⚠️ Take the right branch at launch. Immediately after leaving Wallys Landing, take the branch to the right. The left branch ends at a bridge. Do not paddle upstream — the river rapidly becomes choked with reeds.
⚠️ Algal blooms possible between Point A and Point B. Keep to the middle of the waterway where it is clear. Do not paddle through a bloom or allow prolonged skin contact.
⚠️ Novices should turn back at Point B (GPS: 35.4343 S; 138.8500 E). The river widens significantly beyond here and is much more exposed to wind. Check weather before continuing toward the Murray.
Southern Fleurieu Health Service
CNR Bay Road & Harbour View Terrace, Victor Harbor SA 5211
📍 Directions →📌 GPS Waypoints
Launch
Wallys Landing
35.4076 S 138.8312 E
Point A
Backwater Lake
35.4103 S 138.8358 E
Point B
Tookayerta Junction
35.4343 S 138.8500 E
Return
Retrace to launch
35.4076 S 138.8312 E
🛥 Route Summary (from Wallys Landing)
- Launch → Right Branch: Immediately on leaving Wallys Landing, take the branch to the right. The left branch is short and ends at a bridge. Do not paddle upstream.
- ~500 m → Point A Lake (GPS: 35.4103 S; 138.8358 E): Opening on the eastern side leads into a lake — good birdlife here. Follow the lake downstream to where it re-enters the Finniss.
- Point A → Point B: Conditions may be weedy with possible algal blooms. Keep to the middle of the waterway. River gradually widens.
- Point B — Tookayerta Junction (GPS: 35.4343 S; 138.8500 E): Water clearer, river widens significantly. Novices turn back here and return upstream to Wallys Landing.
- Optional Extension: Confident paddlers only — continue 5 km downstream to the Murray River at “The Hedge.” Check weather carefully. Return the same way.
- Return: Retrace upstream to Wallys Landing. Total return distance (to Point B) approximately 8 km. Allow at least 4 hours.
⚠️ Key Cautions
- Right branch at launch: Take the right branch immediately. The left branch ends at a bridge. Upstream is rapidly choked with reeds.
- Algal blooms: Possible between Point A and Point B in summer. Keep to the middle of the waterway. Do not paddle through a bloom.
- Novices — turn back at Point B: The river widens significantly and is much more exposed beyond this point. Check weather before continuing.
- Extension caution: The optional 5 km section to the Murray is open water. Do not attempt without a settled forecast and experience in open water paddling.
- No facilities: No toilets, food or water available on the trail. Carry all supplies from the launch.
- Weather: Always check conditions before setting out. Wind can make the lower reach difficult quickly.