Murray River National Park
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Come and explore the Murray River National Park. The park provides ample opportunity for a variety of recreational activities such as walking, bike riding, canoeing, bird watching and bush camping. Designated camping areas, with toilets (in selected areas) and parking facilities as well as walking trails and a self-guided drive trail are established over several areas in the park. This park enables the conservation of more than 14,879 hectares and includes a vast network of Murray River wetlands and floodplains that provide unique natural experiences.
Murray River National Park is divided into six separate areas: Katarapko, Lyrup Flats, Kingston-on-Murray, Paringa Paddock, Gurra Gurra and Bulyong Island. As these areas are separated by towns, visitors will need to ensure they familiarise themselves with maps of the region.
Katarapko | Lyrup Flats | Paringa Paddock | Gurra Gurra | Kingston-on-Murray | Bulyong Island | |
Access | 4WD/boat/2WD in dry conditions | Boat only | ||||
Nearest Town | Berri | Lyrup | Renmark/Paringa | Berri | Kingston-on-Murray | Renmark |
Camping | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | |
Bins Provided | No – Please Take Your Rubbish With You | |||||
Walking/Bike Trails | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Toilets | Yes – long drop | Yes – long drop | No | No | No | No |
Wood Collection | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Dogs allowed | Restricted area for dogs on leash in old Rodeo Grounds only | Yes – on leash | Yes – on leash | No | Yes — on leash | No |
Generator | No – permission required | |||||
Horses | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Trailbike riding | No | No | No | No | No | N/A |
Off-road 4WD driving | No | No | No | No | No | N/A |
Katarapko
Katarapko features over 9,500 hectares of black box, red gum and lignum covered floodplains and wetlands alive with aquatic bird species. Katarapko Creek and Eckerts Creek are significant waterways that flow through the park and provide great canoe adventuring and are very important habitats for native fish. The Ngak Indau Wetland trail is ideal for viewing wetland birdlife, with a bird hide for the avid birdwatchers.
Katarapko has three entrances: Lock 4 entrance (Draper Road, via Berri), Eckert’s Creek entrance (via Lower Winkie Road) and Katarapko Creek entrance (via Katarapko Crescent). Visitors may access any area of the Park from these entrances. There are also a total of 55 campsites within this section of the Park.
There are a number of trails for walkers and mountain bike riders of all ages to explore the Park and learn about the natural and cultural history. More information about these trails can be found under see and do. Your dog is allowed in old Rodeo Grounds area only, providing it is on a lead not exceeding three metres in length, or confined in a motor vehicle, trailer or vessel (refer to map).
Katfish Reach is a community environmental rehabilitation project that encompasses the Katarapko and Eckert Creek area. The area has been identified as a priority floodplain for environmental flows, and for broad scale rehabilitation works for native fish.
Sections of the park will, at times, be inundated by environmental water to improve the health and resilience of the floodplain trees, your patience will be required as your visit may be impacted by operations and maintenance of the new infrastructure and access to some areas.
Lyrup Flats
Includes 2,000 hectares along the floodplain on the northern side of the river and ferry at Lyrup. It provides wonderful opportunities for birdwatching, fishing and camping. Secluded campsites are located along the Murray River, with two campgrounds, Black Box and Colligans available for larger groups. Your dog is allowed in Lyrup Flats providing it is on a lead.
Paringa Paddock
Nestled between the towns of Renmark and Paringa, Paringa Paddock (which includes Goat Island) contains areas of riverine woodlands, wetlands and river flats covering 1161Ha. Magnificent river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis ssp. camaldulensis) and river box (E. largiflorens) line the floodplain. The wetland complex includes a number of permanent and temporary wetlands which provide habitat for koalas, birds and reptiles.
A great recreational park with something to do for people of all ages and abilities, there are a multitude of walking and biking trails developed by the Renmark Paringa Council and the local community. Your dog is allowed in Paringa Paddock providing it is on a lead not exceeding three metres in length, or confined in a motor vehicle, trailer or vessel (refer to map). This is a day visit area only and no camping or fires are allowed.
Wood and solid fuel fires, including campfires, are strictly prohibited in this park all year round. Gas fires are permitted in this area.
Gurra Gurra
A beautiful area (520.8Ha) of Riverine woodland located just across the river south of Berri, and directly opposite the river from Katarapko. Encompassing a portion of Gurra Gurra Creek at the western end of the Gurra Lakes Wetland Complex (a wetland of national importance), Causeway and Little Duck Lagoons. An important area providing habitat for many species of mammals, reptiles, birds, frogs, fish and other invertebrates.
Meander quietly through these wetlands in your canoe or small boat and enjoy some birdwatching or fishing.
Kingston-on-Murray
Covering 93Ha of mostly permanent healthy freshwater wetland on the southern bank of the Murray River, adjacent the township of Kingston-on-Murray. This features mature, healthy riverine woodlands, with river red gums along the banks and further inland providing essential habitat for many species of mammals, reptiles, birds and invertebrates. The area is ideal for fishing, canoeing or bird watching, with Wachtels Lagoon and Loch Luna nearby to also explore. For the avid walker, a newly developed walking trails will take you from Kingston-on-Murray to Moorook. Your dog is allowed in Kingston-on-Murray providing it is on a lead not exceeding three meters in length, or confined in a motor vehicle, trailer or vessel (refer to map).
Bulyong Island
North of Renmark, this area is only accessible by boat. The Goolwa street boat ramp is the closest launch point. The island is home to a number of wildlife species, such as western grey kangaroos, emus, pelicans, kingfishers and parrots. It is a fantastic area for canoeing and exploring the extensive waterways above Renmark by small boat.
Park maps
- Murray River National Park map
- Murray River National Park — Ngak Indau Walking Trail map
- Murray River National Park — Kingston on Murray
- Murray River National Park — Paringa Paddock
- Murray River National Park — Katarapko and Rodeo Bike Riding and Walking Trails information and map
Campground maps
- Murray River National Park — Katarapko campsites map
- Murray River National Park — Katarapko North campsites map
- Murray River National Park — Lyrup Flats campsites map
Canoeing trails
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.
Maps on your mobile
If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza Map app and have interactive national park maps on hand when you need them.
The app uses your device’s built-in GPS to plot your real-time location within the park onto a map. The app can be used without a network connection and without roaming charges. You can also measure area and distance, plot photos and drop placemark pins.
How to get it working on your device:
1. Download the Avenza Maps app from the app store (iOS/Android) whilst you are still in range (its free!).
2. Open up the app and click the shopping cart icon.
3. Click ‘Find’ and type the name of the national park or reserve you are looking for.
4. Click on the map you are after and install it (all our maps are free).
5. You will now find a list of your installed maps on the home page of the Avenza Maps app.
6. Use our maps through the Avenza Mapa app while in the park and never take a wrong turn again.