Wongulla to Walker Flat Loop Trail South Australia
A loop trail starting at Wongulla boat ramp and passing through Wongulla lagoon and Manuka lagoon, then on to Walker Flat, returning to launch point.
Alternatively this paddle can commence at Walker Flat and be completed in the opposite direction.
Paddle overview : Wongulla to Walker Flat
Wongulla to Walker Flat Loop Trail
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Murray River, Lakes and Coorong |
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Walker Flat (131 km from Adelaide) – View in google map |
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Approx. 16km return |
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5 hours (allow day) |
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Moderate (see caution) |
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Toilets are located at Wongulla Boat Ramp. No facilities are provided at Durden. |
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Visit BOM for weather conditions |
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River and river backwaters |
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At campsite |
Caution
NOTE: this trail can be undertaken in either direction beginning at Wongulla Foreshore Reserve or at Walker Flat.
This trail is rated as moderate difficulty due to portages along the way.
Trail Notes
Launch sites:
There are 3 alternative launch (and exit) points provided for this paddle trail, and it can be tackled from any of these, travelling in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.
Wongulla foreshore reserve campsite. GPS: 34.7081 S; 139. 5724 E
Durden GPS: 34.7298S 139.5400E
Walker Flat GPS: 34.7546 S; 139.5688 E
Trail Points:
Access into the lagoon is at Point A about 3.5 k downstream from Wongulla. GPS 34.7289 S; 139.5458 E
Alternatively boats can be launched from the roadside at Durden adjacent to the campsite.
There is a short portage into Manuka Lagoon at Point B GPS: 34.7444 S; 139.5435 E.
The return trip is via the river.
The trip can be extended by three kilometres by paddling into Lake Bywaters. The point of entry can be seen at Point C GPS: 34.7514 S; 139.5591 E
This trail can also be commenced at Walker Flat.
However when planning your trip, bear in mind that this area can be busy with ferry activity and visitors during holiday periods. The launch facilities here are not as convenient for paddlers to access and use as they are at Wongulla and Durden.
Facilities
Camping is allowed at Durden (but no facilities here)
Full facilities at Walker flat including shops and campgrounds
Points of interest
Wongulla
With its spectacular views as you wind down into the floodplains from the unsealed Swan Reach road, it’s a delight to drive to Wongulla.Descending into the floodplain from the south you’ll encounter a spectacular Maynards Lookout near Aruma. Enjoy the drive to Wongulla along the backwaters and floodplains surrounding the town all teeming with birdlife.
Wongulla boasts many river shacks and holiday homes along with a boat ramp and picnic spot with public toilets. (from http://www.murrayriver.com.au/wongulla/)- Walker Flat
Walker Flat has great, tall, ochre-coloured cliffs and a superb lookout.
Walker Flatis one of the most spectacular spots on the river. Facilities include a boat ramp, free 24-hour ferry to cross the Murray, a general store, and various accommodation is also on offer.
Walker Flat is also a popular mooring spot for houseboats, whose passengers enjoy the iridescent sunsets over the dramatic cliffs…beautiful. (text from http://www.murrayriver.com.au/walker-flat)
Wongulla
is one of the most spectacular spots on the river. Facilities include a boat ramp, free 24-hour ferry to cross the Murray, a general store, and various accommodation is also on offer.