9 incredible parks to visit in the Riverland this spring

Loch Luna and Moorook Game Reserves

Nes­tled near Barmera, these reserves are a paddler’s par­adise. Launch your kayak or canoe from one of the many camp­sites and explore a maze of creeks, lagoons, and wet­lands. The calm waters are ide­al for begin­ners, and the birdlife is spec­tac­u­lar. Keep a look out for pel­i­cans, herons, spoon­bills, and even white-bel­lied sea eagles. Camp­ing is avail­able, and the peace­ful set­ting makes it per­fect for a week­end retreat.

Mur­ray Riv­er Nation­al Park – Katarapko

This pop­u­lar sec­tion of the park near Berri offers a mix of river­front camp­ing, fish­ing spots, and walk­ing trails. The Katara­p­ko Creek is a favourite for anglers chas­ing gold­en perch (cal­lop) and Mur­ray cod. Fam­i­lies will love the Ngak Indau Wet­land Trail, which fea­tures board­walks and bird hides. With well-main­tained camp­sites and pic­nic areas, it’s a great base for explor­ing the broad­er park.

Brook­field Con­ser­va­tion Park

Locat­ed near Blanchetown, Brook­field is a con­ser­va­tion suc­cess sto­ry. Once a sheep sta­tion, it’s now a refuge for native species includ­ing the south­ern hairy-nosed wom­bat, red kan­ga­roos, and echid­nas. The Three Habi­tat Walk is a short but reward­ing trail that show­cas­es the park’s diverse ecosys­tems. It’s best vis­it­ed in the ear­ly morn­ing or late after­noon when wildlife is most active.

Mor­gan Con­ser­va­tion Park

Just min­utes from the his­toric riv­er town of Mor­gan, this park offers river­side camp­ing and easy access via fer­ry. It’s a peace­ful spot for bird­watch­ing, fish­ing, or sim­ply relax­ing by the water. The park’s wet­lands attract a vari­ety of water­birds, and the riv­er red gums pro­vide shady spots for pic­nics and photography.

Chow­illa Game Reserve

A remote and rugged park north of Ren­mark, Chow­illa is per­fect for those seek­ing soli­tude and immer­sion in nature. The area is one of the last areas of the low­er Mur­ray that has kept much of its nat­ur­al char­ac­ter and con­tains the largest remain­ing nat­ur­al riv­er red gum for­est in the low­er Murray.

With 46 kilo­me­tres of riv­er frontage, there are numer­ous camp­sites where you can immerse your­self in the nat­ur­al sights and sounds of riv­er life.

Maize Island Lagoon Con­ser­va­tion Park

Locat­ed near Waik­erie, this less­er-known park is a hid­den gem. The Peter Jacobs Trail, devel­oped by the Riv­er Mur­ray Youth Coun­cil, fea­tures inter­pre­tive sig­nage that high­lights local flo­ra, fau­na, and con­ser­va­tion efforts. It’s a great spot for walk­ing, wildlife spot­ting, and pho­tog­ra­phy. Free bush camp­ing is avail­able, but facil­i­ties are min­i­mal. Per­fect for those who enjoy off-grid adventures.

Mur­ray Riv­er Nation­al Park – Kingston-on-Murray

This sec­tion of the park offers easy access to wet­lands and bird habi­tats, with walk­ing trails that mean­der through red gum forests and along the river’s edge. It’s a peace­ful spot for a pic­nic or a short walk, and a great base for explor­ing near­by attrac­tions like Ban­rock Sta­tion Wet­land Centre.

Mur­ray Riv­er Nation­al Park – Paringa Paddock

Close to Ren­mark, Paringa Pad­dock fea­tures walk­ing trails through flood­plain forests and wet­lands. It’s a peace­ful spot for a short walk or picnic.

Locat­ed close to Ren­mark, Paringa Pad­dock is a favourite among locals for walk­ing and cycling. Trails wind through flood­plain wood­lands and wet­lands, offer­ing scenic views and plen­ty of bird­watch­ing oppor­tu­ni­ties. It’s eas­i­ly acces­si­ble and ide­al for a quick nature escape.

Mur­ray Riv­er Nation­al Park – Gur­ra Gurra

A qui­eter sec­tion near Berri, Gur­ra Gur­ra is per­fect for those seek­ing a peace­ful walk or a moment of reflec­tion. The area fea­tures wet­lands and wood­lands and is home to a vari­ety of bird species. It’s a great spot for nature pho­tog­ra­phy and qui­et contemplation.

Plan your visit

• Book camp­sites online before you go — recep­tion can be patchy in parks!
• Check for alerts or clo­sures before head­ing out
• Bring essen­tials: water, food, insect repel­lent, and sun protection
• Check our Know before you go page which cov­ers all your camp­ing questions

(Main image cour­tesy of Fed­eri­co Salazar)

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