Swan Reach gained its name from the large number of black swans that once thrived in the area.
It was first settled in 1838 by German families in the Barossa Valley. In 1848, a party of stockman from Adelaide swam their horses across the river at the crossing which became Swan Reach. The essentials for life, food, raw materials, transport, easy river crossing and grassy plains also attracted European pastoralists with their livestock to the district. Among them, August Zadow took up 422 acres to become the first crop farmer in the district in 1878. Other farmers arrived in the 1890s to take up crop farming the in the Mallee country.
Perched on the banks of the Murray, the first half of the twentieth century saw the river fight a constant battle with flood, culminating in the massive washouts of 1917, 1931 and 1956. The most devastating was in 1956, when most of the businesses in the main street were washed away.
The Water Witch was a significant vessel in the early exploration and development of South Australia.
The Colony’s first Marine Surveyor, J.W. Pullen, employed it to support the survey parties based at Encounter Bay in 1839. It was the first vessel documented to navigate the River Murray Mouth in May 1841. Water Witch sank as a result of lack of maintenance while moored at Eyre’s Station at Moorundie (Moorundie is approximately 20 kilometers upstream from Swan Reach), in December 1842. The wreck-site was not discovered until August 1982.
Historical Sites and Buildings
Discover the rich history of Swan Reach through its many historical sites and buildings. From charming colonial architecture to significant landmarks, each location tells a unique story of the area's past. Stroll through the streets and immerse yourself in the heritage that shapes this vibrant community. Whether you're a history buff or a casual explorer, there's something to captivate everyone.
The War Memorial
Historical Sites and Buildings There are many historical sites and buildings in and around Swan Reach.
The War Memorial was unveiled in 1918 and is situated opposite the Anzac Park Reserve.
Swan Reach Town Hall
The Swan Reach Town Hall was opened in February 1933 at a cost of $1,200 pounds. The Swan Reach Town Hall was extended in 2015. and now incorporates a fully equipped kitchen, additional carpeted meeting room, modern toilets with a disabled toilet and access ramp. Catering for functions can be arranged. For Hall Bookings phone 0414 596 884
CWA Hall
CWA Hall was the original District Council Building and was gazetted in 1888 and built for $125 pounds. The CWA foundation stone was laid in 1950. The building is now the Swan Reach Craft Room & Gallery Opening Hours are Wednesday and Saturday 10.00am - 1.00pm Phone 0427 702 377
Swan Reach Police Station
The Swan Reach Police Station was built in 1911, the first resident policeman was Mounted A.J. Patten. Court was conducted from February, 1915
Swan Reach Lutheran Church
The Swan Reach Lutheran Church was opened in March 1923 and has just celebrated its 90th year.
Swan Reach Hotel
The Swan Reach Hotel is unique in hotel standards, as it was not purpose built, but was formed around the original Swan Reach Homestead, built circa 1865.
From 1861 the original Swan Reach Station consisted of a few huts, workmen’s quarters, sheds and ramps. One can still see the remains of some of these buildings located near the Hotel including that of a loading ramp, where bales of wool from the shearing shed were unloaded from a small tramway system. The bales were then sent down to the river’s edge via wooden slides, to the waiting barges that were on their way to Goolwa.
In 1896, Paul Hasse purchased 520 acres in Swan Reach including the original homestead which is now known as the Swan Reach Hotel. Over its years of operation, the hotel has undergone several major transformations including the addition of the stone one-room public bar in 1907 and the second story in 1912. In 1996, in order to make the most of the exquisite views, a new dining room was built directly overlooking the river.
