The traditional home to the Erwirung people, and covering over 14,879 hectares, the Murray River National Park is Australian wilderness at its best. With the mighty Murray River at its heart, a vast network of wetlands, striking cliffs and abundant wildlife and wildflowers, this is the place to hike, bike, kayak, birdwatch, and of course, camp. Indigenous cultural sites, including graves, middens and canoe trees, exist throughout the park. The park comprises three separate areas that are intersected by towns: Katarapko (Winkie), Lyrup Flats (Lyrup) and Bulyong Island (Renmark). Designated camping areas, some with toilets, are located at all three. Hard core adventurers can opt for a rough-and-ready bush experience.
When to Go
While you can visit the park year round, autumn and spring are ideal, when the temperatures are mild (and not too hot) and the wildflowers and waters are at their best. The summer months of January and February can be extremely hot.
Know Before You Go
- Keep your eye on this website for up to date information on the status of the park relating to bushfires, floods and road and track closures.
- There are no shower facilities at the sites. Toilet facilities, where they exist, are drop toilets.
- Each area of Murray River National Park has different access points; be aware that distances are large.
- Mobile phone coverage can be extremely patchy throughout the park.
- You must take your rubbish with you on departure.
Notable Campgrounds
- Best for families: Booky Cliffs campground faces the magnificent Booky Cliffs and accommodates both small caravans, camper trailers and tents. Excellent wildlife spotting opportunities: echidnas, goannas kangaroos, and brushtail possums.
- Best for birdwatchers: The campgrounds in the Katarapko area comprises floodplains and wetlands and is the ideal place for birdwatching, especially waterbirds. Has well spaced-out sites.
- Best for canoeing: Bulyong Island is accessible by boat only and is the spot to explore the waterways above Renmark (the ramp is at Goolwa). There’s wildlife galore, too, including western grey kangaroos, emus, pelicans and kingfishers.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- All reservations must be made online at National Parks & Wildlife Service South Australia. For those unable to do so, you can book in person at a number of offices as listed on the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife.
- High season is summer holidays, when it’s best to reserve ahead.
Murray River National Park
The traditional home to the Erwirung people, and covering over 14,879 hectares, the Murray River National Park is Australian wilderness at its best. With the mighty Murray River at its heart, a vast network of wetlands, striking cliffs and abundant wildlife and wildflowers, this is the place to hike, bike, kayak, birdwatch, and of course, camp. Indigenous cultural sites,
Read more...The traditional home to the Erwirung people, and covering over 14,879 hectares, the Murray River National Park is Australian wilderness at its best. With the mighty Murray River at its heart, a vast network of wetlands, striking cliffs and abundant wildlife and wildflowers, this is the place to hike, bike, kayak, birdwatch, and of course, camp. Indigenous cultural sites, including graves, middens and canoe trees, exist throughout the park. The park comprises three separate areas that are intersected by towns: Katarapko (Winkie), Lyrup Flats (Lyrup) and Bulyong Island (Renmark). Designated camping areas, some with toilets, are located at all three. Hard core adventurers can opt for a rough-and-ready bush experience.
When to Go
While you can visit the park year round, autumn and spring are ideal, when the temperatures are mild (and not too hot) and the wildflowers and waters are at their best. The summer months of January and February can be extremely hot.
Know Before You Go
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation