Swan Reach, South Australia

Swan Reach is a river port in South Australia 127 km north-east of Adelaide on the Murray River between Blanchetown and Mannum in South Australia. It is on the left (or east) bank of the river. The Swan Reach Ferry is a cable ferry crossing operated by the state government as part of the state's road network. Swan Reach, with all parts below Lock #1, is also one of the lowest parts of the river. It is currently (2009–2010) about 1.5 metres below its normal level. At the, Swan Reach had a population of 235.HistorySwan Reach was first settled in the 1850s and was originally the largest of five sheep and cattle stations in the area. it soon became one of the first riverboat ports in South Australia and was a loading port for grain and wool.Around the townSwan Reach has an area school, hotel and bottle shop, general store and post office, an 'Op Shop' that opens in the Town Hall on Wednesdays and Fridays, and a 'fast food' Take-Away shop near the ferry. The tourist boat Proud Mary and paddle-wheeler PS Murray Princess stop at the town once a week. There is a Lutheran church, with regular services, and a Lutheran pastor in residence. Anglican and Roman Catholic services are held monthly.