Whether it’s 1, 5 or 50 kilometres – a walk in the great outdoors is good for the soul. It’s also a great chance to see more of our gorgeous region, which is why we want you to visit for a meander this autumn and winter.

With more than 20 walking, cycling and canoe trails, our region has something for everyone – even the little ones who can only muster a short distance and need some sights and refreshments along the way.

May and June are typically the perfect months to get into trail walking in South Australia. Here – amongst the Mallee, along the Coorong, around the Lower Lakes, or on the edge of the Murray River there are plenty of places to choose from. But to make it easier for you, we’ve listed a few of our favourites for this time of year.

Let’s start with some of our shorter and more scenic trails.

Although there’s not too much ‘falling’ at the moment given how dry the last two years have been. But the silver lining is that there is more to explore out at the Mannum Falls, and the kids can walk along the trails without the fear of getting wet! Here you can explore a variety of easy or more challenging trails.

• • HINT: Make sure you wear decent shoes, because there’s some climbing on step-rocks involved. A great little adventure for the kiddos.
  • STAY: For something with style, book in to a River Shack Rental. Otherwise, the Mannum Motel has more budget options.
  • EAT: Try the Pretoria Hotel right along the riverfront.
  • NEARBY: Murray Coorong Trail (note: some parts are still being repaired post-floods)

This beautiful nature trail is much loved by the local community. It has so many bends, turns and intersections that allow people to chose a new path each time they visit. Along the path you might spot some rare birds, and likely some friendly kangaroos – so keep your eyes peeled.

• HINT: A great path for kids with small natural teepees and cubbies already in place made by previous families who have walked through. Also some less challenging paths for little kiddos to enjoy.
• STAY: Take a couple of nights of luxury at the award-winning Bridgeport Hotel and rest your legs with a view of the mighty Murray River.
• EAT: Walk down to the riverfront (only 5-10 minutes from the Bridgeport) for meals at the Murray Bridge Community Club or 1924 River Steak House. Both a family-friendly and have options for different budgets and diets.
• NEARBY: Swanport Wetlands Walk and Lavender Federation Trail.

This is a short, but beautiful trail along the banks of Lake Albert. But for those want to stretch it further, you can carry on in either direction – heading north past the giant ostrich sculpture and towards the sailing club, or heading the other way along the widened Narrung road towards Noonameena. There are interpretative signs and bollards along this trail which are also a great way to learn about the environment and rich cultural heritage of the local Ngarrindjeri people.

• HINT: Make sure you grab a snap of yourself on the back of the giant ‘Birdman of the Coorong’. This iconic local sculpture promote the local fable about a bank-robber who did his best work on the back of a giant ostrich.
• STAY: The Lake Albert Caravan Park has beautiful little waterfront cabins, perfect for 1-2 nights of exploring.
• EAT: There’s plenty of cafes along the main strip of Meningie, but make sure wherever you go, you try their famous local meal – the Coorong Mullet sandwich. Nothing beats it.
• NEARBY: The Meningie Lions Walking Track is a much-loved local track, broken up into three main sections that you can do separately, or all at once. Enjoy this beautiful bushland and at the end you’ll be rewarded with 360 views of Meningie and surrounds.

This is a walk for seasoned trekkers. The park, which features a mosaic of Mallee and heath land, extends across 270,000-hectares of remnant coastal dunes. So it’ll come as no surprise to discover that walking trails vary from 20 minutes to five-hour hikes (with camping and picnics are also popular activities here). One of the really cool things about this park, is that it’s also home to challenging four-wheel drive tracks – including the demanding (and iconic) Border Track which follows the border that separates SA and Vic.

• HINT: If you go deep into the park, remember that this narrow, sandy track passes through a fragile environment and requires drivers to have a high level of four wheel drive experience. Access is restricted one-way, travelling from north to south from April to October. However, if you have the skills and interest, you’ll be rewarded as diverse wildlife inhabits the park, and birdwatchers love the 120+ bird species here.
• STAY: If you’re camping, head in prepared and visit the DEW website for info and camping fees/info. If you’re keen to do a day-walk and then stay somewhere with a roof over your head, try Motel on Becker in Tintinara, or the Pinnaroo Motel. If you want a stop en route back to Adelaide, then Rydges at The Bend is another option along the drive home.
• EAT: Definitely pack a lot of snacks, water and supplies for your trip if you’re doing a long walk or overnight camp out. But if you’re heading back to civilization after the leg stretch, then try the Tintinara pub. For anyone with a sweet tooth, definitely detour to Coonalypn’s famous Waffles and Jaffles along the main highway.
• NEARBY: If you base yourself in the Mallee for this walk, the Tauragat Hill is a great little walk in beautifully dense scrub. The hill provides a fantastic lookout over the small country town of Coonalpyn, and might be the motivation you need before heading for a syrup coated Belgian waffle.

At only 1.2km long, this isn’t a long trail by any means. BUT – the magic and beauty and walking through here on a still day can’t be underestimated. Deep in the Coorong National Park made famous by Colin Thiele’s Storm Boy book, this is a great track for young families and bird-lovers (it’s also a great spot to stop and stretch the legs on a big Princes Highway drive).

• HINT: Make sure you take your camera! At the end of the trail there is a viewing platform looking out to the Coorong’s pelican breeding islands. The breeding rookery here in the Coorong is the largest Australian Pelican breeding colony in Australia.
• STAY: If you’re camping in the Coorong National Park, then you’re already sorted, but if not, head to the award-winning eco-certified Coorong Cabins. These little beauties are the perfect stop for nature lovers and families.
• EAT: Freshies on the lake at Meningie is a local favourite, and the views are spectacular too!
• NEARBY: If you’re up for more of a challenge, then try the Ocean Beach Hike from 42 Mile Campground in the Coorong. The 3.4km return hike takes visitors across coastal sand dunes providing vast views of the Coorong and Southern Ocean.

Arguably our most famous trail in the region, and definitely the longest, the Lavender trail is a must for any keen trail walker. At a whopping 325km one way (and taking an estimated 13-15 days to walk it), this trail kicks off at Murray Bridge’s riverfront (right next to Bertha the Bunyip), and meanders through gorgeous countryside before finishing at Clare (Mid-North SA). You can take on ALL or part of this trial, and it’s even taken on the addition of a cycling trail in recent years too for those more interested in pedal power.

• • HINT: Take a look at the maps before you start and break down what sections you want to take on. The terrain, environment and difficulty are measured across each section and the spur trails, so you can work towards building up confidence/fitness over time if you want.
  • STAY: Stay the night at the Bridgeport Hotel for a night in luxury before you hit the road. Along the route, there are some great places to stop over including the Monarto Safari Park’s new resort (opening late May 2025); and the quaint little Rabbiter’s Hut bed and brekky near Tungkillo.
  • EAT: Definitely dine-in at the Bridgeport Hotel before you leave, or at the end of a loop spur. The award-winning team here are open early for breakfast and late into the night, serving up delicious fresh meals.
  • NEARBY: Everything and anything is nearby. But if you love a walk, and also want to have an incredible experience, then spend the day wandering around Monarto Safari Park trails. You’ll get a good trek in, while also seeing the magic of the safari animals up close (including the 4 new elephants now onsite).

This 31km trail has some of the best scenery in the region. Starting along the edge of the Murray River in Goolwa North, it progresses through the town’s wharf area (past some exceptional coffee shops) and all the way towards Middleton, Pt Elliott and Victor Harbor. Of course the river end is our favourite place to stroll, and it’s perfect for the kids to tag along on bikes or scooters too, stopping off at various playgrounds, cafes, bird hides and lookouts along the way.

• HINT: If you have the time (and energy) then go off course and head to the Goolwa Barrage to visit the local seals who inhabit it, or over the Hindmarsh Bridge and onwards to the marina. This is a hidden gem.
• STAY: You’re spoilt for choice in Goolwa, but a couple of our favourites at the Goolwa Motel or the newly renovated Discovery Park on the edge of town.
• EAT: There’s plenty of cafes in and around town, but our favourites along the trail at Hector’s on the Wharf, the Wharf Barrel Shed, and Bombora’s on the River. There’s also a Sunday market if you’re there on the first or third Sunday of the month.
• NEARBY: Over the bridge at Goolwa are the Hindmarsh Island lookout walking tracks, which offer a beautiful view of the township.