WWII History Tour: Woolenook Internment Camp
Overview
A truly rare opportunity to discover and reimagine the historic site of Woolenook Wood Camp on the Murray River above Renmark.
The famous Loveday Internment Camp provided internees to the woodcutting camps.
Your guide drives you upriver in a motorboat and conducts a guided walking tour where Japanese Internees camped in a barbed-wire compound and felled gumtrees for the WWII war effort.
This is a boutique tour for 2-4 people.
History Tour Itinerary
Leaving by motorboat from our convenient waterfront property, you will travel upriver through stunning scenery to the site of a woodcutters camp worked by Japanese internees during WWII.
On arrival we will disembark and commence a guided tour of the site, evoking the hardships and small joys of yesteryear.
We return back to base in the boat, motoring through world-recognised wetlands that features over 100 species of birds, emus that swim across the river, kangaroos and the occasional goanna or koala. A photographer’s delight!
For Your Comfort
Our tour boat includes:
- Wide, stable design,
- 360 degree views,
- A sun/shade canopy,
- Padded seats,
- A splashboard to prevent water spray, and
- A portable step to help you onboard.
- The tour includes a light morning tea.
- A waterproof bag for your valuables, and
- There is a toilet at our launchsite.
** Life vests are provided to all our guests.
Please Bring:
Warm clothes for the boat ride. Walking shoes, drinking water and sun protection are recommended. You will need to be able to walk over uneven ground during the site tour.
Internment Camp History
Only accessible by boat, this site has a rich history bursting to be discovered. Due to all buildings and equipment being sold off after the war, the site only comes to life by guided tour.
Your guide Ruth provides full commentary of the history and environment. Running local tours for over 10 years she loves sharing the stories and evoking the era with visitors.
Where did they come from? What was it like living there? What did it look like? Did anyone try to escape? What happened to them after the war?
Some time will be allowed at the end of the tour to allow for exploring the internee barracks area.
When:
9am (or possibly at a custom time by appointment.)
Allow 2.5 hours from arrival. Please arrive no earlier than 5-10 minutes before your booking time.
We serve locally made biscuits so advise us of dietary needs.
Price:
Adults: $99 introductory price (normally $120)
Children (12-16yo recommended): $69
Babies: No cost but must be listed on the booking form
Minimum: This tour requires a minimum 2 people to commence.
All tours start and finish at our riverfront property at Canoe the Riverland, 835 Murtho Rd, Murtho.
Online Booking Form
- Click the blue Book Now button on the picture to start your booking.
- If you book from a mobile phone, you will then need to use the Availability tab to see available days (marked in green).
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