A treasure in an arid landscape. Murray River National Park is a wetland where flora and fauna flourish. Discover and explore the biosphere of the South Australian Riverland and the Murray River National Park.
The Murray River is Australia’s longest single river, running across three states. The Murrary is a truly Aussie river running through NSW, Victoria and South Australia and a lifetime for rural agriculture, a habitat for wildlife and a place of refuge for native birds. Murray is the Australian story.
The best time to visit Murray River National Park is spring and autumn when the weather is cooler. Summer can experience temperatures exceeding 40c (January and February).
There are three sections within the National Park.
- Katarapko (towns of Berri & Glossop)
- Lyrup Flats (town of Lyrup)
- Bulyong Island (town of Renmark)
The roads in the Murray River National Park are generally unsealed. After heavy rain the roads can be slippery and impassable. Check Murray River National Park for up to date road conditions.
There are three DISTINCT access points. Three sections of park lie along the Murray River floodplains between Renmark and Loxton. Renmark is 146 km west of Mildura on the Sturt Highway. The Sturt Highway is the aerial route connecting Adelaide to Darwin and beyond in the Northern Territory.
Each area of Murray River National Park has different access points and drive times from Adelaide via the Sturt Highway:
Katarapko (220 km, 2 hrs 50 min)
Lock 4 entrance
Entry is via Draper Road from Berri township (395m to park entrance).
Eckert’s Creek Section
Entry is via Migga Road and Lower Winkie Road, off the Old Sturt Highway (4.7 km to park entrance).
Katarapko Creek Section
Access the Katarapko entrance via the Old Sturt Highway. Turn off between Glossop and Berri and follow the signs (10km to park entrance). Entry is via Winkie Road and Katarapko Crescent.
Lyrup Flats (250 km, 3 hrs 10 min)
Lyrup Flats is situated between the Sturt Highway and the river, between the towns of Renmark and Berri (on the northern side of the river directly opposite Lyrup).
Paringa Paddock (262kms, 3 hours 1 min)
Paringa Paddock is situated between the townships of Renmark and Paringa. Travel through Renmark turning right at the large round about and head towards Paringa. Paringa Paddock is located on the right hand side (if travelling from Renmark) prior to crossing the Paringa Bridge.
Kingston-on-Murray (218km, 2hrs 30min)
Kingston-on-Murray section is located on the river front of the Kingston-on-Murray township. Turn left at Kingston Estate Wines and follow Petersen Road to turn right onto Holmes Road. Follow this to the Park entrance.
Bulyong Island (300 km, 3 hrs 15 min)
Bulyong Island is north of Renmark and can only be accessed by boat.
(source: Murray River National Park)
The Murray River National Park enables the conservation of more than 13,000 hectares and includes a vast network of Murray River wetlands and floodplains.
There is plenty of opportunity to camp in the Murray River National Park. Check local conditions before departure.
Check Murray River National Park for booking FAQ’s.
AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL PARKS – A FEW RULES BEFORE ENTERING
TOILETS – check locations before embarking on a walk / hike. The visitor centre is the place toilets are located and it is very likely a pit stop will be few and far between.
FOOD & DRINK – the visitor centre could have a cafe, if it’s on the main tourist route otherwise assume there is nowhere to purchase food and water. Pack enough for the day. You need to carry your rubbish out as there are NO RUBBISH BINS in the parks due to animals deciding you’ve provided a snack in a plastic bag.
ROADS & DRIVING – if you want a sunrise or sunset photo watch out for animals who are foraging at their favourite time of the day. The roads could be gravel or even red dirt so care is needed especially if it’s been raining.
DRONES – banned and don’t even think about using a drone. Pets are prohibited and if there is a fence between you and the wildlife don’t climb over the fence for a ‘better selfie.’
WIFI & INTERNET ACCESS – Plan to be offline, disconnected or the connection is slow.
FEES – There is a day fee to enter a National Park and / other reserves. Check beforehand and purchase while your wifi is working. There are park rangers in the parks who could ask to view a receipt. Download a copy onto your mobile.
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