Best trails in Murray River National Park

3.9(104 reviews)

Australia
:
#326 of 637 national parks

The Murray River National Park is located 3 hours north-east of Adelaide near the South Australia/Victoria border, which share the Murray River. The Erwirung people are the traditional owners of these fertile plains of the Murray, and there are various cultural sites throughout the park including burial sites, middens and canoe trees.

This is a great recreational park with something to do for all ages and abilities, including paddle sports, bushwalking, swimming, fishing, bird watching, off-road driving and multi-day camping.

Each of these separate areas have different guidelines for activities permitted and options for bush camping - so be sure to check with Parks SA prior to your visit.

Top trails

#1 - Paringa Paddocks Alternate Loop

Paringa Paddock features a network of trails and is an awesome place to come for a morning or afternoon walk. To access this route you can park off Patey Drive and cross the Stuart Highway to find the start of the trail. The trail is used for walking, running, mountain biking and dog walking. It's mostly flat, marked with directional markers and is designed to be used in a clockwise direction. Care should be taken during high tide or after rain as parts of the trail may be impassable.

#2 - Berri to Booky Cliffs

A lovely peaceful walk with a small river crossing near Berri, South Australia. The route follows the banks of the Murray River from Draper Road to Booky Cliffs Campground. Sections of this route can become flooded after heavy rain so be sure to check the river levels and be prepared to get your feet wet. The path follows the Rodeo and Katarapko Trails in Murray River National Park.

#3 - Ngak Indau Wetland Trail

Discover the beauty of the Riverland on the Ngak Indau Wetland Trail. This easy loop is perfect for a peaceful walk, offering a fantastic opportunity to spot a variety of birdlife from the dedicated bird hide. Keep an eye out for spoonbills, herons, and whistling kites. The trail winds through the wetlands and along the banks of the mighty Murray River, providing a wonderful and relaxing nature experience for all ages.

#4 - Eckert Creek via Draper Road

This is a well-signposted, flat, relaxing walk alongside the Murray River. This trail is perfect for spotting plenty of wildlife, including red kangaroos and various bird species. Enjoy lovely water views and find shade along parts of the track. Informal parking is available at the start of the trail.

#5 - Paringa Paddock Track

This trail is located in South Australia's rural Riverland area in Renmark. The route follows the Paringa Paddock Track, one of two main tracks in the area, suitable for walkers, mountain bikers and runners and boasting some gorgeous riverside views across the Murray and surrounding landscape. Koalas have been seen lazing amongst the shrubbery so keep your eyes peeled for our little furry friends! Commence your journey from Patey Drive, there is parking across the road as well as public...

#6 - Goat Island Loop

Goat Island Track explores a small section of the Murray River, located just south from the town of Renmark in South Australia. The trail begins from Paringa Paddock Track and runs a circuit around this section of the Murray River National Park. The trail is subject to rising water from the river. Good sturdy shoes are recommended.

#7 - Booky Cliffs to Murray River Lock

Marvel at the stunning multi-coloured Booky Cliffs and explore this stunning walk along the banks of the Murray River. Beginning from Booky Cliffs Campground this walk takes in some stunning scenery with lovely views of the river and surrounding flora. The path is a dirt and gravel track that is quite flat and can be completed by most fitness levels. Visitors looking to camp at any of the many campgrounds along this route should head to the National Parks SA website.

#8 - Kai Kai Nature Trail

Head out to the Murray River National Park for a lovely walk on the Kai Kai Nature Trail. "Kai Kai" is the local Ngarrindjeri word for 'plain,' and this track will take you on a journey through the floodplain of Katarapko Creek. Along the way, you'll find signs that tell you all about the clever plants and animals that call this place home and how they live with the changing water levels. It's a great little adventure for the whole family.

#9 - Katarapko Creek, Eckert Creek and The Splash Paddle Route

3.9(3)

•Hard

•24.4 mi

This paddle route meandering downstream the Katarapko Creek, Eckert Creek, The Splash and Murray River from north to south is a great way to explore the Murray River National Park, with many locations to stop for multi-day bush camping along the waterways. The Erwirung people are the traditional owners of these fertile plains of the Murray, and there are various cultural sites throughout the park including burial sites, middens and canoe trees. The route follows the Murray's wetlands and...

#10 - Gurra Gurra Creek Paddle

5.0(2)

•Moderate

•3.1 mi

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Murray River National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Murray River National Park is Paringa Paddocks Alternate Loop, which has a 3.3 star rating from 29 reviews. This trail is 3.3 mi long with an elevation gain of 242 ft.

What is the longest trail in Murray River National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Murray River National Park is Katarapko Creek, Eckert Creek and The Splash Paddle Route. This trail is estimated to be 24.4 mi long.

How many trails are in Murray River National Park?

There are 13 trails in Murray River National Park. These trails have an average 3.9-star rating from 104 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Murray River National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Murray River National Park has you covered. Katarapko Creek, Eckert Creek and The Splash Paddle Route boasts the most elevation gain with 3,474 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Campsite 16 to Lions Park Paddle, which will get you 2,109 ft of elevation gain.

Are there running trails available in Murray River National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 7 running trails in Murray River National Park and the most popular is Paringa Paddocks Alternate Loop with an average 3.3 star rating from 29 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Murray River National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 2 biking trails in Murray River National Park and the most popular is Paringa Paddocks Alternate Loop with an average 3.3 star rating from 29 community reviews.