⚠️ No mobile reception in Chowilla. Telstra blue-tick coverage is unreliable throughout this area. Carry a PLB or satellite communicator. Lodge a Trip Intention Form with National Parks SA before departing. Campsites must be booked in advance at
parks.sa.gov.au.
⚠️ The Shute — experienced paddlers only. The Shute is a fast-flowing, narrow 150 m creek at the trail entry. Risk of being forced against fallen trees. Reconnoitre on foot first. Portage alternative available upstream at Point W (adds 2.2 km + 75 m portage).
Renmark Paringa District Hospital
Ral Ral Avenue, Renmark SA 5341
📍 Directions →Border Cliffs Campground Canoe Launch
GPS: 33.9727 S; 140.9575 E. Via Murtho Road from Paringa. Boat ramp also at Border Cliffs.
📍 Directions to launch →📌 GPS Waypoints
Launch
Border Cliffs Launch
33.9727 S 140.9575 E
Point W
Portage Point
33.9828 S 140.9686 E
Point H
Salt Creek Jct
33.9711 S 140.9683 E
Point J
Punkah Creek Entry
33.9636 S 141.0016 E
Point K
Littra Campground
33.9427 S 140.9961 E
Point F
Slaney Creek Jct
33.9410 S 140.9326 E
Point G
Return Junction
33.9555 S 140.9531 E
🛥 Route Summary (Anti-clockwise)
- Launch → The Shute (downstream, ~150 m fast water): Paddle downstream from Border Cliffs to Suders Creek. Enter the Shute on the right-hand side. Fast-flowing, narrow, 150 m — experienced paddlers only. Risk of falling trees. Reconnoitre on foot first.
- Portage Alternative: Paddle upstream ~1.5 km to Point W (GPS: 33.9828 S; 140.9686 E). Watch for "portage" sign nailed to tree, just before the 638 km marker. Portage 75 m into Hypurna Creek. Adds approx. 2.2 km + 75 m portage.
- Hypurna Creek → Point H — Salt Creek Junction (~200 m): From Shute, turn left into Hypurna Creek. Continue 200 m to Salt Creek junction at Point H (GPS: 33.9711 S; 140.9683 E). Veer right into Salt Creek.
- Salt Creek → Point J — Punkah Creek Entry (~4 km + 750 m): Follow Salt Creek. Two left branches of Punkah Creek appear — first ~4 km, then again 750 m later at Point J (GPS: 33.9636 S; 141.0016 E). Turn left into either branch, head north.
- Punkah Creek → Point K (~3 km north): Paddle north ~3 km through Punkah Creek to Point K (GPS: 33.9427 S; 140.9961 E). Littra campground is the recommended overnight stop. Watch for narrow fast-moving section — proceed individually. Scab inspector's hut is ~500 m walk from here.
- Point K → Point F — Slaney Creek (~15 km): Continue paddling ~15 km to Slaney Creek junction at Point F (GPS: 33.9410 S; 140.9326 E).
- Point F → Point G (~3.1 km along Slaney Creek): Turn left into Slaney Creek. Travel 3.1 km to junction at Point G (GPS: 33.9555 S; 140.9531 E). Take the left-hand stream into Salt Creek. Right-hand stream has fallen trees and weir portage — avoid.
- Salt Creek → Point H (~2.9 km): Follow Salt Creek 2.9 km back to Hypurna Creek junction at Point H (GPS: 33.9717 S; 140.9680 E). Turn right into Hypurna Creek, paddle ~1.3 km to Point W.
- Point W → Murray River → Launch (portage 75 m + short paddle): Watch for rusted tin marker on right at Point W. Portage 75 m to the Murray River. Turn right — pass Border Cliffs boat ramp, then reach canoe launch.
⚠️ Key Cautions
- The Shute — experienced paddlers only: Fast-flowing, narrow 150 m creek. Risk of being forced against fallen trees. Always reconnoitre on foot before entry. Groups with less experienced paddlers should use the portage alternative at Point W.
- Narrow spot on Punkah Creek: Brief fast-moving section on Punkah Creek. Proceed individually. Take care not to be pushed into fallen trees.
- Point G — avoid right-hand stream: Fallen trees block the stream and there is a difficult portage at the weir on the right-hand fork. Take the left-hand stream into Salt Creek.
- No mobile reception: Telstra coverage is unreliable throughout Chowilla. Carry a PLB or satellite communicator. Lodge a Trip Intention Form with National Parks SA before departure.
- Camping permits required: All campsites must be booked in advance via parks.sa.gov.au. Firewood must be carried in. High river levels may cause park closure.
- Duck hunting season: Noise from hunting activities possible on designated dates March through June. Check National Parks SA website for current information.