South Australia's Best Riverland Walks (That Come With a View)

Step into a landscape shaped by time and water, where ochre cliffs, wetlands and wide skies meet. These six walks showcase the unique beauty of South Australia’s Riverland, capturing its ancient character and the incredible quiet that makes it so unforgettable.

A Landscape Made for Wandering

A couple of hours east of Adelaide and the landscape shifts, starkly different from the green hills and coastal scapes of the city. The air smells of sun-warmed eucalyptus and the bright orange vistas transport you. South Australia’s Riverland region is made for slowing down; that’s one of the reasons it’s such a popular holiday destination for Adelaideans.

This is a part of the world made for wandering on foot. Wide skies and lazy river bends invite you to ditch the plan and see where the trail takes you.

Of course, as romantic as that sounds, a little guidance never hurts, especially when there’s a good path to follow. These six Riverland walks don’t just show you the Riverland, they let you feel it.

6 of South Australia’s Best Riverland Walks

1. Martin Bend Wetland Trail – Berri

Right on Berri’s doorstep, this short and accessible loop is the kind that fits anywhere into the day. Go for sunrise and catch the river under a golden palette or enjoy a mid-afternoon stroll under the sun.

The path winds through river gums and wetlands alive with birdlife, offering glimpses of the Murray through the trees. This one’s calm, simple, and best enjoyed without rushing.

• Distance: 2.8 km loop starting at Berri Marina

• Type: Easy walk/bike track with benches along the way

• Highlights: Wetlands, bird hide, and around 60 species of flora and fauna

• Good to know: Flat, accessible, and family-friendly

• The views: a bird hide is available for spotting birds across the water

2. Berri Historic Riverfront Walk – Berri

Riverland visitors staying in Berri can very easily access a scenic walk that proves you don’t need to leave town to feel close to nature.

The Berri Historic Riverfront Walk hugs the Murray’s edge, passing murals, the old wharf, and a handful of cafés that make it tempting to stop for a coffee halfway.

It’s part history and monuments, part everyday life; a reminder that the Murray River isn’t just a backdrop here, it’s the heartbeat of the town and fascinating part of local Aboriginal history.

• Distance: 1.4 km one way starting beneath the river bridge

• Type: Easy walk/bike track with benches along the way

• Highlights: Murals, Dreaming Stories and non-stop river views

• Good to know: Flat, accessible, and family-friendly

• The views:  Hugs the river the whole way

3. Wilabalangaloo Reserve – Mallee Circuit

Wild, quiet, and a little bit lesser known, Wilabalangaloo is a rugged little reserve for the walkers who like their landscapes raw. Set just outside Berri, Wilabalangaloo feels a little like a secret, and it’s likely you won’t see anyone else there.

It’s managed by the National Trust, but it feels untouched.

The track climbs through mallee scrub and sandstone outcrops, with lookouts that catch the full sweep of the river below.

• Distance: 1.7 km round trip

• Type: Easy walk through a reserve

• Highlights: Significant remnant of native Mallee vegetation

• Good to know: Flat and family-friendly

• The views:  Find a lookout with stairs by the river

4. Lion Allan Thurmer Recreational Trail – Martin Bend Reserve

To avoid any confusion, the Wetland Walking Trail at Berri was renamed the Lion Allan Thurmer Recreational Trail in 2012. And this short yet scenic trail is the best way to see rugged Murray River views from Berri.

Starting at Berri Marina, it’s an easy trail that winds past lagoons, red gums, and river views all the way to Martin Bend. Keep an eye out for pelicans and parrots, pause at the benches, and let the Riverland do its slow, peaceful thing.

• Distance: 3.4 km circuit departing from the boat ramp at the marina

• Type: Easy walk through a reserve

• Highlights: Over 60 species of wildlife have been recorded here

• Good to know: Flat and family-friendly

• The views:Combination of river views and wild vegetation

5. Katarapko Trail — Murray River National Park

For something a little more challenging and immersive, the Katarapko Trail stretches just over 10 km between Berri and Lock 4, tracing the bends of the Murray through red-gum forest and floodplain country.

It’s long enough to feel like a proper adventure, with a majestic combination of open river views, quiet backwaters, and stretches of trail where you might not see another soul for hours.

Make sure you bring water, good shoes, and plenty of time, because this one’s all about settling into the Riverland rhythm.

• Distance: 10.4 km one-way between Berri and Lock 4

• Type: Moderate and multi-use (walking, hiking, cycling) with some sections shared with road access

• Highlights: Wide river views and wildlife

• Good to know: Shade under river gums is available at many points

• The views:A section near Booky Cliffs offers elevated lookouts

6. Hart Lagoon Wetland Walk — near Waikerie

Just a short stroll from Waikerie’s riverfront, Hart Lagoon feels easy but delivers big on scenery.

The 5 km loop wraps round the edge of the lagoon before circling back between the water and the Murray, with plenty of chances to stop and spot local birdlife.

It’s a favourite with locals, and it’s part tranquil wetland, part open floodplain. Whether it’s full of water or drying out, there’s always something moving, chirping, or rustling in the reeds.

• Distance: 6.6 km circuit starting outside Waikerie

• Type: Easy to moderate

• Highlights: Interpretive signage explains the lagoon’s environmental importance

• Good to know: Access via Leonard Norman Drive

• The views: Follows a scenic wetland and lagoon system next to the Murray River

Your Base for Riverland Adventures

Stay close to the Murray River with these three Riverland accommodation options, where the water’s never far from view.

Berri Hotel

Overlooking the Murray River, Berri Hotel is a Riverland classic. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and perfectly placed for exploring the region’s vineyards, river trails, and easygoing country charm. Aside from it’s comfortable rooms, riverside restaurant and pool, you’ll also find some fantastic contemporary villas here.

Big River Golf and Country Club

Set on wide, open grounds just outside town, Big River Golf and Country Club is ideal if you like a bit of space (and a round of golf to go with it). With sweeping fairways, a laid-back vibe, and the river never far away, it’s a handy base for those who prefer their getaways outdoorsy.

Par Five Shacks

Tucked along the edge of the Big River Golf Course, the Par Five Shacks bring a touch of style to the Riverland’s wide-open charm. Each shack blends modern design with relaxed, country comfort; spacious decks, sunset views, and nothing but green fairways all around. This one’s perfect for golfers, or anyone who loves an aesthetic stay.