Palmer has unique granite rocky outcrops overlooking the Murray Plains. It is a small yet busy community set in the foothills between Mannum and Tungkillo and not far from Murray Bridge.

The first inhabitants of the are were the indigenous people of the Peramangk. There is evidence of trading with neighbouring people through numerous artifacts, rock art and cave paintings that have been found along the eastern slopes.

Included in the list of first Europeans to visit the region was John Gould (British Ornithologist) who was most impressed by the native flora commencing "During a week's stay under the ranges I made daily visits to this rich arboretum". He spent several weeks exploring the Murray scrub in South Australia, mainly in the company of Charles Sturt.

On the 13th of March 1846 the South Australian Mining Company was granted a 20,000 acre mining lease in the Tungkillo foothills. This mining lease resuilted in the Reedy Creek Special Mining Survey.

It was decided a township be established to service the farms and mines of the Reedy Creek Special Mining Survey. The township was laid out by Wright, Woods and Hamilton and named after Lt Colonel George Palmer in 1872.

Today Palmer is still providing services to nearly 100 residents wit a general store, hotel, school, church, CFS, transport businesses, decorative blacksmithing, secondhand store, oilskin manufacturers, sign writers and silos for the local cereal gowing industry.

Palmer also hosts a wide variety of community events supported by the Palmer & Districts Community Association, the Palmer Red Cross, Palmer Pavilion Auxillary Committee, Palmer Hotel Social Club and Palmer Cricket Club.

Palmer is home to two pumping stations that ensure that water from the Murray River reaches Adelaide. Palmer is also home to the famous 'Bear Rock'. Once a year around October the main street of Palmer is closed off for a classic Hot Rod Show.

Bear Rock Rodders Palmer Hot Rod Street Party Facebook page

Palmer is near the Mid Murray Self Drive Eco Tour

Palmer businesses:

Palmer General Store : 08 8569 4053
Palmer Hotel : 08 8569 4054
Remlap Oilskins and Swags : 08 8569 4026
Bear Rock Signs : 08 8569 4038
Bear Rock Transport : 08 8569 4187
Wachtel Transport : 08 8569 4198
Palmer Decorative Steelwork & Ornaments : 08 8569 4189

Information from the Palmer & Districts Community Association