Things to do in Riverland parks during high water
23 Sep. 2022 4 min read
High River Murray flows are bringing the local environment to life. Find out where some of the best spots are and some of the best adventures to have while river flows are high.
Although campsites and some access tracks and trails are closed until further notice, there is still plenty to do and see. But donāt forget the insect repellent!
Top 6 things to do in and around Riverland parks
- Craggs Hut Walking Trail in Katarapko Campground is open and on high ground overlooking the floodplain.
- Drive along Craggs Road to campsite 43 to see the expanse of water across the floodplain, which is teeming with bird life. Alternatively, drive along the Mallee Track and stop for a walk and a picnic. Keep your eyes out for kangaroos and emus. Please check the Katarapko Campground website first for any updates on road conditions.
- Try your luck bird watching at Cooltong Conservation Park or Pooginook Conservation Park. You may even see a wombat at Pooginook.
- Stay a few nights star gazing at Danggali Conservation Park. Take in the great expanse of the Wilderness Protected Area and during the day you can see the wildflowers in bloom.
- Overlook Pike Floodplain from vantage points along Sturt Highway at Paringa.
- Have a picnic at Boytieās (Carparks) Lagoon, or one of the unflooded campsites, and throw in a fishing line while the children play in nature. Strictly no camping.
Top 10 things to do in and around Murraylands parks
If there is one place to visit this spring, itās Murraylands parks. Theyāre brimming with everything nature has to offer and more, from birdlife to brilliant displays of wildflowers.
- Ngarkat Conservation Park and Karte Conservation Park are great places to camp.
- Take a family drive through Ngarkat and enjoy the show put on by the spring wildflowers (4WD required).
- Go for a walk on the Scorpion Springs Walking Trails in Ngarkat.
- Take the Karte Conservation Park Hike. Itās a moderate hike, boasting spectacular views over the district.
- Do the Three Habitat Walk at Brookfield Conservation Park in the early morning and see the southern hairy-nosed wombats grazing.
- Book a guided tour at Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park. Marvel at the rock art and become immersed in the cultural significance and heritage of the park.
- Visit Swan Reach at night and check out the Dark Sky Reserve, easily one of the best places on Earth to gaze at the stars. Access is 4WD only and free self-sufficient bush camping is allowed. No need to book.
- Walk or ride one of the many trails in Kinchina Conservation Park, abundant with spring wildflowers.
- Do a spot of bird-watching in Tolderol Game Reserve which is renowned for its bird life.
- Visit Ferries McDonald Conservation Park and walk the Ferries McDonald Loop Trail. In spring, the park comes alive with native orchids and flowers blossoming. Among the numerous bird life you may be lucky to spot a Malleefowl.
Stay safe in parks
Donāt forget though that all campsites and a number of roads and tracks within rivĀer-based RiverĀland parks are closed until further notice due to floodĀing from unregĀuĀlatĀed flows.
Day visĀiĀtors are welĀcome though. Parks may be accessed by driĀving on open roads only. WalkĀing, mounĀtain bikĀing, canoeĀing or small boats are permitted if safe to do so. Please check for updates on the relevant parkās website before you go.
Rangers will conĀtinĀuĀalĀly monĀiĀtor parks and proĀvide updates on accesĀsiĀbilĀiĀty, with a view of reopenĀing when posĀsiĀble. DangĀgali ConĀserĀvaĀtion Park remains open with campĀsites available for booking.
The folĀlowĀing campĀsites are closed:
- BorĀder Cliffs
- ChowĀilla CreekĀside campsites
- Lyrup Flats
- KataraĀpĀko
- Loch Luna
- Kaiser Strip
- Moorook
- MorĀgan
Contact the Berri RegionĀal Office on (08) 8429 9690 or email DEW.āRMonlinebookings@āsa.āgov.āau for more local parks information.
Top photo courtesy of Grant Schwartzkopff.
Interested in kayaking? Read our blog on Kayaking the mystical Murray.