- Distance
- 600 metres one way
- Duration
- 30 mins return, 0.6km one way, 1.2km return
- Suitable for
- Walking, Wheelchair Accessible, Get to by public transport, Jogging
- Grade 1, Easy Walk
- Terrain
- Flat
- Park
- Onkaparinga River National Park
- Region
- Adelaide City & Suburbs
- Trail manager
- National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia
- Download maps & GPS files
- 2 GPS files
- 1 website link
- Photos
- 12 photosJump to Photos section
- Travel options
- Bus
- Car
- Train
- Travel time from Adelaide
- 1 hour or less



About the Walking Trail
This wetland trail was opened in 2016 after the wetlands were rehabilitated by SA Water. The 16-hectare site was formerly a sludge lagoon near a wastewater treatment plant, but has been transformed into a thriving wetland.
The Noarlunga Downs Wetland Trail follows the edge of what is now a predator-free sanctuary. The sanctuary features a series of interconnected pools that treat urban stormwater before the water enters the Onkaparinga River.
The trail features art by contemporary Aboriginal artist Paul Herzich. These two interpretive sign installations tell the story of the river, wetlands, water and traditional owners.
The trail is 600 metres long, but can be walked as a loop by returning along River Road, which would make it 1km return).
The trail is accessible for people of all abilities, including those with mobility issues and wheelchairs. The path is compacted gravel. The closest carpark (at the western end of the boardwalk) was upgraded in 2017 and is now wheelchair friendly. Please note that the trail ends near the dirt road at the western end, and the the bollards here restrict access to prams, bicycles and wheelchairs (although you could simple walk one way then return the same way back to the carpark (at the western end of the boardwalk.)
Access the trail from River Road, at either:
- the dirt carpark at the western end of the boardwalk
- from the main carpark and walking along the boardwalk
- the dirt road at the western end, near the railway bridge (adjacent the black LCS Landscapes sign)
Although this walk is marked as being Wheelchair Accessible, some people may require assistance.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Accessibility webpage has useful information about accessibility within national parks, including specific details about accessible parks, trails, picnic grounds, carparking and toilets.