Go with the flow
The Murray River is the town’s lifeblood and there are many ways to explore it.
Follow the Water Discovery Trail in a canoe and be serenaded by the river’s birdlife as you explore the majestic river from the vantage point of a canoe.
Discover the magic of the Murray River and its wetlands. There are many places to stop and explore along the way as you paddle past grassy reserves, the wharf precinct and pass under the iconic twin bridges.
About the trail
The Murray Bridge Water Discovery Trail takes you on a leisurely journey along the Murray River to experience its rich indigenous culture, heritage and the natural environment. There are many places to stop and explore the Murray River and wetland environments on your way.
The full trail, from Avoca Dell to Swanport Wetlands is approximately 10.3 kilometres in length one-way. Or why not try a shorter half- loop trail starting at Sturt Reserve.
Places of Interest
The Water Trail enables you to discover some of the fascinating river, history, flora and fauna of Murray Bridge.
The Bridges
The first bridge here was opened in 1879. This massive structure was initially only used for road transport but trains also crossed it from 1886 when the railway line from Adelaide was extended to Melbourne. The second bridge was built in 1923 just for trains. The bridges are such an important link between Adelaide and Melbourne that they were guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week during World War II.
You can see the 1956 flood line marker on the rail bridge.
The Round House
Up on the hill to the west, this unique, hexagonal-shaped residence built between 1873 and 1876, was pivotal to the early development of Murray Bridge. It was exceptionally grand for the time when most people were living in small pug-and-pine cottages. Built for Henry Parker, the superintendent overseeing the construction of the first bridge to span the Murray River, the Round House has also served as the town’s first school, post office, church, and council chambers.
Long Island
The Ngarrindjeri Creation myth tells of Murrundi, landforms, laws and animals by the spiritual ancestor, Ngurunderi. One day, whilst fishing from his bark canoe (Yuke), Ngurunderi saw a giant Murray cod, Pondi. Murrundi was only a small stream at the time, but as Pondi went ploughing through the landscape, it widened the creek to form the deep channel that we know today. At Murray Bridge, Ngurunderi threw a spear at Pondi and missed. The spear became Long Island (Lentelin).
Wharf precinct
In the 1840s and 1850s roads were poor and frequently impassable in winter, so river transport was much more practical. The Mobilong wharf was constructed in 1886 and was 302 feet (92 metres) long.
The wharf became a busy place especially after the rail line was installed. The four small cranes were in demand when boats were loading and unloading supplies for communities along the river.
One of the original cranes remains.
Riverside cliffs
Upstream from Thiele Reserve are majestic cliffs demonstrating the sedimentary layering over thousands of years. The sensational, tall golden limestone cliffs are truly amazing. This area of the Murray has been frequently inundated by the sea, fossil shells and other evidence of its marine past can be easily found amongst its strata.
Mobilong Pump Station
The Murray Bridge to Onkaparinga (MBO) Pipeline was the second pipeline built to supply drinking water to Adelaide following the Mannum to Adelaide pipeline which was completed in 1955. The MBO pipeline was completed in 1973 an is 48.6 km long, 23 km of which is underground. SA Water maintain the pipeline and associated pumping stations. The pipeline goes to the Onkaparinga River which carries the water to the Mount Bold Reservoir and the Summit Water Treatment Plant.
Launching Sites
You can access the river at many riverside reserves within the Murray Bridge region. Many of these reserves have carparking, toilets, playgrounds and picnic facilities for you to enjoy.
Centrally located Sturt Reserve has sandy beaches and gentle banks. From there, you can paddle upstream towards the iconic twin bridges and on to the Riverglades Wetlands.
Keep Safe
- Wear an approved personal floatation device (PFD) such as a lifejacket
- Be sun safe: wear a hat, long sleeves and sunscreen
- Take plenty of fresh water
- Take any rubbish home with you
- Secure your belongings so they do not fall into the water
- Plan your trip well and ensure you notify a responsible person of your trip intentions.
Report problems on the river to Murray Watch (08) 8531 0710