Murray River National Park is the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Park of the Month for September 2019.
We’ve outlined the three walking trails in the park. Nearby there’s more of the Riverland and Murray River to experience on foot, and we’ve included some of the best ones below.
The Murray River National Park provides great opportunities for a variety of recreational activities such as walking, canoeing, bird watching and bush camping in a near natural environment. The park is divided into three separate areas: Katarapko (Winkie), Lyrup Flats (Lyrup) and Bulyong Island (Renmark). As these areas are separated by towns, visitors will need to ensure they familiarise themselves with maps of the region.
Walking Trails in the Murray River National Park
1.
Ngak Indau Wetland Trail
3.0km, 1.5 hours
This walk begins at the car park just off Lock 4 road and winds its way through the Ngak Indau wetland, out to the river and back again. Check out the wetland birdlife like spoonbills, an array of duck species, herons and whistling kites.
2.
Kai Kai Nature Trail
1.3km, 40 mins
Walk along the Katarapko Creek bank and see the range of life found on the flood plain and how the plants and animals live together through seasonal water changes. Unfortunately, as at January 2018, many of the interpretive signs have faded or are missing. However the trail is still well marked, having recently had new directional signs installed.
3.
Cragg’s Hut Walk
1.3km, 40 mins
Wander along this 2km circuit trail to explore how the first Europeans lived and worked the land here. See the historic remains of the homes of the Craigies and the Blands and visit the grave of Margaret Craigie. From the lookout gaze out over the land that once sustained these families.
Other Great Walking Trails in the Riverland
Nearby there’s more of the Riverland and Murray River to experience on foot, and we’ve included some of the best ones below.
4.
Wilabalangaloo Trail
1.7km, 45 mins
Explore rich Mallee animal and plant habitat and the river frontage of Wilabalangaloo Reserve. 3 trail options, Mallee Circuit (red, 1.7km circuit), River Link (blue, 820m one-way), Lookout Spur (marked in green, 680m return).
5.
Banrock Station Wetland Walking Trails
2.5km, 1 to 3 hours
Self-guided walking trails, designed to suit all fitness levels, wind their way around the beautifully restored wetlands, mallee and flood plains.
6.
Hart Lagoon Wetland Walk
6.6km, 1-2 hours
Hart Lagoon is situated close to the Waikerie township and riverfront. The walking track starts adjacent to the Waikerie Caravan Park and is a loop of 5km. It follows the edge of the lagoon to Ricciuto Road and returns between the river and the lagoon.
7.
Paringa Paddocks Trail
7.8km, 2 hours
Paringa Paddocks has been used by locals for many years and has various tracks throughout. In May 2017 Renmark Paringa Council upgraded the trail network. The Trail consists of 2 main loops (marked in yellow) and 4 alternative routes (marked in blue). The trails are suitable for walking and mountain bikes.
8.
Border Cliffs Customs House Walking Trail
4.1km, 1.5 hours
Meander through the wetlands and creeks beside the Murray River. The wetland flora and fauna are highlights of this trail, especially the majestic River Red Gums and abundant birdlife.
9.
Loxton Nature Trail
3.1km, 1 hour one-way
Wander along the riverfront westwards to Heaven (steep climb to lookout). The walking and nature trails meander through the natural riverine environment rich in history and geology, many of the gum trees are hundreds of years old.