Explore by activity

Canoeing

The backwaters and creeks of the River Murray provide some of South Australia’s best canoeing opportunities. As a rule the trails don’t have discernible trail markers or defined edges – in contrast, they are marked by the extremities of the river, its creeks and waterways.

Katarapko National Park, opposite the town of Loxton, is an ideal canoeing destination for novice paddlers and families. Chambers Creek, located near Barmera and Cobdogla, as well as the waterways connecting Morgan, Blanchetown and Swan Reach provide an array of paddling experiences featuring protected, sheltered backwaters, open exposed lakes and rivers, abundant birdlife, aboriginal heritage and spectacular cliff views.

The Chowilla Creek, located near Renmark, gives canoeists the opportunity to paddle in three states (SA, VIC, and NSW) in one day. It’s set within the Bookmark Biosphere, where the lands are managed to combine both conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

The Coorong National Park also offers good canoeing. This 50,000-hectare park is a great spot for seeing birdlife and wildlife in its natural habitat, and is of national importance as an archaeological site with middens and burial sites giving evidence of Aboriginal occupation over many thousands of years.

Closer to Adelaide, the Garden Island Ships’ Graveyard and the Mangroves of the Port River system provide paddling experiences in tidal conditions with the chance to see dolphins and marine life.

Canoes and kayaks can be hired from a number of outlets – check out the Yellow Pages for details.  The education arm of Canoe SA provides courses on canoeing and kayaking for all skill levels.   In addition, there are several tour operators offering half-day excursions and extended tours. Visit www.southaustralia.com for details.

Safety tips

  • Wear suitable protective footwear
  • Carry a change of clothes
  • If the weather is likely to be cool, bring a waterproof jacket
  • Wear a broad brim hat, apply sunblock
  • Carry snacks and water (River Murray water is not suitable for consumption)
  • Paddle with a friend
  • Paddle in protected waters
  • When canoeing on the Murray or its backwaters be alert for other water-users, including the Murray Explorer, house-boats and power boats. Canoeists should also keep well clear of the weirs, both upstream and downstream and take care when manoeuvring craft around and through locks.

More information
Canoe South Australia
Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources
South Australian Tourism Commission

Found 400 Trails
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Copper Coast Rail Trail

Cycling  |  Walking
9.2km

The Rail Trail – Copper Coast is a walking and cycling trail connecting the Copper Coast towns of Kadina and Wallaroo following the old railway line. There are shelters built along the trail and interpretive historical signs. The trail is sealed for the entire length; it does cross roads which walkers and cyclists are required […]

Cycling 30 Minutes Easy
Walking 2 Hours Easy

Mawson Trail – Full Trail

Cycling  |  Walking
900km

Starting just north of Adelaide and travelling to the Outback town of Blinman in the Flinders Ranges, the Mawson Trail is the ideal option for mountain bikers wanting to travel through South Australia’ s remote rural areas. Close to nine hundred kilometres long, the trail includes little-used country roads, State forest and national park fire […]

Cycling 2.32 Weeks
Walking 3.62 Weeks

Balcanoona Creek Hike – Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park

Walking
6.0km

Balcanoona Creek Hike (2 hrs 30 mins one way, 6km) This hike meanders through the Balcanoona Range to the Weetootla Gorge and its network of hikes. The hike passes by Grindells Hut.   Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park was proclaimed in 1970. The park forms part of the traditional country of the Adnyamathanha people and is […]

Walking 2.5 Hours Intermediate

Weirs Cove Hike – Flinders Chase National Park

Walking
1.41km

Experience the park’s maritime heritage and the challenges faced to deliver supplies to this remote location. Access: this trail starts at the Cape du Couedic day visitor area, or at Weirs Cove. The park’s coastal scenery includes Admirals Arch, a beautiful natural rock arch shaped by the powerful Southern Ocean, and the sculptured granite boulders […]

Walking 21 Minutes Intermediate

The Barossa Trail – Barossa Valley

Walking  |  Cycling
40km

The Barossa Trail is a high quality sealed 40 km cycling and walking path between the Northern and Southern Barossa, linking Gawler and the Stuart O’Grady Way. The trail explores the natural beauty along the North Para River and the agricultural landscapes between the Barossa Ranges and the Adelaide Plains. Extending from Angaston to Gawler […]

Walking 2 Days Easy
Cycling 1 Day Easy
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