A treasure in an arid landscape. Murray River National Park is a wetland where flora and fauna flourish. Water creates a visual spectacle as it flows through the floodplains between Renmark and Loxton. There are three sections within the National Park. Katarapko (towns of Berri & Glossop), Lyrup Flats (town of Lyrup) and Bulyong Island (town of Renmark).
Murray River National Park highlights include a paddle steamboat tour, slow strolls along the riverbanks, a chance to observe the wildlife and to catch the sun setting on ochre cliffs.
The scenery is quintessential Australia, sunburnt, slightly scrabbly and tinged with dark greys and blacks of past fires, lack of water and the tough environment flora and fauna survive in. The red river gums are iconic to this landscape.
Each section has separate entrances and exits so check maps before your road trip. Renmark is 146 km from Mildura (Victoria) on the Sturt Highway.
Here are 10 reasons to go off the beaten track in South Australia and find out where the locals go for an outdoor adventure.
1. GO KAYAKING
Take it slow and paddle along the Murray. KATARAPKO SECTION Quiet wetlands tempt visitors to take an undemanding paddle along the Katarapko Creek.
This significant creek is an important habitat for native fish that passes through black box, red gum and lignum covered floodplains and wetlands alive with aquatic bird species. There are several entrance options from the Katarapko Creek, the Splash, Eckert Creek and the Bookpurnong Cliffs.
These can be pieced together in different combinations to allow paddling from short 1-2 hour outings, half-day trips and overnight canoe camping with options to suit a variety of different abilities, fitness levels and time spans. Canoe Adventures are based in Berri.
2. TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Ngak Indau Wetland Trail is a track suitable for all age groups introducing visitors to birdlife. Spoonbills, an array of duck species, herons and whistling kites gives you a sense of the original landscape before human occupation.
The wetlands are home to wild kangaroos and lizards. This trail is in the Lock 4 and Eckert Creek Section of Murray River National Park. The walk begins at the car park just off Lock 4 road.
Length: 3km
Duration: 1-3 hours
Grade: Easy
Murray River Tours & Activities – BOOK NOW, PAY LATER
3. GO FISHING
Try your hand fishing, either from the shore or on the water.
Fish species:
- Murray Cod (edible)
- Callop (Murray Perch) edible
- Catfish
- Redfin
- European Carp (must not be returned to river alive)
The mighty Murray River is the destination to catch yourself a trophy size Murray Cod. These elusive giants can grow up to 1.8 metres attracting anglers worldwide. You can also catch golden perch, trout, trout cod, redfin, estuary perch and carp.
Before you cast in a line or throw in a yabby net, make sure you know what the rules are by downloading the SA Recreational Fishing Guide App on your smartphone. The app has all the information you need on bag and size limits and fishing rules, and includes full-colour illustrations so you can ID your catch.
4. RENMARK SECTION – PADDLE STEAMER
Indulge in the sheer delight boarding a paddle steamer. The puff of steam energy signals a majestic pace on an iconic river. The steamer’s fascinating history brings the river story to life. Life for PS Industry was as a work boat for the SA Engineering and Water Supply Department.
The PS Industry is moored on the Renmark Riverfront, the Paddle Steamer Industry, a visible reminder of bygone times on the Murray River. Kids will love watching the wood fire boiler being stoked and hiss of steam. Bookings are essential with several departures daily.
5. HERITAGE & PASTORAL HISTORY
CRAIGS HUT WALK – KATARAPKO WALKING TRAIL. Discover pastoral history on the Cragg’s Hut Walking Trail. It’s an easy 40-minute, 1.3km loop that includes the historic remains of the homes of settler families the Craigies and the Blands. In the 1930’s the two families shared a lease on Katarapko Island.
In 1956 a massive flood finished the dream and the land eventually was designated a reserve. The trail is marked with interpretative plaques describing the era of European settlement. There are historic remains of the homes and visit the grave of Margaret Craigie.
Length: 2km
Duration: 1 hour
Grade: Easy
6. INSTAGRAM MOMENTS
Headings Cliff offers stunning views of the Murray River and is one of the most photographed scenes in the region. A short 10 minute drive from Paringa, the unique, rich colours in the golden limestone cliffs is a popular sunset location for your selfie.
Follow the fenced track and you have the choice to take in the magnificent views from ground level or make your way up the tower platform for sweeping views.
Car parking: available
Lookout: 200 m flat access from carpark
Lookout: Tower platform (steps)
Toilets: none
7. LINGER, STAY – THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Definitely camping in the glorious outdoors is popular for outdoors buffs yet holiday makers with kids or family groups look for a playground and safe swimming areas. Berri Riverside Holiday Park is a great place to rest with nearby citrus orchards.
Cabins, chalets, ensuite motel units and tent sites make for a comfortable hub for a Murray River National Park exploration. Berri Farmers Market and local delis will make shopping a breeze and your picnic backpack sorted for a day kayaking the river.
Outdoor buffs nearby Martins Bend Reserve have a minimal charge camping, no showers, toilets and the river at your tent opening. This campground borders a walking trail into Berri or follows a loop trail around the wetlands. For camping within Murray River National Park check the Parks SA for details and regulations.
8. BULYONG ISLAND
Bulyong Island is a special place in the river network. The island getaway is not far from Renmark. Western grey kangaroos, emus, pelicans, kingfishers and parrots have made the island their home.
The island is a favourite place for anglers, small boat users and houseboats with the island forming part of the River Murray flood plain and includes several significant areas of waterfowl habitat.
The Goolwa street boat ramp is the closest launch point. Bulyong Island can only be reached by boat. Kids will love the idea of an island excursion. A day exploring the extensive waterways above Renmark by small boat.
9. WALKING ENTHUSIASTS HAVE PARINGA PADDOCK TO EXPLORE
Paringa Paddocks Park offers all the features of a National Park, while also being so close to the Renmark township. Paringa Paddocks is a newly declared section of the Murray River National Park that is easily accessible from the Sturt Highway between Renmark and Paringa townships.
There are extensive walking and mountain bike trails. The heritage Paringa Bridge and Lock 5 are sites worth visiting. The trails are marked with directional markers. The trails commence from the picnic area and car park at the Lions Park.
The Park is just a 1.3km walk from the Renmark Paringa Visitor Information Centre in central Renmark.
10. RELAX AND UNWIND IN THE MURRAY RIVER, LAKES AND COORONG REGION
The Murray continues its flow to the sea. Coorong Region is a thread of salt water lagoons with breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. The sweeping sand dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula act as a natural barrier preserving a wetland of international significance and important archaeological sites.
The distinctive environment is a significant breeding ground for the Australian pelican and is a refuge for ducks, swans, cormorants, terns, grebes and numerous species of migratory birds.
Bird watchers, twitchers and wildlife lovers simply follow the Murray River National Park for a birding highlight.
MURRAY RIVER NATIONAL PARK LOCATION
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