Murray River National Park Park

Website: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/murray-river-national-park

Hours: Open daily

Admission: Free entry; fees apply for camping/reservations

Murray River National Park is a protected linear series of reserves along the Murray River in South Australia that conserve floodplain, wetland and riverine woodland ecosystems. The park protects stands of river red gum and associated habitats that are important for waterbirds and aquatic life.

Recreation within the park focuses on low-impact river activities such as boating, fishing, birdwatching and camp-based stays at designated sites. Many of the park’s access points are riverfront boat ramps and small campgrounds rather than large developed facilities.

The reserves were created to manage and protect remnant riverine vegetation and wetland systems along stretches of the Murray, with management aimed at balancing conservation with recreational river use.

The park extends along stretches of the Murray River in South Australia and is accessed from towns and river communities in the Murraylands and Riverland regions; it protects linear corridors of riverfront habitat rather than a single contiguous block.

• Habitat preserved: The park protects river red gum floodplain, wetland and riverine woodland habitats and provides numerous informal camping and boat-access sites along the river.
• Visitor activities: Popular activities include birdwatching, boating and riverside camping; facilities vary by reserve so visitors should check individual access points before arrival.

Murray River National Park is in the Riverland region of South Australia and is best reached by car. From Adelaide take the Sturt Highway (A20) east into the Riverland (the drive to the Renmark/Berri area is roughly 250-270 km, about 3-3.5 hours), then follow local roads toward the specific park section you plan to visit (the park comprises several riverfront reserves accessed from nearby Riverland towns). Consult local maps for the exact park entry points and road conditions.

• Book campsites, boat ramps and any site permits through the South Australian Parks (Parks SA) website well ahead of summer and long weekends - popular riverfront sites fill fast.
• Use a boat or kayak to access the riverine wetlands and birding pockets; many of the best wildlife spots are easier to reach from the water than from the main road.
• Visit in shoulder seasons (autumn or spring) to avoid peak summer heat and holiday crowds, and check Parks SA alerts for river levels and fire restrictions before you travel.