Explore the Myponga Reservoir reserve on this short loop. Starting near the Eatts St car park, the Spinebill Loop follows a short section of creekline which feeds into the Myponga reservoir. Prior to 2020 the creekline was significantly degraded and choked with weeds. SA Water has rehabilitated the watercourse, removing weeds, engineering the creekline to remediate erosion, and planting hundreds of seedlings (including a variety of local provenance trees, shrubs, and understory species). The stacks of logs you’ll see along the trail create habitat and perching places for foraging birds. Eleven nest boxes of different sizes have been installed in the larger remnant trees around the loop, providing habitat for small, medium, and large parrots, brush- and ring-tailed possums, and barn owls.

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. 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. On this page: Spinebill Loop, 700m 15m loop
  2. Lapwing Loop, 4.5km loop

Setting out from the carpark the trail that meanders up a creek.

There are toilets and picnic shelters located at the Eatts St carpark where the Spinebill Loop starts from.

The trail is unsealed, and is a shared-use path for both cyclists and walkers so be mindful of other trail users.

Where to start the trails

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

1. Start the Spinebill Loop here: 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.
2. 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.
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.