Murray River National Park

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. Roads may also be closed at time during construction of new regulators which will enable future flooding of the floodplain. Please contact us if you are unsure.

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

• CFS website
• CFS Hotline: 1300 362 361

Each area of Murray River National Park has different access points and drive times from Adelaide via the Sturt Highway:

• Park maps

Katarapko (220 km, 2 hrs 50 min)

Lock 4 entrance 

Entry is via Draper Road from Berri township (395m to park entrance). 

Eckert’s Creek Section

Entry is via Migga Road and Lower Winkie Road, off the Old Sturt Highway (4.7 km to park entrance).

Katarapko Creek Section

Access the Katarapko entrance via the Old Sturt Highway. Turn off between Glossop and Berri and follow the signs (10km to park entrance). Entry is via Winkie Road and Katarapko Crescent.

Lyrup Flats (250 km, 3 hrs 10 min)

Lyrup Flats is situated between the Sturt Highway and the river, between the towns of Renmark and Berri (on the northern side of the river directly opposite Lyrup).

Paringa Paddock (262kms, 3 hours 1 min)

Paringa Paddock is situated between the townships of Renmark and Paringa. Travel through Renmark turning right at the large round about and head towards Paringa. Paringa Paddock is located on the right hand side prior to crossing the Paringa Bridge. 

Gurra Gurra (232km, 3 hrs 12 min)

Travel from Adelaide to Berri (via Blanchetown) and across the Berri Bridge, heading towards Loxton. Gurra Gurra entrance is approximately 10.3 km from Berri on your right, at the base of Bookpurnong Hill.

Kingston-on-Murray (218km, 2hrs 30min)

Kingston-on-Murray section is located on the river front of the Kingston-on-Murray township. Turn left at Kingston Estate Wines and follow Petersen Road to turn right onto Holmes Road. Follow this to the Park entrance. 

Bulyong Island (300 km, 3 hrs 15 min)

Bulyong Island is north of Renmark and can only be accessed by boat.

All camping booking enquiries

Berri Natural Resources Centre

Phone: (+61 8) 8580 1800

Email: DEW.SAMDBOnlineBookings@sa.gov.au (mailto:DEW.SAMDBOnlineBookings@sa.gov.au)

Visitor information, bookings and park management:

Berri Natural Resources Centre

Phone: (+61 8) 8580 1800

Email: SAMDBEnquiries@sa.gov.au (mailto:SAMDBEnquiries@sa.gov.au)

Emergency contacts:

Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations

Phone: Triple Zero (000)

Police Assistance

Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance

National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – Duty officer

For out of hours emergencies

Phone: (08) 8580 1832

Injured wildlife:

Within the park

Please contact Berri Natural Resource Centre on (08) 8580 1800

Outside of the park

Please contact a local wildlife rescue group

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

You and your dog can enjoy the Lyrup Flats and Paringa Paddock only. 

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.

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 contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook, or you can live chat with a customer service representative on the website Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

There are picnic areas, campfire areas, toilets, camping sites and caravan sites available in this park.

• Read about the 5 treasures of Murray River Park on the Good Living blog.  
• Read the Insider Guide: Murray River National Park on the Good Living blog.
• Explore what other nature and outdoor activities are available in this area on the South Australia Tourism website. 
• Mobile phone coverage can be patchy and unreliable in this park, especially if you are in low-lying areas.
• 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 Murray River National Park is home to native plants such as Black Box, River Red Gums and understorey like Lignum, the Spiny Daisy, Swamp Daisy and Prickly Bottlebrush.

The Murray‐Darling Basin region is home to an extraordinarily diverse range of native vegetation ﴾flora﴿, with over 2,000 species recorded. Native vegetation refers to any naturally occurring local plant species which are indigenous to Australia, from small ground covers and native grasses to large trees and water plants.

About 50% of the region is covered by native vegetation, with around 45% of this contained within national parks, reserves and heritage agreements. However, a quarter of all the plants recorded in South Australia are considered to be threatened, and less than 30% of native vegetation remains in the agricultural areas, with some areas lower than 10%. 

Animals

The three separate areas that make up Murray River National Park ‐ Katarapko, Lyrup Flats and Bulyong Island cover more than 14,925 hectares and conserve the verdant Murray wetlands that flow through the park.

The overall area is home to around 8 species of native frogs such as southern bell frog and the banjo frog, and several species of native fish including murray cod and golden perch (callop). Up to 23 species of reptiles may be found including the carpet python, broad-shelled tortoise and eastern tiger snake. There are also many species of birds and mammals  ‐ regent parrots, emus, kangaroos, black swans, ducks, bats, restless flycatchers and pelicans just to name a few!

The Katarapko area features floodplains and several wetlands. The area is an important breeding area for native wildlife, including waterbirds, and is an ideal place for birdwatching.

Lyrup Flats encompasses 2,000 hectares along the floodplain on the northern side of the river and provides wonderful opportunities for birdwatching and fishing.

Bulyong Island is only accessible by boat. The island is home to a number of wildlife species, such as western grey kangaroos, emus, pelicans, kingfishers and parrots.

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. 

This area is the traditional home to the Erwirung people, a relatively small Aboriginal group that lived on the fertile plains of the Murray. Cultural sites exist in the park in the form of graves, middens and canoe trees. Aboriginal people have strong affiliations to Country and these cultural values and sites must be respected and conserved.

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

Charles Sturt, in 1830, was the first European to explore the river. Rowing with a party of seven in a whaleboat from its junction with the Murrumbidgee down the length of the river to the river mouth below Lake Alexandrina.

Paddle steamers began plying the river in the 1850's, transporting stock and produce for the burgeoning pastoral industry.

The river trade reached a peak in the 1880's, to be replaced by rail and road transport. In 1887, after the founding of Renmark, vines and fruit trees were established with the help of irrigation schemes. Soldier settlement schemes after both world wars saw more irrigated farmland developed.

In the late 1960s conservation parks were proclaimed to protect some of the islands; in 1991 three areas of the river were incorporated in Murray River National Park.

Further inspiration: 

• Check out Ranger tips: Murray River National Park on Insider tips
• Check out How to spend a day in Murray River National Park on Insider tips

Bushwalking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, keep fit and spend time with family and friends. South Australia's national parks feature a range of trails that let you experience a diversity of landscapes.

Easy walks

• Cragg’s Hut Walk (1 hour loop, 1.4km)

  This interpretive trail takes walkers back to the time of European settlers. See the historic remains of the homes of the Craigies and the Blands. Visit the grave of Margaret Craigie, before resting at the lookout and gazing out over the land that sustained these families. Intermediate sections include a moderate to steep incline and decline on this trail. 

  Riders must give way to walkers on Dual-Use trails.

Easy trails (walk or ride)

• Kai Kai Natural Trail (40 min loop walk or 30 min ride, 2km)

  Popular with school groups, this walk takes you on a journey of discovery, revealing native plants and animals along the way. Enter the world of semi-parasitic plants, treecreepers and animal tracks and scats. Learn how Indigenous people utilised their skills to live in this environment. Learn about the beautiful floodplain, how it changes and thrives through wet and dry seasons. 

  Located just below campsite 38 in Katarapko.

• Rodeo Trail – (1.5 hour loop walk, 30 min loop ride, 5 km)

  An easy walk or ride for the whole family. This trail follows the Rodeo Trail but has a turn-around point about half way. Plenty of areas to play and explore along the way. A nice way to spend the afternoon.  

• Ngak Indau Wetland Trail (1.5 hour loop walk or 30 min ride, 3.2km)

  Ngak Indau is a temporary wetland which cycles through wet and dry periods. The trail begins at the Ngak Indau car park just off the Lock 4 road and winds its way around the Ngak Indau wetland, past the Bird Hide, out to the river and back again. Check out the wetland birdlife from the bird hide, like spoonbills, an array of duck species, herons and whistling kites. Similarly you may spot Red-capped robins flitting about the salt bush on your walk to the River. Kangaroos and lizards may often be seen along the trail. Take a nocturnal walk and see the cheeky possums.

• Ngak Indau Wetland Trail map

• Ngak Indau Wetland Trail brochure

• Murray River National Park - Katarapko and Rodeo Bike Riding and Walking Trails information and map

Moderate trails (walk or ride)

• Katarapko Trail (5.5 hour loop walk or 2 hour loop intermediate ride, 20km)

  This trail takes you from the Lock 4 entrance, along the river and through the top of Katarapko down to Lock 4 itself. Pack a picnic and fishing line and stop along the way, or at the Lock 4 day visit area which also has toilets. Alternatively, book one of the campsites along the way and take time to enjoy the Park before walking/riding back the next day. To return, follow the trail back or come back along the Lock 4 and Draper Road taking the opportunity to visit the Ngak Indau Wetland Trail along the way.
  
  Intermediate Ride: There are some sandy spots and steep sided dry creek beds. Bike riders need to assess these to determine if they would be best negotiated on foot. 

• Rodeo Trail (2.5 hour loop walk, or 1 hour loop intermediate ride, 10 km)
  
  

  Follows the Katarapko Trail until the first bridge crossing. Here the trail loops away and across the saltbush floodplain with beautiful Tea tree lined creeks, then back onto itself to return. 

  Intermediate Ride: There are some sandy spots and steep sided dry creek beds. Bike riders need to assess these to determine if they would be    best negotiated on foot.

Drive

The Mallee Pine Drive self-guided tour and brochure are currently under review. Visitors can still drive the track but please be aware some sections may be quite sandy.

 You can ride your bike along any public access road within the park. See bushwalking section for information regarding bike trails within this park. 

• Which parks offer specific mountain bike tails?

Camping is only permitted in designated campsites or campgrounds.

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

Katarapko

There are three main entrances to Katarapko – Katarapko Creek, Lock 4 and Eckerts Creek. Treasured for the ability to have a secluded camping experience, with 55 individual campsites dotted along the Murray River, Eckerts Creek and Katarapko Creek. The sites are different shapes and sizes, and vary in water access and views. They are well sign‐posted and easy to find, but the camping area is generally not visible from the road, so you will have to drive ﴾or walk﴿ in to see if the site is suits you.

Alternatively, visit ‘Book before you go’ where you will find a photo and description of each campsite.

• Book before you go
• Read more about the great camping at Katarapko-Book Cliffs as featured on the Good Living blog.
• Park maps
• Camping safety

Lyrup Flats

This is the most accessible section of the park, easily accessed by 2WD in dry conditions. Colligan’s and Black Box campgrounds are well suited to caravans and larger groups.

There are also secluded campsites spaced along the river in Lyrup Flats. See the park map to find the nearest public toilet.

• Book before you go
• Park maps
• Camping safety

Lace monitors have been sighted around Lyrup Flats camp sites. The closer than normal human contact may be due to the drought conditions and the lace monitors having to search harder to find food.All native animals in national and conservation parks are wild and should be observed from a distance. Please do not feed the lace monitors.

Katarapko Creek and the Murray River are popular fishing spots ‐ species include golden perch (callop) and yabbies. The European carp ‐ the scourge of the Murray, is the fish most commonly caught. If you catch one, it is illegal to return it to the river alive. Some fish in the Murray are protected species such as catfish. Make sure you know which fish must be released if caught.

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

This is a great way of exploring the park. Try the quiet backwaters of Katarapko or Eckert creeks. Canoes can be launched from some campsites. Pack a picnic lunch and don’t forget your life jacket and fishing rod.Strong currents and snags in the river and backwaters can make kayaking/canoeing dangerous, check the Kayak and canoe safety handbook.

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.

Read more about Kayaking the mystical Murray on the Good Living Blog.

Large numbers of waterbirds, bush birds and native fauna can be seen in Murray River National Park making this the perfect destination for bird watchers and nature photographers. 

Birdwatching basics:

If you’ve already spotted a bird on your walk, then congratulations, you’re a birdwatcher!  Here are few tips for being a better birdwatcher:

• Remove (or turn inside out) any brightly coloured jackets

• Move quietly and calmly into a comfortable sitting or standing position

• Keep noise and movement to a minimum

• Look at different levels – on the ground, in the reeds, on tree trunks and branches, and in the treetops. 

• Bring binoculars and a field guide for your next visit.

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

• Never camp directly under large gum trees, especially river red gum and black box gum species. These trees are susceptible to dropping large branches at any time, especially during extended dry periods.  These limbs can be extremely large and may endanger your safety or life should they fall on your campsite.

• 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.

• Lace monitors have been sighted around Lyrup Flats camp sits. The closer than normal human contact may be due to the drought conditions and the lace monitors having to search harder to find food. All native animals in national and conservation parks are wild and should be observed from a distance. Please do not feed the lace monitors. 

• Ensure that you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park, as they differ from fire restriction dates set by the CFS.

Can I have a fire or barbecue?

• Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited between 1 November 2019 to 30 April 2020.
• You must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within national parks is prohibited.
• Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted through the year, other than on days of total fire ban.
• Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park. 

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.

It is strongly recommended that children wear life jackets near and around water at all times.

There are many dangers that swimmers need to be aware of:

• Hidden dangers in murky water
  • If you duck dive you could sustain a permanent head, neck or back injury …. or death
  • If you dive you could get injured as above or snagged and no one will be able to see you
• Feel with a stick to check for snags and hazards. Unfortunately some people do throw things into the river including sharp objects
• It is recommended you check with locals if possible before swimming
• Currents can be strong in parts of the river and creeks
• The river has levels and areas of the river could be deeper. Sandbars are notorious for varying changes in depth from day to day,
• Be aware of craft in the river and the dangers near propellers, jet skis, and ;larger boats
• Never drink alcohol and swim…..could be deadly
• Never swim alone at night
• Be aware of snakes near the river, they can swim too!
• Whilst rope swings are fun they may break, or there could be hazards below.

*Conditions under the water are constantly changing. Snags and debris are moved along by the currents. An area you may have safely swum in one day could be dangerous the next. It is recommended that you check the area or use caution every time you choose to swim. 

• Kayak and canoe safety handbook

• Kayaks and canoes - Safety reference guide

Roads along the floodplain 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.

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. Dogs are only allowed in the Lyrup Flats section of this park
• 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
• help keep our parks beautiful by taking all your rubbish with you when you leave. Any rubbish left in campsites is an offence regulated under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, and campers will be fined.
• abide by the road rules ﴾maintain the speed limit﴿
• respect geological and heritage sites
• do not remove or damage native plants
• are considerate of other park users.

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.

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.

Lace monitors are amazing lizards, and it is a great experience to watch them from a distance going about their business.  Parks and reserves are their homes and the trees, logs, river, creeks and wetlands which we like to visit provides critical habitat for them to survive. 

A few tips to keep you and the lace monitors safe during your visit include:

• please don’t feed any native wildlife
• watch from a distance, although they are not naturally aggressive towards people, they have very sharp claws and teeth and may use them if threatened
• leave your pets at home
• store food safely away to avoid them coming into camp in search of scraps and food
• put dead carp away from campsites
• if monitors are being a pest within your campsite, use loud noises to scare them away or move to another site (call the local office to update on-line booking).

Lace montitor (Varanus varius) fact sheet

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

Where can I 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