⚠️ Strong afternoon winds. Winds can develop significantly in the late afternoon on the open river sections (2 & 3). Plan to complete these sections in the morning. Always check weather before departing.
Dickson Reserve (northern end)
GPS: 35.2566 S; 139.4535 E. Beside the Tailem Bend Ferry, Princes Highway.
📍 Directions to launch →📌 GPS Waypoints
Launch (N)
Dickson Reserve
35.2566 S 139.4535 E
Point A
Backwater Wetland
35.2372 S 139.4265 E
S2/S3 Exit
Fred’s Landing
35.2883 S 139.4441 E
S3/S4 Exit
Wellington East
35.3191 S 139.3901 E
Final Exit (S)
Baker Reserve, Wellington
35.3192 S 139.3772 E
🛥 Route Summary (4 sections downstream)
- Section 1 — Dickson Reserve → Backwater Wetlands & return (~4.7 km, ~2 hrs): Paddle upstream from Dickson Reserve into backwater wetlands. Entry at Point A (GPS: 35.2372 S; 139.4265 E). Best birdwatching section. Return to Dickson Reserve.
- Section 2 — Dickson Reserve → Fred’s Landing (~4 km, ~1–1.5 hrs): Downstream along main river to Fred’s Landing. Good lunch stop. Toilets on site.
- Section 3 — Fred’s Landing → Wellington East (~8.5 km, ~2–2.5 hrs): Longest section. Open river — watch for afternoon winds. Arrive at Wellington East Marina.
- Section 4 — Wellington East → Wellington via backwaters (~4 km, ~1 hr): Sheltered backwaters to Baker Reserve, Wellington. Second-best birdwatching section. Toilets, boat ramp, BBQ on site.
- Total full trail: ~21 km one-way. Each section can be done independently with vehicle pickup arranged at any exit point.
⚠️ Key Cautions
- Afternoon winds: Strong winds develop on the open river sections (2 & 3) in the afternoon. Complete these sections in the morning where possible.
- Section 1 is upstream: Section 1 paddles upstream from Dickson Reserve — you will return by the same route. Do not continue past the wetland.
- Vehicle logistics: The full trail is one-way. Arrange vehicle pickup at your intended exit point before setting out.
- Weather: Always check conditions before setting out. The open river between Fred’s Landing and Wellington East is the most exposed section.
- Tailem Bend Hospital hours: Emergency 24/7 but doctor only on weekdays 9am–5pm. For after-hours emergencies go to Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.