If you haven’t followed the river to Loxton, BARMERA, on the shores of Lake Bonney, is the next major stopping point along the highway. Its claims to fame are varied and dubious: at Pelican Point, on the lake’s western shore, there’s an official nudist beach (and a nearby nudist resort with camping, and one on-site van $35-50; tel 08/8588 7366, bookings essential), while every June, over the long weekend, the South Australian Country Music Awards are held in the lovely old Bonney Theatre. For more about the music awards, and tourist information in general, contact the Barmera Travel Centre, Barwell Avenue (Mon-Fri 9am-5.15pm, Sat 9am-noon; tel 08/8588 2289). The Barmera Hotel/Motel (tel 08/8588 2111; $20-70) is not the most attractive of the big Riverland community hotels. A cut above is the expensive Barmera Country Club, on Hawdon Street (tel 08/8588 2888, fax 8588 2785, www.countryclubs.com.au/barmera; $90-150), overlooking the golf course, with a pool, spa, tennis courts and restaurant. The extensive Lake Bonney Holiday Park, on Lakeside Drive, is a scenic alternative (tel 08/8588 2234; cottage $50-70, cabins $20-70). Eating options include the Pagoda Chinese Restaurant (tel 08/8588 3167; closed Tues & Sun lunch). If you want to get on the water at Barmera, Riverland Leisure Canoe Tours, Thelma Road (tel 08/8588 2053), rents out canoes for $15 per day or you can take a day or overnight guided tour.