Myponga (60 km south of Adelaide)
Paddle Time Allow 3-4 hours
Easy
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 Trail South Australia has a range of Paddling Trails to suit different abilities.
Know your ability. 
If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza PDF Map app and have interactive paddling trail maps on hand when you need them. The app uses your device’s built-in GPS to plot your real-time location within the park onto a map. The app can be used without a network connection and without roaming charges. You can also measure area and distance, plot photos, and drop Placemark pins.
Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
Closed on Christmas Day, Total Fire Ban Days and for operational activity (gates will be closed).
Link to Myponga Reservoir for more information.
The all access canoe/kayak launch pontoon is designed for all levels of ability so that people of all ages and ability can enjoy the pleasures of kayaking. This includes children, anyone with a physical disability and also older people who may find launching and entering a boat difficult.
Keep to the left when you leave the pontoon as there is a reed bed immediately in front of the launch area which should be avoided.
You will see a pine forest on the north shore of the reservoir. This area is largely private property and access is not permitted.
At about the 2.5 km mark (from entry along the canoe trail) you will see open water to your left. Paddle slightly left about 400 metres around the headland and you will see the dam wall on your RHS.
Note: There is a boom and warning buoys in front of the dam.
It is not permitted to go beyond those markers to the dam wall.
When paddling, avoid shallow areas where you may disturb native birds.
Continue paddling in an easterly direction towards South Road and explore some of the inlets in the area before returning to the launch site. The area on the eastern side of the reservoir is all public reserve land and you can land to explore.
The return trip to the launch site is an easy 4 km paddle
Do not wash your boats anywhere on this site. Take your boats and all gear home to clean.
Fishing is permitted in Myponga reservoir.
Fishing in SA Water Reservoirs
Fishing is permitted in some nominated SA Water reservoirs. Check the SA Water website for details: www.reservoirs.sa.gov.au
This includes fishing from both the shore and from a canoe or kayak.Motorised boats of any sort are prohibited.
A permit is required to fish in these reservoirs.
A three-day permit (per angler) costs – $10/$8 concession
10 day permit (per angler) – $20/$16 concession
Annual permit (per angler) – $33/$26.50 concession
Go to (www.reservoirs.sa.gov.au) to purchase a fishing permit. It is important to read all the fishing conditions, as there are some restrictions to fishing in these reservoirs.
All the reservoirs that have been designated for fishing purposes have been stocked with Murray cod (catch and release), golden perch, silver perch and rainbow trout and brown trout.
Catch limits apply see PIRSA website for details: www.pir.sa.gov.au
There are restrictions where shore-based fishing may occur, so fishing from a canoe or kayak opens up possibilities not available to shore-based anglers.
Other activities to be pursued around Myponga Reservoir:
Walking and cycling
With a range of tracks on offer, explore on foot or on two wheels through a changing landscape of native bushland and plantation forests. The 3.3km loop on the southeastern side of the reservoir takes you across open plains, through forested areas and native vegetation. The unsealed trail is suitable for walking, running, and cycling.
Local places to explore around Myponga
Head to Myponga via Carrickalinga and enjoy views of the coast from the hilltop lookouts – some of the best in South Australia.
From the coast, the drive across the Myponga Reservoir’s retaining wall and through the catchment is awe-inspiring especially when the spillway is open. There is a lookout with car parking and a picnic area with magnificent views.
Access to the Myponga Reservoir is in the centre of town. In the township, there’s a good weekend craft to investigate and a thriving produce market, general stores, and a flourishing boutique brewery.
Close by you’ll find Myponga Beach, a small seaside cove with holiday houses surrounded by coastal hills, offering spectacular coastal views. The beach offers excellent swimming and diving, as well as rock and surf fishing.
The journey back to the city across the crest of the range provides a sweeping panorama of the landscape back to the Adelaide metropolitan coastline.
Paddling Trail South Australia has a range of Paddling Trails to suit different abilities.
Know your ability
These are easy to access kayak and canoe trails through the Adelaide, Fleurieu Peninsula, Riverland, Murray River, and the Coorong.
