River Murray Towns: Tailem Bend

• Tailem Bend is approximately 100 kilometres east of Adelaide on the cliffs overlooking the River Murray.
• The origin of the name Tailem Bend is unknown although some believe it is derived from the Ngarrindjeri word 'Thealem' meaning bend. Others think the name came from an early European settler, Donald Gollan who called his property 'Taleam'. Another suggestion is that the name derives from an Aboriginal word meaning 'to miss' coming from the myth of the giant Murray cod, Ponde, who escaped from his hunter Ngurunderi for the second time in the area.
• Tailem Bend developed when the 'south line' railway was laid through the area in 1886. It became an important railway centre and the town was proclaimed in 1887.
• Other industries such as dairying and cattle market were also established around Tailem Bend. Agricultural industries continue around Tailem Bend today.

Further reading

Braham, Ros. Tailem Bend: a town searching for an identity, R Braham, 1986

Links

RiverMurray.com - Tailem Bend

Sydney Morning Herald Travel - Tailem Bend