Gunbower Island State Forest

Gunbower Island, near Cohuna, lies on the floodplain between the Murray and Gunbower Creek. It has a water frontage of 130 kilometres with 20,000ha of state forest covering about 80 percent of the island. Until damming, the red gum and box forests were flooded every year and today still depend on the occasional inundation.

The forests and wetlands draw fisherman, canoeists, campers and walkers. The great varieties of waterbirds are a feature. There are camping and picnic spots along the length of the Murray and Gunbower Creek. The island has a circuit walk that takes 7-8 hours. There are numerous tracks to the island from the Murray Valley Highway. Access through Cohuna (where there is a caravan park and motels), Gunbower or Koondrook.

Katarapko Canoe Trail

For paddlers with appropriate equipment and a basic skill level the Katarapko region is an interesting and safe area to explore. Never the less, in addition to the planning considerations outlined in the Canoe Guide, there are some other important issues to consider as the area is quite isolated. A map and basic mapreading skills are necessary when embarking on an extended trip into the area. It is also important to check the weather forecast.

Eckert Creek Section

The Eckert Creek Section has become narrowed by the growth of reeds due to the limited river flows and levels. As such it can be difficult to pass through this section without extensive portaging (exiting the craft and pushing / dragging through reeds). Allow extra time for trips in this sections as a simple passage may not be poss bile.

Katarapko Section

The main Katarapko Creek is usually clear from obstructions, however there are a significant number of submerged and semi-submerged logs / trees in the creek that can prove hazardous to the novice. Take care to keep a good look out for obstacles just below the surface as the ones you cant see are the ones that might tip you in! The water can be extremely cold in the cooler months so a capsize may be unpleasant!

In the summer, day time temperatures can be over 40ËšC and so adequate precautions need to be taken on those days, such as staying in the shade and minimising physical exertion during the heat of the day, drinking adequate quantities of water and wearing appropriate sun protection.

For those with limited experience or those new to the area it is useful to speak to someone with local knowledge (DEH Berri or Canoe SA) before embarking on a trip in the area. Source: Canoe SA

Murray Bridge Canoe Trail

Launching at Sturt Reseve just by the Murray Bridge Rowing Club, paddle upstream past Captain Proud, this where rail meets the river at the Murray Bridge Wharf, The rich history of Murray Bridge is waiting to be explored. Trail PDF (177kb)