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:

• Park maps

Katarapko (220 km, 2 hrs 50 min)

Lock 4 Section

Entry is via Draper and Lock 4 Road from Berri (4.6km to park entrance). Individual campsites in this section are situated along the beautiful River Murray, including the Booky Cliffs and Sawmill Campgrounds. Also featuring the Ngak Indau Wetland Trail and downstream views of Lock and Weir No.4.  

Eckert’s Creek Section

Entry is via Migga Road and Lower Winkie Road, off the Old Sturt Highway (4.7 km to park entrance). Individual campsites in this section are situated along Eckert’s Creek and the northern end of Katarapko Creek, and includes Causeway Campground.

Katarapko Creek Section

Access the Katarapko section 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. Individual campsites in this section are situated along the majestic Katarapko Creek. Also featuring Craggs Hut Walk, Kai Kai Nature Trail and the Murray Pine Self-guided Drive.

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. 

Bulyong Island (300 km, 3 hrs 15 min)

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

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 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 area 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 call the information line on (+61 8) 8204 1910.

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

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 13,000 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. 

• 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.

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.

We have picked the brains of our park rangers to find out what they would recommend you see and do whilst visiting this park.

• Fishing at Katarapko Creek for golden perch and yabbies.
• Sitting quietly with your binoculars, watching for birdlife such as the threatened regent parrot.
• Kayaking through the waterways, then stopping for a picnic lunch in a secluded spot.
• Taking a dip in the river on a hot day and – if you’re feeling brave – standing still for long enough to let the shrimp nibble your toes.
• Learning about the history and ecology of the area on one of the Katarapko trails.
• Watching the sun set the water and the bush aglow as it goes down over your campsite.

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 (40 min loop, 2km)

  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.

• Kai Kai Natural Trail (40 min loop, 2km)

  Popular with school groups, this walk takes you on a journey of discovery, revealing native plants and animals along the way.

• Ngak Indau Wetland Trail (1.5 hour loop, 3.2km)

  Hike or Bike
  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 fitting 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.

• Murray River National Park - Ngak Indau Walking Trail map

 You can ride your bike along any public access road within the park. There are no specifically designated cycling tracks in 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 sections in Katarapko ‐ Katarapko Creek, Lock 4 and Eckerts Creek. The Lock 4 and Eckert’s Creek sections have campgrounds suited to larger groups. These campgrounds can accommodate smaller caravans and camper trailers and are ﴾usually﴿ 2WD accessible. Alternatively individuals can book an unallocated site in these campgrounds, but please be aware you may be also camping with other visitors.

For a more secluded camping experience, there are also a number of individual sites dotted along the river, Eckert Creek and Katarapko Creek in each section. The sites are different shapes and sizes. They have differing 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

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.

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

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

• 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.

• 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 2018 to 15 April 2019.
• 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.

Strong currents and snags in the river and backwaters can make swimming dangerous.

• Kayak and canoe safety handbook

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.

• 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. 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.

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