Local History Group
Swan Reach gained its name from the large number of Black Swans that once thrived in the area.
The natural break in the cliffs made for an ideal crossing for travellers and stock, prior to the arrival of the Ferry.
Before the lock and weir system was installed it was possible, during the drought years to walk from one side of the river to the other.
The land surrounding Swan Reach was once open plains of native spear-grass and mallee trees, of which large areas were cleared for crops and grazing.
In the early 1850's Thomas Luscombe was leasing 182 square miles (293 kilometres) along the River Murray, which was known as the Swan Reach Run where 23,000 sheep grazed.
The land was eventually broken up into smaller holdings and in 1896, Paul Hasse purchased 520 acres including the Swan Reach homestead. Then in 1899 a survey was conducted, dividing a portion of his land into 46 town allotments which was approved in 1900, with the homestead later becoming the Swan Reach Hotel.
More history regarding the district can be found in the book "Swan Reach, South Australia, Small Town - Big History" published in 1996 and is available for purchase at the General Store.
In addition a small booklet is also available entitled "An introduction to the History of Swan Reach," which includes a numbered walk around Swan Reach, listing historical sites and points of interest around the town and also can be purchased from the Swan Reach General Store and the Swan Reach Take-Away shop.