 Visit the Murraylands of SA
Whether its houseboating, fishing, bushwalking or bird-watching, the Murraylands region of South Australia offers a wide range of options for you to explore.
The Murraylands is a region of opposites. The Murray River and its aquatic areas is vastly different to the Mallee country with its wilderness of native scrubland. The Murray River carves its way through 350 km's of dynamic river country. Its wide expanses of water, ancient red gums, lush wetlands and honey-coloured sandstone cliffs are truly inspiring. The Murray's banks form protected lagoons for bird and animal life.
The Mallee country is a wilderness you are unlikely to see any where else on earth. The Mallee is recognised as one of South Australia's most characteristic landscapes, boasting a great variety of native plants and animals, many of which are considered rare or endangered and offer the nature enthusiast or bird-watcher an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see them in their natural habitat.
Perhaps the most unique way of seeing the Murraylands is from the deck of your own houseboat. Houseboat hire is extremely popular all the way along the Murray river, from Echuca in Victoria through to Mildura, the Riverland and Murraylands regions here in South Australia. What could be more relaxing than spending a weekend or longer cruising the river aboard a fully equipped houseboat?
The houseboats of today offer a world-class level of accommodation and are surprisingly affordable, particularly for families or groups. Depending on the size of the vessel, houseboats cater for 2-12 people in comfort. You don't need a special license and licensed operators offer full tuition, together with information of river conditions, mooring spots and boating rules prior to departure. Houseboats operate out of Mannum and Murray Bridge.
Murraylands offers a wide range of caravan parks with modern cabins, powered and unpowered caravan sites and camping grounds. Many are located with absolute water frontages. River camping is limited and it is best to check with the local Visitor Information Centres for appropriate areas. Camping is available within some of the Mallee Conservation Parks.
Alternatively you could hope aboard the MV Proud Mary, a cruising paddlesteamer that offers two and five night cruises. There are the tradition bed and breakfast options, hotels and motels but why not try some country hospitality with a delightful farm-stay.
For adventure, the Murraylands is a wonderful playground of thrills. You can do tandem skydiving, or go bushwalking through the mallee countryside. You can also try some four wheel driving, camping or bird-watching. If your keen for a good walk, you'll be pleased with the new Federation Trail. For something different there are the regions recreational facilities including archery, the shooting complex, the equestrian park, model airfield and paintball fields.
Of course, being on the Murray River there is ample opportunity for water-skiing, knee-boarding, jet-skis, fishing and kayaking with hire equipment available at Mannum.
There is extensive fishing on the Murray River with local knowledge being very important so take time to talk to the river locals. The Murray Cod is largest freshwater fish in Australia and is found in the Murray River. They are known to grow up to 100kg and a length of 1.8m and can be found in the deeper water and fallen logs. The cod is a shrewd character and will take any bait but prefers natural baits such as yabbies, baitfish and witchetty grubs. Another sort after fish on the Murray is the Callop or Yellow Belly and are considered excellent eating. Yabbies are prevalent in the warmer months in South Australia and when high river levels are falling.
Tackle and bait are available from outlets throughout the Murraylands and remember silver perch, catfish and Murray River crayfish are totally protected and must be returned to the river immediately after capture. Warning: European Carp, Mosquito Fish and Redfin a non-native fish. It is ILLEGAL to return them to the river or transporting them live.
For young children there are some excellent things to do. A visit to Dundee's Wildlife in Murray Bridge offers a children's zoo, reptile house and a walk-though aviary. The highlight is the fresh and saltwater crocodiles and feeding time. Alternatively, kids and adults will enjoy the Monarto Zoological Park. This park is an open-range animal park offering regular safari bus trips. You will see a wide range of animals including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs and the rare white rhinoceros.
Mannum Falls, Rocky Gully Wetlands boardwalk or the Mallee bushwalking trails will provide a great adventure for children of all ages. There are plenty of picnic areas in the numerous river reserves to relax in and river cruises up and down the river are a safe way of taking children on the river.
Bushwalking and Four wheel driving trails of the Murraylands region
Serious walkers will enjoy the Federation Trail, a 58 kilometre trail starting in Murray Bridge and traversing the south-eastern Mt Lofty Ranges, winding through diverse countryside to a secluded place known as Diggers Rest, near Harrogat. The trail meanders past historic railyards, river wetlands, rugged gorges, forests, vast farming lands and the Monarto Zoological Park.
There are some great conservation parks and most offer excellent 4WD and walking trails. Ngarket Conservation Park has good 4WD and 2WD trails and is home to more than 30 rare and endangered plant specials. Bushwalkers will want to try the Tyms Lookout Hike which will reward you with stunning views from the summit.
The nearby Scorpion Springs Conservation Park is home to a network of walking trails that offer great views of the surrounding habitat. These trails lead to numerous historic attractions like Nanam Well, the last surviving well in the Pinnaroo district.
Karte Conservation Park just north west of Pinnaroo has 2WD and 4WD trails that connect with secluded camping sites, pleasant picnic spots and various bushwalking trails. At Murray Bridge you can walk the Rail and River Walk, a 5km waling trail that reveals the history behind one of the largest South Australian towns and how rail became its background.
Mannum is another good spot for walkers, with several scenic and historical walks available in the town and nearby Mannum Falls, which offers stunning birdlife and unique rock formations. Either walk along the river or take the hike up to the lookout for some breathtaking views.
Further north the Sedan Heritage Trail reveals the history of this old railway settlement.
Conservation Parks of the Murraylands region
Escape to the outstanding mallee country by visiting the numerous conservation parks that make up this area. Enjoy walking trails, barbecue facilities and camping sites in a uniquely Australian environment. Some parks provide day-trip options for two wheel drive and four wheel drive vehicles, and self-guided walking trails. You will discover the mallee wildflowers, abundant birdlife and local inhabitants such as the western grey kangaroo and emus.
Ngarkat Group of Conservation Parks
The Ngarkat comprises of four parks, Scorpion Springs, Mount Shaugh, Mount Rescue and Ngarkat Conservation Park. These park feature a mix of mallee and heathlands covering a system of remnant coastal dunes. The Ngarkat people originally inhabited this. It is also home to echidnas, pygmy-possums, dunnarts, kangaroos, lizards and birds. There are several camping sites throughout the park and a network of four-wheel drive tracks and walking trails ranging from 10 minute walks to 5 hour hikes.
Billiatt Conservation Park
The Billiatt Conservation Park is located approximately 30kms north of Lameroo. It consists of 60,000 hectares of undulating calcrete plain with extensive areas of sand-dunes up to 10 metres high. The park is isolated with limited access to vehicles and for this reason visitors should consider personal safety and travel in groups. The only access is from the Alawoona to Lameroo road which bisects the park. While in the park keep an eye out for some of the eighteen species of reptile including the Jacky lizard which is rare in South Australia.
Karte Conservation Park
You will experience superb camping and picnicking in this area of the Murraylands. Located 30 kilometres northwest of Pinnaroo, Karte Conservation Park is the ideal venue for these activities. The park protects 3,565 hectares of mallee vegetation which protects the threatened Malleefowl. The park is characterised by steep sand-dunes rising to 40 metres and a number of smaller, isolated dunes with the original vegetation still present. An interpretive walking trail forms a 1.5km loop and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. This trail explains the importance of the vegetation in the area and provides scenic views of the park and surrounding area.
Also check out the Riverland region of South Australia which adjoins the Murraylands.
For more information regarding South Australia's National Parks and Conservation Parks please visit SA National Parks and Wildlife Service.
This information was compiled with the help of resources available from South Australia Tourism. Please visit their website at www.southaustralia.com for a more detailed rundown of this exciting region and others.
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