Walking & Hiking

The Riverland sits on flat Murray River floodplain, so the walking here is gentle rather than mountainous - riverfront paths beneath towering red gums, wetland loops alive with waterbirds, and short climbs to clifftop lookouts over the river's great bends. Signature spots include the ochre-coloured Headings Cliffs near Paringa, the riverfront promenades at Renmark and Berri, and the trails of Murray River National Park near Berri. It is a region of easy rambles full of birdsong rather than tough summit hikes.

The Murray River Walk is a guided multi-day walking journey run by Murray River Trails out of Renmark, and it is recognised as one of the Great Walks of Australia. It is a four-day, three-night experience where you walk roughly 12 to 14 kilometres a day through red gum forest, wetlands and beside the red cliffs, returning each evening to a houseboat that moves with you. It must be booked in advance, typically runs in the cooler months from around May to September, and is a premium guided tour rather than a free self-guided trail.

Headings Cliffs near Paringa, just east of Renmark, is the region's most photographed clifftop view, where red and ochre sandstone cliffs rise around 70 metres above a sweeping bend of the Murray. Parking is free and a short walk leads to a steel lookout tower with views over the Bookmark Biosphere and floodplain. Other rewarding clifftop and lookout stops include the Berri Lookout Tower, Bookpurnong Cliffs and the riverfront cliffs around Berri.

Many Riverland walks are easy, flat and family friendly, including the riverfront promenades at Renmark and Berri and the shorter wetland and creek loops. Dogs are welcome on most town riverfront paths but are restricted in conservation areas - in Murray River National Park's Katarapko section, for example, dogs are only allowed on Panky's Trail and must be on a lead no longer than three metres. If you are walking with a dog, check the specific park or reserve rules first, as national parks and BirdLife reserves like Gluepot generally prohibit pets to protect native wildlife.

Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures, wildflowers and very active birdlife along the wetlands and mallee. Summer is best avoided for longer walks as Riverland days often climb above 35 degrees, so if you do walk in the warmer months stick to early morning, shady riverfront paths and carry plenty of water. For birdwatching at places like Gluepot Reserve near Waikerie, the cooler months bring the most reliable sightings.