Cadell

At the northern end of South Australia's Big River Country, the town of Cadell is named after Captain Francis Cadell, who was the navigator on Charles Sturt's successful exploration of the mighty Murray.

At the centre of a rich, citrus growing area, Cadell has a population of less than 100 which is more than doubled if you add in the number of inmates at the local, low security Training Centre.

One of the chief Murray River ports during the age of the paddle-steamer, Morgan is just a dozen kilometres to the west. The restored Port of Morgan wharf precinct and museum recapture those early, river-trading days.

Another 24km further west and you can't miss the pub in the middle of nowhere. While the town has died with the charcoal and wood-cutting industries, the Mt Mary Hotel continues to peddle dinkum outback hospitality.

A half-hour drive south-east takes you to the vibrant, modern town of Waikerie, which takes its name from the Aboriginal word meaning "many wings".

The name is appropriate because not only is Waikerie a beacon for glider enthusiasts, but it also boasts the Harts Lagoon bird hide which offers twitchers the opportunity for close observation of the wide variety of resident birdlife.

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