Explore the Myponga Reservoir reserve on this long loop, which takes in the far western section of the reserve. This is the longest of the four named and waymarked trails in the reserve and takes in a number of undulating hills.

In late 2023 there are now four named and waymarked trails in the reserve:

• Starting from the Hansen St carpark (near town centre):
  1. Heron Loop, 2.3km loop
  2. On this page: Kestrel Loop, 8.7km return loop (can also do a shorter 4.8km version from Eatts St carpark)
• Starting from the Eatts St carpark (larger carpark):
  1. Spinebill Loop, 700m loop
  2. Lapwing Loop, 4.5km loop

This trail follows the edge of the reservoir and takes you through open plains, forested areas and native vegetation, with a couple of viewing areas along the way.

You can extend the walk by by taking a diversion along the Lapwing Loop when it heads into the forest. This will add about 500m to your walk (compared to staying on the marked Kestrel Loop.)

There are toilets and picnic shelters located at:

• Picnic shelter: at the start/end of the Pinkgum Loop, a short distance from the Eatts St carpark
• Toilets and picnic shelter: at the larger Eatts St carpark, about 1km into the Pinkgum Loop
• Toilets and picnic shelter: at the far western edge of the reserve, about half way into the Pinkgum Loop

The trail closer to the Hansen St trailhead along the reservoir edge is will made and suitable for bikes and prams, although if the reservoir is full there maybe water across the trail. The trail is unsealed, and is a shared-use path for both cyclists and walkers so be mindful of other trail users.

There is a BYOB Bring your own bottle drinking fountain at the Hansen Street trailhead and carpark.

Most of the rest of the trails are fire tracks. The trails are flatter in the east, closer to the Hansen St carpark. There are more undulating hills in the west, west of the Eatts St carpark.

Where to start the trails

There are two main carparks with trailheads, as well as a third pedestrian only entrance:

1. Start the Kestrel Loop here: Hansen St carpark and trailhead, located at the end of the short Hansen St. This is located near the centre of Myponga, opposite the brewery. This is the smaller of the two carparks. There is a picnic shelter a short walk along the trail, but no toilets.
2. Eatts St carpark and trailhead, located inside the park, access from the end of Eatts St. The carpark is located a further 400m drive into the park. This is the larger of the two carparks, and includes toilets and a picnic shelter.
3. Minor pedestrian entry with street parking only, located midway along Eatts St.

Reserve and trail opening hours

Dog walking not permitted

Dogs are not welcome at reservoir reserves as they can carry harmful organisms that can easily contaminate the water and present a risk to the safety of the drinking water. Assistance animals are accepted.