Wetlands & Wildlife Loop of the Riverland
A two-day loop through the Murray's internationally significant wetlands and red-gum floodplains.
The plan
The Riverland holds some of Australia's most important wetlands — Ramsar-listed floodplains, restored lagoons and red-gum forests alive with waterbirds. This unhurried two-day loop links the most rewarding of them, with plenty of scope to swap a walk for a paddle.
Start at Banrock Station, where boardwalks thread a restored wetland, then work your way through the lagoons of Loch Luna and the creeks of Katarapko and the Murray River National Park. Pack binoculars, a hat and, if you can, a canoe — the country opens up entirely once you're on the water.
Mornings reward the early riser, when the wetlands are at their most active. Take your time and let the birds set the agenda.
Day 1
3 stops-
1
Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre
BerriWalk the boardwalks of this Ramsar-listed wetland, then taste wine overlooking the lagoon.
See place → -
2
Loch Luna Game Reserve
BarmeraPaddle or walk the maze of lagoons and reed beds — classic Riverland wetland country.
See place → -
3
Bookmark Creek Wetland
BerriAn easy in-town wetland loop at Berri, prolific with waterbirds at dusk.
See place →
Day 2
3 stops-
1
Katarapko Creek Canoe Trail
BerriFollow the marked canoe trail through red-gum creeks deep in the national park.
See place → -
2
Murray River National Park
ParingaExplore the wider park — camping, fishing and floodplain wildlife.
See place → -
3
Morgan Conservation Park
MorganFinish among the river red gums and birdlife of this quiet downstream reserve.
See place →
On the map
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Image credits
- View of wetlands in Murray Valley National Park, NSW.jpg by AndreB94 , CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons