Birds and Wildlife
You'll find a spectacular diversity of wildlife along the Murray River.
The river environments are home to waders and waterbirds, and the drier Mallee has its own unique species. There are about 320 species in the region, and they are joined by tens of thousands of migratory wader birds and waterfowl. Each spring, these birds fly tens of thousands of kilometres from Siberia, North Asia and the Arctic Circle to South Australia's waterways.
By day, you can usually spot heron, darters and egrets feeding along the river's edges. Also look out for Yellow-billed Spoonbills, Grey Teal ducks, cormorants and pelicans.
Visit Birds Australia Gluepot Reserve near Waikerie to explore 14 walking trails. It's home to 18 nationally threatened species of bird. Another must for birdwatchers is Banrock Station Wine & Wetland Centre, with bird hides set among the carefully restored wetlands. You'll spot native water birds that are returning to nest there.
Swanport Wetlands has several hides and extensive boardwalks, Rocky Gully Wetland is just out of Murray Bridge, and the Hermann L Gass Bird Sanctuary is almost in the heart of Mannum, next to the Mannum Caravan Park.
Jolly Goodfellow's Birding or the Bookmark Guides can take you on a dinghy, walking and bird watching tours.
Visit Ngarkat Conservation Park or Karte Conservation Park and look out for birds, Western Grey Kangaroos, emus and wallabies. At night, sit tight along the riverbank for Feathertail Gliders, possums and Fat-tailed Dunnarts. Or take a tour with Big Bend By Night and spot wombats, kangaroos and other native wildlife as they come out to feed.
