Onkaparinga River Recreation Park
A 250-hectare estuarine recreation park where the Onkaparinga River meets the sea - distinct from the upstream Onkaparinga River National Park, with quiet walking trails and rich birdlife.
The estuary park
Onkaparinga River Recreation Park is the smaller, lower-altitude sister to the more famous Onkaparinga River National Park. The recreation park covers the estuarine section of the Onkaparinga, downstream from Old Noarlunga, where the river broadens into salt marsh and tidal flats before reaching the sea between Port Noarlunga and Christies Beach.
What's there
A network of walking trails through the estuarine salt marsh, mangrove fringe and grassland. Bird hides for waders, ducks, swans, herons and egrets. Boat-launching access for kayakers wanting to explore the lower river. Quiet picnic areas under the gums.
How it differs from the National Park
The National Park sits upstream and protects the river gorge and clifftop sections. The Recreation Park sits downstream and protects the estuary and tidal flats. Together they cover the full course of the lower Onkaparinga - and either is a worthwhile half-day on the western Fleurieu coast.
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Image credits
- Onkaparinga River Recreation Park (sunset) by Sharleen Wang , CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons