Loch Luna and Moorook Game Reserves

Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger. The park may also be closed during high rainfall events when roads and campsites become slippery and boggy, as well as times when there are high water levels in the wetlands. Please contact us if you are unsure on: (+61 8) 85801800

Listen to the local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety. 

• CFS website
• CFS Hotline: 1300 362 361

Natural Resource Office - Berri

Phone: (+61 8) 8580 1800

For booking enquiries please email:

DEW.SAMDBOnlineBookings@sa.gov.au

Climatically and scenically, autumn and spring are the best times to visit Riverland parks. However, the climate of the Riverland makes it suitable for visiting parks most of the year. The summer months of January and February can be hot.

Roads are generally unsuitable for driving on immediately after heavy rains. This, and other hazards such as bush fire, can force the temporary closure of some sections of the park. Keep your eye on this website for up to date information.

Loch Luna Game Reserve and Moorook Game Reserve are located north east of Adelaide. Access to both reserves is via the Sturt Highway.

Moorook Game Reserve (223km from Adelaide)

Access to Moorook Game Reserve is off the Moorook‐Loxton Road. Turn right to Moorook from the Sturt Highway onto Kingston Road. Entrance to the Park is approximately 3.8km.

Loch Luna Game Reserve (233km from Adelaide)

Access to Loch Luna Game Reserve is off the Barmera‐Morgan Road, near Nappers Bridge (6km from Sturt Highway). Entrance into the Kaiser Strip section is directly off the Sturt Highway, turning right onto Drogemuller Road at Cobdogla and following the main road through town to the Park. Alternatively you can turn left from the causeway approximately 1.2km (1 min) from the Kingston Bridge.

• Park maps

Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.

As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.

Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or call the information line on (+61 8) 8204 1910.

Dogs are permitted in the Kaiser Strip section of Loch Luna only (southern side of Kingston Bridge causeway).

Please ensure you:

• Keep your dog under control and on a lead no more than two metres in length.
• Stick to designated walking trails.
• Bring disposable bags to clean up your dog’s faeces (please be aware there are no bins in national parks).

Dogs are not permitted in other areas of the park.

Discover other parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.

There are picnic areas, campfire areas, and campsite facilities available within these parks. Toilets are only located in the Kaiser Strip section of Loch Luna.

• Camping safety
• Parks management plans
• Trails SA
• SA Marine Parks
• Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for many animals and is essential for adding nutrients to the soil for other native plants when rotting down.

Plants

The Loch Luna and Moorook Game Reserves are home to native plants such as river red gums and river box with an understory of lignum, and grasses and sedges in low lying areas. Samphire can be seen on the low lying salt affected soils.

Dense stands of bulrush, reeds and lignum border much of the permanent waterways of Loch Luna Game Reserve. Dense reeds line much of the shore line in Wachtels Lagoon, with grasses and samphire dominating further up the banks. 

Animals

These parks are an important nesting habitat for numerous waterbird species, particularly during flood periods. Large numbers of great cormorants nest in Wachtels Lagoon. A small number of darters regularly breed in Loch Luna Game Reserve. Loch Luna also provides substantial areas of good tortoise nesting habitat.

Flora and fauna species lists

To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the 'Create Simple Species List' tab under 'Flora Tools' or 'Fauna Tools'  in NatureMaps. 

Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state. 

There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations.  At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.

In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.

Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia. 

• DEW Park management
• DEW Aboriginal partnerships

Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival. Please note that there is no mobile phone reception in or near the park.

Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance. 

There are three designated camping areas by the river available within these parks. Check out the online booking site before you go link for more information about each site.

You will be able to access some campsites by boat, but beware of submerged obstacles.

Kaiser Strip campground (14 campsites)

Suitable for: tents, camper trailers and caravans 

Facilities: toilets and fire pits

Located on the River Murray and Chambers Creek, sites offer shade. Please check website for declared Duck Hunting Open Season prior to booking.

Loch Luna campground (11 campsites + unallocated campground)

Suitable for: tents, camper trailers and caravans 

Facilities: fire pits

Located along Chambers Creek, sites offer shade and water access to launch canoes. Please check website for declared Duck Hunting Open Season prior to booking.

Moorook campground (23 campsites)

Suitable for: tents, camper trailers and caravans 

Facilities: fire pits

Located along the River Murray, sites offer shade and water access to launch canoes. Please check website for declared Duck Hunting Open Season prior to booking.

Discover the peaceful waterways of the Loch Luna and Moorook Game Reserves by canoe and observe the diverse birdlife. A canoe launching area has been established in Loch Luna, alternatively canoes may be launched from most campsites within the reserves.

For information on how to purchase detailed, independently produced canoe trail maps please contact the Berri Visitor Information Centre or the Renmark Paringa Visitor Information Centre.

Cobdogla, Moorook and Kingston on Murray boat ramps are available for launching boats. There is also a designated boat ramp within Loch Luna. Small boats may also be launched from some campsites.

There is currently no bushwalking information available for this park, please contact the park office for more information. 

Duck hunting is permitted in South Australian Game Reserves during declared duck hunting open seasons. Please refer to Game Reserves opening times and exclusions for information about duck hunting in Loch Luna and Moorook Game Reserves.

The Department for Environment and Water (DEW) is working together with Conservation and Hunting Alliance of South Australia (CHASA) to promote ethical and responsible hunting. Each year an assessment is conducted using data from the Bureau of Meteorology, the annual DEW wetland and waterfowl survey, CSIRO ‘Pastures from Space’ landscape modelling, PIRSA agronomic data and the Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird Survey (EAAWS) to determine the abundance of waterfowl.

The duration, bird species and daily bag limit varies from season to season based on the annual assessment, so it is important to keep up to date through the Duck & Quail Open Season webpage.

Further information:

• Map of Loch Luna Game Reserve - Hunting exclusion zones
• Map of Moorook Game Reserve - Hunting exclusion zone
• Duck and quail open season
• Duck hunting open season information
• Game Reserves opening times and exclusions

Know before you go:

• Please respect all users of the area.
• Hunting on Game Reserves is managed to be sustainable.
• Hunters, through CHASA, contribute money and volunteer time to maintain habitat for all wetland birds.
• Behave and hunt in a responsible manner.
• Obey all laws and regulations.
• Carry a current hunting permit.
• Hunt only in the designated hunting area.
• Do not set up within 100m of another hunter without consent.
• Leave no litter and pick up spent cartridges and wads.
• Dress your game away from camping areas.
• Keep camping areas clean.
• Remember to fill in your season bag survey forms and send them to CHASA.

Fishing is actively managed in South Australia by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA.
Check out these useful links before embarking on your fishing adventure:

• Recreational fishing regulations
• SA recreational fishing guide app
• Aquatic reserves

Mountain biking is currently not permitted in this park. 

• Which parks can you ride in?

Want to help?

To find out how you can help in this park or nearby, please visit Natural Resources South Australian Murray-Darling Basin – Volunteering.

Want to join others and become a Park Friend?

To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia.

You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events.

Become a Campground Host

Combine your love of camping with doing a good deed by becoming a volunteer campground host in this park.

A campground host is a volunteer who stays at the park either for a specific peak period, like the Easter break or a long weekend, or an extended period of time ﴾up to a few months﴿ to support park rangers.

If you are passionate about the environment, a keen camper, like to meet people from all around the world, and are a happy to help, then hosting could be right up your alley.

• SA’s Campground Hosts Program

The international Trail Users Code of Conduct is to show respect and courtesy towards other trail users at all times.

Ensure that you:

• keep to defined walking trails and follow the trail markers   for your own safety, and prevent the spread of declared weeds to other areas in the park
• wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen
• please be respectful of others at all times
• carry sufficient drinking water
• be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day
• inform a responsible person of your proposed route and expected time of return, take appropriate maps
• ensure you have appropriate wet weather clothing as weather conditions can change quickly.
• stay on the designated trails and connector tracks for your own safety, and prevent the spread of declared weeds to other areas in  the park
• Walk, hike or trek ‐ what's the difference?
• Bushwalking Minimum Impact Code

When camping in a National Park, it's important to remember the following:

• Never camp directly under a large River Red Gum. These trees are susceptible to dropping large branches at any time which may endanger your safety or life.
• Always let someone responsible know your travel plans, especially when travelling in remote areas. It's a good idea to let them know when you expect to return.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave, including overnight temperatures on the Bureau of Meteorology. Even during very mild weather, the nights can get very cold.
• The quality and quantity of water cannot be guaranteed within parks. Please bring plenty of water and food to be self‐sufficient.
• Always camp in designated sites. It's also a good idea to check that there are no insect nests nearby.
• Check to make sure you're not camping in a natural waterway.
• If camp fires are permitted, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for many animals and is essential for adding nutrients to the soil for other native plants when rotting down. Extinguish your camp fire with water ﴾not sand or dirt﴿ until the hissing sound stops.
• Ensure that you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park, as they differ from fire restriction dates set by the CFS.

Closures and safety

This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.

You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.

Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:

• Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
• Current CFS warnings and incidents
• Information on what to do in the event of a fire.

Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.

Fire restrictions

• Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited between 1 November 2017 to 15 April 2018.
• You must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited.
• Gas fires are permitted through the year, except on days of Total Fire Ban.
• Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.

Roads along the flood plain are generally unsuitable for driving on immediately after heavy rains. Expect varying road conditions along tracks with sandy, boggy and rocky patches. Vehicles are not permitted to drive off-road to navigate around these areas.

IMPORTANT: It is an offence regulated under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, to drive/ride/tow a vehicle in an unauthorised area (off-track). Offenders will be fined $150 for each offence.

Take extreme care when driving in the park – be aware of blind corners, crests and narrow two‐way tracks.

When driving on sand, deflate your tyres to 105kPa ﴾15psi﴿ – or as appropriate for your vehicle. Don’t forget to reinflate your tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before leaving the park. Take care when lowering tyre pressure as there is risk you could roll the tyre off its rim. Also, remember that lower tyre pressure can mean a change in how the vehicle handles.

• Kayaks and canoes - Safety reference guide

Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.

Please ensure that you:

• leave your pets at home
• do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
• do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
• leave the park as you found it - place rubbish in the bins provided or take it with you
• abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
• respect geological and heritage sites
• do not remove native plants
• are considerate of other park users.

• Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited.

Why does my dog need to be on a lead?

If your dog is off lead, it is more likely to impact on native wildlife and other visitors in a park and be at risk itself.

Risks to wildlife:

• Dogs off tracks will leave a scent in the bush that will keep wildlife away.
• Uncontrolled dogs may frighten wildlife and disrupt their natural behaviour.
• Some dogs will kill or injure wildlife.

Risks to other park visitors

• Dogs may be aggressive to other park visitors.
• Even friendly dogs can knock people over causing injury.
• Some people want to enjoy parks without dogs.

Risks to your dog

• Poison baits may be laid to control foxes. Baits can be fatal to dogs.
• Even if your dog is friendly, other dogs may not be.
• Your dog can catch parasites (such as fleas and ticks) from wildlife.
• Snake bites are a real risk in natural areas such as parks.
• Wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas will defend themselves if threatened by a dog and can cause significant injury to or the death of your dog.

Vehicle entry to this park is free, however fees apply for camping.

Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival.

Click through to the online booking page for more details about individual campgrounds and fees.

Book online

Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance.

FAQs about booking online

Book and pay in person

If you are unable to book and pay online you can do so, in person, at these booking agents across the state.

For online bookings enquiries please email:

DEW.SAMDBOnlineBookings@sa.gov.au

There are no other fees or permits associated with this park.