t complete without visiting Australia’s first silo art display that can be experienced both day and night. Combining a unique mix of large-scale murals for daytime viewing with colourful art projections that bring the giant grain silos to life each night from sunset.
The stunning natural bushland surrounding Karoonda makes it a popular place for bushwalking. Meanwhile, its proximity to the Riverland and Murraylands regions, along with its newly developed Tourist Park – including 2 modern Jayco cabins, 3 eco cabin (fully solar and battery powered), and 12 powered caravan sites – makes Karoonda the perfect destination for travellers to visit.