Things to do in Riverland parks during high water

Although campsites and some access tracks and trails are closed until further notice, there is still plenty to do and see. But don’t forget the insect repellent!

Top 6 things to do in and around Riverland parks

1. Craggs Hut Walking Trail in Katarapko Campground is open and on high ground overlooking the floodplain.
2. 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.
3. Try your luck bird watching at Cooltong Conservation Park or Pooginook Conservation Park. You may even see a wombat at Pooginook.
4. 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.
5. Overlook Pike Floodplain from vantage points along Sturt Highway at Paringa.
6. Have a picnic at Boytie’s (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, it’s Murraylands parks. They’re brimming with everything nature has to offer and more, from birdlife to brilliant displays of wildflowers.

1. Ngarkat Conservation Park and Karte Conservation Park are great places to camp.
2. Take a family drive through Ngarkat and enjoy the show put on by the spring wildflowers (4WD required).
3. Go for a walk on the Scorpion Springs Walking Trails in Ngarkat.
4. Take the Karte Conservation Park Hike. It’s a moderate hike, boasting spectacular views over the district.
5. Do the Three Habitat Walk at Brookfield Conservation Park in the early morning and see the southern hairy-nosed wombats grazing.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Walk or ride one of the many trails in Kinchina Conservation Park, abundant with spring wildflowers.
9. Do a spot of bird-watching in Tolderol Game Reserve which is renowned for its bird life.
10. 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

Don’t forget though that all campsites and a number of roads and tracks within riv­er-based River­land parks are closed until further notice due to flood­ing from unreg­u­lat­ed flows.

Day vis­i­tors are wel­come though. Parks may be accessed by dri­ving on open roads only. Walk­ing, moun­tain bik­ing, canoe­ing or small boats are permitted if safe to do so. Please check for updates on the relevant park’s website before you go.

Rangers will con­tin­u­al­ly mon­i­tor parks and pro­vide updates on acces­si­bil­i­ty, with a view of reopen­ing when pos­si­ble. Dang­gali Con­ser­va­tion Park remains open with camp­sites available for booking.

The fol­low­ing camp­sites are closed:

• Bor­der Cliffs
• Chow­illa Creek­side campsites
• Lyrup Flats
• Katara­p­ko
• Loch Luna
• Kaiser Strip
• Moorook
• Mor­gan

Contact the Berri Region­al Office on (08) 8429 9690 or email DEW.​RMonlinebookings@​sa.​gov.​au for more local parks information.

Top photo courtesy of Grant Schwartzkopff.

Interested in kayaking? Read our blog on Kayaking the mystical Murray.