⚠️ No camping — Landing areas within the wetland are for short day visits only. Camping by the general public is not permitted. Heavy river traffic may be present in the Murray Bridge area — paddle with care on the main channel.
Murray Bridge Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital
96 Swanport Road, Murray Bridge SA 5253
📍 Directions →📌 GPS Waypoints
Launch
Hill Road Boat Ramp
35.0482 S 139.3625 E
Point A
Wetland Entrance
35.0181 S 139.3631 E
Landmark
Dead Red Gum (entry cue)
Eastern bank of Murray
Exit
Marker 21 — Murray Re-entry
Return downstream to launch
🛥 Route Summary
- Launch → Point A (5 km upstream): Paddle upstream from Hill Road boat ramp. Watch for a large dead Red Gum on the eastern bank. Navigate toward the old farmhouse to enter Paiwalla North Wetland.
- Markers 1–12 (wetland loop): Marker 1 is on an old fence post ~100 m from the river. Marker 2 has a red buoy marking a narrow channel entrance — paddle downstream adjacent to the bank. Markers 3–12 pass through lagoons and reed beds. Optional landing/rest area inshore from Marker 12.
- Marker 14 → Sunnyside Reserve: Use the pump shed on the embankment as a guide back toward the river. Follow the bank downstream ~1 km past a large sluice gate. Marker 15 marks the entrance to Sunnyside Reserve.
- Markers 15–20 (Sunnyside lagoons): Meander downstream through a series of lagoons. Observe any park rules and restrictions in effect.
- Marker 21 → Launch (5 km downstream): Re-enter the main Murray River channel and paddle downstream to return to Hill Road boat ramp.
⚠️ Key Cautions
- River traffic: Heavy powerboat and water-ski traffic can be present on the Murray in the Murray Bridge area. Stay alert and to the edges of the main channel.
- No camping: Landing areas are for day visits only. Camping by the general public is not permitted anywhere on the trail.
- Navigation: Follow the numbered marker system carefully inside the wetland — the lagoon network can be disorienting. Carry the Avenza map offline.
- Carp exclusion screens: Screens are fitted over inlet regulators. Do not disturb or attempt to pass through these structures.
- BOM weather: Always check BOM Mypolonga before launching.