Encounter Lakes Paddle Trail
A sheltered man-made saltwater lake at Victor Harbor — flat water, no boat traffic, and the ideal setting for beginners and families to build confidence on the water.
- Distance
- 6 km loop
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Trail type
- Loop
- From Adelaide
- 84 km south
The Encounter Lakes Paddle Trail is the most beginner-friendly trail in the Paddling Trails SA network. A 6 km loop around a sheltered man-made saltwater lake at Encounter Bay, it offers flat water, no commercial boat traffic, and easy access from CM Thorpe Reserve — making it the ideal first paddle for families, complete novices, or anyone building confidence before heading out onto open waterways.
About This Trail
Encounter Lakes is a man-made saltwater lake situated along Bartel Boulevard at Encounter Bay, a few minutes from Victor Harbor. The lake is approximately 2 km long with two public swimming beaches — one at each end — and is fully enclosed by residential housing, which provides natural shelter from prevailing winds. There is no commercial boat traffic and jet skis are not permitted, making conditions consistently calm and predictable.
The paddle trail is a full loop around the lake, launching from CM Thorpe Reserve at the northern end. The reserve has a sandy beach, lawns, toilets, and a rotunda, with a café directly across the road. Multiple public access points exist around the lake, but CM Thorpe Reserve offers the best launching conditions for canoes and kayaks.
Paddle SA is the governing body of paddle sport and recreation in South Australia. It leads and supports paddling in South Australia and encourages the safe exploration of our waterways.
Paddling Trails South Australia has a range of trails to suit different abilities. Know your ability.
🌐 paddlesa.au →Launch Site & Route
The trail launches from CM Thorpe Reserve at the northern end of the lake, accessed from the reserve car park off Bartel Boulevard. Street parking is available nearby. The reserve has a sandy beach ideal for carry-in launching, with lawns, toilets, and a rotunda on site. A café is located directly across the road.
| Site | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CM Thorpe Reserve | Bartel Boulevard, Encounter Bay. GPS: 35.5642 S; 138.6045 E. Sandy beach launch. Toilets, rotunda, lawns on site. Café across the road. Street parking available. |
Route Description
- The loop (approx. 6 km): Launch from CM Thorpe Reserve and paddle in either direction around the full perimeter of the lake. The water is flat and sheltered throughout. Multiple public access points around the shoreline allow you to take a break or exit if needed. A full loop brings you back to the launch point.
- Short paddle option: A lap of just one end of the lake and back is approximately 2 km — a good option for younger children or those wanting a shorter outing.
Wildlife & Environment
Despite being a man-made waterway in a residential setting, Encounter Lakes supports a variety of waterbirds. Pelicans, cormorants, herons, and ducks are commonly seen from the water. The lake connects to Encounter Bay, which provides an important ecological context — the broader bay is part of the Encounter Marine Park, one of South Australia’s largest marine protected areas.
Country & Heritage
Encounter Lakes sits within the traditional Country of the Ramindjeri people, a clan of the broader Ngarrindjeri nation. The Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri have maintained deep connections to the lands and waters of the Encounter Bay area for thousands of years.
Paddling Trails South Australia acknowledges the Ngarrindjeri and Ramindjeri people as the Traditional Owners of these lands and waters, and pays respect to Elders past, present and emerging.
Trail Gallery
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