Lower Murray Canoe Trail South Australia
This canoe paddle trail down the Murray River from Tailem Bend towards Wellington provides a number of options for exploring local backwaters. The four sections have been designed to enable you to plan a safe journey – based on skill and fitness level.
A warning is provided to canoe and kayak paddlers to expect strong winds in the late afternoon as this may affect times for each section. Check wind and weather predictions before departing.
(developed by the Coorong District Council)
Paddle overview : Lower Murray Canoe Trail
Tailem Bend to Wellington
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Murray River, Lakes and Coorong |
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Tailem Bend (97 km from Adelaide) – View in google map |
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Variable (total distance 21 km return) |
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Allow full day |
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Easy – moderate (see Caution) |
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Toilets and picnic facilities at all launch sites. |
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Visit BOM for weather conditions |
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River and river backwaters |
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At launch site Dickson Reserve and Baker Reserve (Jervois Road, Wellington) |
Caution
Always check weather and wind conditions before embarking (see Meteye)
Expect strong winds along the river especially in the afternoons. This will be an important consideration in planning what sections of the trail are undertaken, and for this reason some level of paddling experience is recommended.
Trail Notes
Launch Sites:
Boatramps at
Dickson reserve, Tailem Bend (beside the Ferry off the Princes highway) (GPS: 35.2566 S; 139.4535 E)
Fred’s Landing, Tailem Bend (pontoon) (GPS:35.2863 S; 139.4484 E)
Wellington East Boat Ramp (GPS: 35.3191 S; 139.3901 E)
Wellington Boat Ramp (GPS: 35.3192 S; 139.3772 E)
Trail Notes:
This trail has been developed and promoted by the Coorong District Council
The trail starts at Dickson Reserve (Tailem Bend).
The first loop is upstream to backwaters where there is abundant bird life. This section of the trail is approximately 4.7k return (and should be completed in around 2hours). Entry point to the wetland is Point A (GPS: 35.2372 S; 139.4265 E)
The second part of the trail is from the ferry to Fred’s Landing. Approximately 4km this should take around 1-1.5 hours. This may provide a good stopover for lunch.
The third part of the trail is from Fred’s Landing to Wellington East and approximately 8.5k (or 2-2.5 hours).
The fourth part of the trail is from Wellington East to Wellington via backwaters. This is approximately 4km in distance and 1 hour to complete.
Each part of the trail can be done independently with a pick-up arranged at one of the various exit points. This trail has been designed to cater for all ages and skill levels with the recommendation that paddlers have some level of experience. A warning about strong winds in the late afternoon should be heeded by anyone undertaking these trails (see CAUTION). However, the rewards are enormous with the opportunity to see the picturesque River Murray from a new perspective and to see and learn about the abundant birdlife, especially in the quiet backwaters.
Facilities
Dickson Reserve, Tailem Bend there is a free bbq, pontoon, picnic table, toilets, shelter
Fred’s Landing, Tailem Bend there is a picnic table and toilets
There are picnic facilities, a barbecue shelter, boat ramp, carpark and public toilets at nearby Baker Reserve (Jervois Road, Wellington)
Points of interest
Educational Signage
There is 5 educational signs to look out for along the trail, approximate locations are marked on the trail map. Make it your mission to locate all 5 signs, each providing you an insight into the river history and environment, featuring anything from the 1956 floods, river weirs and locks to native fish.
Your adventure is set to be informative, interactive and interesting!
Geocaching Opportunities
There are many geocaching opportunities throughout the trail and the region. New caches are currently being developed for the canoe trail and will have the exciting challenge of only being accessible via water! Will you be the FTF?
Bird Watching
There is an abundance of bird life along the river, particularly in the backwaters where it’s nice and sheltered. Trail routes no. 1 (Dickson Reserve to Backwaters) and no. 4 (Wellington East via Backwaters to Wellington) are both hot spots for bird watching.
Tailem Bend
Just a few suggestions for things to do in Tailem Bend……
- Old ferry ruins – Dickson Reserve
- Cosi’s Rhino – Dickson Reserve
- Old Tailem Town
- Tailem Info Station and Railway Museum – Railway Terrace
- The Bend Motorsport Park
- The Big Olive
- Coorong Art Gallery – Tailem Bend Civic Centre
- Free Bike Hire – Tailem Bend Community Centre – 8572 3513
- Have a Picnic – see list of Picnic/bbq areas
- Walking trails
- Murray Coorong Trail
- River Bend Heritage Trail
- River Rail Road Trail
- Tailem Bend Historic Rail Trail
And in Wellington and Wellington East
- Pangarinda Botanic Garden
- Wellington East Cemetery
- Mowantjie Willauwar Reserve – Dog on leash area
- Wellington Courthouse – Wellington
