The region has a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and relatively mild winters, and temperatures a few degrees above those of the state capital, Adelaide.

At the time of British colonisation of South Australia in the 1830s, and for tens of thousands of years before then, the area today known as the Riverland was inhabited by Aboriginal Australian people, whose name for it is Moorundie Ruwe.

Based on available data, the pre-European population along the River Murray within South Australia is estimated to have been several thousand people, with a density of up to 0.3 to 1 square kilometre (0.39 sq mi) per person.

[4][5] At this time, the people of the central River Murray area were "engaged in a broad-based economy embedded in a diverse and highly productive mosaic of riverine habitats".

Evidence of trade in chert and large sandstone grinding dishes had already been found,[8] but this find helps to show how their ancestors survived times of hardship and plenty.

During World War II, the region hosted an internment camp for people of Japanese,[11] German and Italian origin or descent.

The region is known for its natural wonders, which provide opportunities for guided and self-guided walks, horse-riding, mountain biking and cycling, and canoeing and kayaking on the river and creeks.

Lake Bonney, where Donald Campbell achieved the Australian water speed record of 216 miles per hour (348 km/h) in 1964,[22][23] provides opportunities for sailing, zorbing and windsurfing.

The region also has a strong motorsports culture with its facilities for 4-wheel driving, trail bike or motocross riding, go-kart and speedway.

The 250 metres (270 yd) frontage of Peter's property is filled with a magnificent display of Christmas lights and images, ranging from Bethlehem scenes to popular characters dressed for the festive season.

[28] The Riverland is currently represented at state level in the South Australian House of Assembly by Liberal Member for Chaffey, Tim Whetstone.

The Riverland is abundant in wildlife, the more common species encountered being Pelicans, Kookaburras, Brush Tail Possums and Perons Tree Frogs.

Less common species include Koalas (introduced to Renmark), Bush Stone Curlews and Carpet Pythons (rated 'vulnerable' to extinction in the region).