Onkaparinga River Explorer
A waterway most see only from bridges — paddle the tidal estuary from the sea to historic Old Noarlunga.
- Distance
- 14 km return
- Difficulty
- Easy–Moderate
- Trail type
- Return / One-way
- From Adelaide
- 31 km south
The Onkaparinga Paddle Trail offers a chance to explore a waterway most people only ever see from the bridges which criss-cross its length. A half day's paddle takes you from the sea up to the historic township of Old Noarlunga, through tidal flats, birdlife-rich wetlands and the gorge beneath the cliffs of the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park.
About This Trail
The Onkaparinga is a tidal river, which means the direction and difficulty of paddling changes depending on when you launch. Most paddlers start at Wearing Street near the river mouth and head upstream toward Old Noarlunga, timing their departure to ride the incoming tide upriver and return on the ebb.
The full trail covers approximately 7 km one-way (14 km return), with an additional 1.6 km from Wearing Street to the actual river mouth. From Market Square Reserve the river is navigable for about 500 m upstream at high tide, and approximately 8.6 km downstream to the mouth.
For those wishing to practise moving-water skills, the river mouth with an outgoing tide is an excellent safe environment. The Onkaparinga also provides access to the Onkaparinga River National and Recreation Parks, which include a network of cycle paths and walking trails along the cliffs above.
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 Sites & Route
There are four launch points along the trail, giving flexibility to shorten or extend the paddle to match your group's ability and the tide.
| Site | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wearing Street | Parking, toilets, Canoe Club adjacent. 1.6 km to the river mouth. | |
| Jubilee Park | Public boat ramp on the opposite bank. More parking available. | |
| River Road Park | Limited parking. Approx. 2 km upstream to Old Noarlunga. ~5.6 km to the mouth one-way. The river becomes unnavigable approx. 1 km after passing under the Main South Road bridge. | |
| Market Square Reserve | Can be muddy at low tide. Picnic tables, BBQ, shady trees. |
Route Description
- Upstream (sea to Old Noarlunga): Launch from Wearing Street or Jubilee Park. Time on an incoming tide — approximately 7 km, 2–3 hours each way.
- Downstream (Old Noarlunga to sea): Launch from Market Square Reserve. 8.6 km to the mouth one-way on an outgoing tide.
- Short option — River Road Park: 2 km upstream to Old Noarlunga or 5.6 km downstream to the mouth. Upstream, the river becomes unnavigable approx. 1 km after passing under the Main South Road bridge.
Points of Interest
- 1 Access to Onkaparinga River Recreation Park — walking and cycle trails along the cliffs above the gorge.
- 2 Encounter Marine Park — sanctuary zone protecting the Noarlunga Reef and river wetlands. No fishing; recreational paddling welcome.
- 3 The Onkaparinga Canoe Club clubrooms are adjacent to the Wearing Street car park.
- 4 Market Square Reserve, Old Noarlunga — first settled in 1840. Picnic tables, BBQ shelter and shady trees at the launch site.
- 5 Noarlunga Wetlands Trail found at the River Road launch point
Wildlife & Environment
The Onkaparinga estuary supports outstanding birdlife — herons, egrets, ibis, sandpipers, cormorants, pelicans and the occasional osprey work the mudflats and channels. The bankside vegetation shifts from open tidal flats near the mouth through paperbark-lined channels to the dramatic sandstone gorge near Old Noarlunga.
The Encounter Marine Park sanctuary zone overlaps the lower estuary near Port Noarlunga. Within the zone all animals and plants are protected; recreational paddling is welcome.
