Opening of the Renmark Paringa Railway bridge across the Murray

Morgan at the North West bend of the river had a railway in 1879, and the road bridge at Murray Bridge was also carrying a railway line by 1886. The Riverland was not served by railways until the 20th century with Loxton lobbying for a railway in 1910. The wheat harvest always coincided with low water on the river making transport downstream a problem, and thousands of bags of wheat would be stacked up on the wharf awaiting transport to market. The government approved a spur line from Alawoona in 1912. 

Other river towns also began to agitate for railway lines: the Paringa station was opened on 13 October 1913. The Waikerie line was completed in December 1914. It was not until September 1925 that a bridge was approved to cross the river at Renmark from Paringa. This would include road and rail, and a lifting span for paddle-steamers. The line to Renmark was further extended to Berri, Glossop and Barmera, where the first train arrived on 1 August 1928.

The railways through the Mallee to the river served the region well, but better roads and bigger road transport in turn superseded them.

South Australian Railways History of railway construction and operation from 1854 [Adaide, 1970?]

Donovan and Associates Railway heritage of South Australia: a report commissioned by the National Trust of South Australia [Adelaide]: Donovan and Associates, 1992

Pictorial history of Renmark: celebrating 100 years, 1887-1987 incorporating the Renmark & Paringa Districts / compiled, produced and arranged by Elizabeth Storry ... [et al.] Renmark, S. Aust. : Murray Pioneer, 1987

National Railway Museum: A brief history on the railways of South Australia

Opening of Paringa Renmark railway