The Riverland has some of the best backwaters and camping spots in South Australia ..... Kayaking/Camping is a great way to experience all that the river & wetlands have to offer!
On this no fuss, no frills expedition, you will be joined by a local guide & our own highly experienced Adventurous Women host Leonie on the journey, both of whom will provide you with plenty of support along the way. This trip is suitable for first timers or those with experience, however an adventurous spirit is required as the camping experience itself is basic, and designed to provide you with a real sense of being in nature as we paddle and camp around the Katarapko (Kat-are-ap-ko) section of the Murray River National Park, stopping each afternoon at a different riverside camp to enjoy what the local areas to offer.
* Guests will need to supply their own food but we will organise for you to meet with Leonie, your highly experienced host, a couple of weeks prior to the trip to work out the logistics and decide on food.
🚗 If you're interested in car-pooling down to Berri, join the conversation on the SA private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventurousWomenSA
● Gliding through a series of scenic wetlands and meandering creeks in the Murray River National Park
● A beautiful new campsite each day including Bookpurnong Cliffs and Katarapko Creek
● Wonderful array of native birdlife and inquisitive kangaroos
● Optional short walking trails at campsites
● Aboriginal sites
● Nature thriving from environmental water flows under the "Katfish Reach" scheme.
For those wanting to carpool or drive together you will need to meet Leonie, your AW Host in Parafield Gardens at approximately 7.30am with the aim for everyone to meet up in Berri and have lunch together around 12 noon. (If you're interested in carpooling join the conversation on the SA private Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/AdventurousWomenSA)
Exact locations will be supplied in your notes after booking.
After lunch in Berri, you'll park your vehicles in a designated parking area and be met by the lead guide who will be driving a bus with all the kayaks/equipment. You'll then be transported by bus to the launch area at Lock 4, where some of the gear will be distributed among the kayaks and the remainder transferred for us. After a short briefing we'll then begin our first paddle via Ajax Achilles Lakes to our campground opposite Bookpurnong Cliffs (approx 3.5 kms paddling).
On arrival at Bookpurnong Cliffs, we will set up camp and enjoy a little chill out time, or if wanting to stretch your legs there's an option to take a stroll on one of two walks which our lead guide will point out to you.
Afterwards we've got a beautiful little sunset paddle lined up into Gurra Gurra Creek to spot possums etc, before returning to camp for dinner & drinks. (2-3km paddling).
(Total paddling distance for the day approx 6kms)
Meals: None included
Setting off in the morning, the group will paddle north 1.5km to enter Eckert Creek, following a trail to the log crossing regulator at about 6.5kms. From there we'll either paddle south along Sawmill Creek to rejoin the Murray River, or continue on The Splash following another trail - this will be dependent upon weather conditions on the day. From either of the chosen routes we'll enter Katarapko Creek, our destination for the day.
(Total paddling distance is approximately 16km)
End of the day, we will pull up at a nice little spot near the river and set up camp for the night and have the option of walking the Kai Kai Nature Trail later in the afternoon.
Meals: None included
This morning we will pack up camp and enjoy a relaxing paddle through to Milich Landing (approximately 8 - 13kms depending our route) where the bus will be waiting to ferry us back Berri and we'll enjoy a final lunch at a location to be decided. Your AW Host Leonie will be returning to Adelaide in the afternoon and welcomes you to join her in the convoy back ... or you may just choose to spend the evening in Berri to finish out your little break away!
Please note: Our expected return time to Adelaide is approximate
Meals: None included
3 day, 2 night kayaking trip in the Katarapko section of the Murray River National Park.
One qualified Kayak Guide/Instructor
One Adventurous Women® Host
Double Touring kayaks
Dry bags - 2 or 3 each
Tents (2 to a 3 person tent or 4 to a 5 person tent)
Sleeping Mats
Gas Stove - "lunchbox" style - for 2-4 people
Cooking Utensils (inc. wash bowl & cleaning items) - for 2-4 people
Eating Utensils - one "dilly bag" each
8L "Pack Tap" Water Bag
Camping Stool
Head Torch
Dry bag with toilet paper, spade and soap - one per tent group
Transport to launch point near Berri and from finish point near Loxton (one-way trip)
Meals/Food (we will provide a suggested list of items suitable for this style of trip)
Sleeping Bag
Protective clothing (sun/rain)
- Gear List Provided on Booking
- Food - We will provide a list of suitable food/meals to help you prepare for the experience
- You can bring air beds or self-inflating mats to go on top of the sleeping mats supplied and any other not-too-bulky items for greater comfort if you like.
The Kayaks are Double Touring Kayaks, however if you would prefer to have a single kayak for the duration we can accommodate you at the additional charge of $35.00.
This is a great experience suitable for beginners through to experienced paddlers / and all fitness levels
Please Note:
Fruit and vegetables CANNOT be taken into the Riverland (even with a receipt) but they are readily available locally in Berri and the surrounding area.
This tour by it's very nature is not designed for the 5 Star Traveller. It is for the girl who has an 'adventurous spirit' and is looking for a unique and rewarding 'experience'! You need to be able to adopt a "Go With The Flow" attitude, a willingness to have a go, work as a team .... and to be 'ok' with bush camping (no showers, drop toilets or at times, no toilets)
Due to the nature of the trip, weather conditions can have a major impact on our daily activities so plans may need to be changed or adjusted depending on the challenges we face
Notice of cancellation must be in writing, with an email as an acceptable form of communication, directly to Adventurous Women with the following conditions:
If you cancel 30 days or more prior to commencement of the tour, you are eligible for a full refund of your deposit.
If you cancel 30 days or less prior to commencement of the tour, you are not eligible for a refund of your deposit.
No refund is available after departure of a tour has commenced.
