Finniss River Trail South Australia
A scenic trail down the Finniss River, its backwaters and return. The Finniss River flows roughly east to its mouth in the Goolwa Channel of the lower Murray River, opposite Hindmarsh Island. A relatively safe paddle for novices along the reed-protected river.
Paddle overview : Finniss River Trail
Finniss River Trail
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Murray River, Lakes and Coorong |
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Goolwa (82 km from Adelaide) – View in google map |
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8km loop trip |
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4 hours |
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Easy – moderate |
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No facilities present |
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Visit BOM for weather conditions |
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River and river backwaters |
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Available at launch site |
Trail Notes
Launch Site:
Wallys Landing, Tonkin road, Finniss GPS: 35.4076 S; 138.8312 E
Trail Points:
The trail starts at Wallys Landing Reserve at the end of Tonkin road and heads down stream to the junction with the lower Murray River opposite Hindmarsh Island.
There is no point in going up stream very far from Wallys Landing as it rapidly becomes choked with reeds.
Immediately after leaving Wallys Landing take the branch to the right (The left branch is short and ends at a bridge). About half a kilometre downstream an opening will be seen on the eastern side of the stream into a lake (Point A: GPS: 35.4103 S; 138.8358 E). There is usually plenty of bird life to be found here. The lake can be followed downstream to where it re-enters the Finniss River.
From here conditions can be weedy and algal blooms may be encountered, so keep to the middle of the waterway where it is clear. The cause of the algal blooms and the weed can at least in part be attributed to the extensive farming in this area, with large areas of bordering land under irrigation for grape and wine production.
Once you reach Point B GPS: 35.4343 S; 138.8500 E (The junction with Tookayerta Creek) the water will generally be clearer of weeds and the river widens out.
Check weather conditions before entering this more open area as the conditions – particularly the wind – may prove difficult for novices.
It is suggested that novices turn here and return to Wallys Landing via the main stream.
If the weather is fine you can paddle a further 5 km to the junction with the Murray River at “The Hedge”.
Facilities
Parking available at launch site
Points of interest
- Wineries at Finniss and in the Langhorne Creek area
why not visit a local winery after completing the paddle trail and enjoy the local food and wine.
https://southaustralia.com/travel-blog/langhorne-creek-wineries-and-cellar-doors
See the Finish River Vineyard and Salomon Estate both located in or near Finniss. - Watchalunga Nature Reserve
Watchalunga comprises approximately 92 ha of low-lying Fleurieu Peninsula swamp area on the Finniss River. It is a very important patch of remnant habitat containing highly significant South Australian biodiversity. It was acquired by the Nature Foundation SA in 2014.
Watchalunga contains habitat for the critically endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren and the waters of the nature reserve provide important aquatic habitat to support freshwater fish.
Encouragingly an early survey of the area has revealed a relatively diverse fish community with reasonably low numbers of non-native fish. Flora surveys have identified 31 indigenous species and it is hoped that with more thorough inspections more will be found.
The Nature Foundation is working to restore this critical habitat and create a sanctuary for at-risk wildlife, and in future the property will be made available to groups interested in monitoring and studying this important biodiversity.
