Chowilla Game Reserve

Description

Chowilla Game Reserve is an easy 30 minute drive (36km) from Renmark on the mostly unsealed Old Wentworth Road. The reserve is renowned for its great stands of the majestic river red gum and the hardy black box, providing habitat for the diverse wildlife of the park.

The unique floodplain landscape of Chowilla offers access to peaceful waterways and creeks; anabranches of the Murray River which are easily explored by canoe or shallow bottomed vessel with launching facilities available. Birdlife is abundant throughout the site and there are ample walking and nature based photo opportunities.

The game reserve is an integral part of the Riverland Biosphere Reserve, comprising 18,000 hectares of floodplains and wetlands. Chowilla is an important refuge for waterbird populations. It is recognised as a Riverland Wetland of International Importance declared under the Ramsar convention, and one of the six The Living Murray icon sites in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Chowilla provides a great opportunity for secluded, creekside bush camping with over 30 accessible camp sites spread throughout the park.

The Border Cliffs section of the Chowilla Game Reserve is located on the southern side of the Murray River and is accessible via Murtho Road from Paringa. This section offers bush walking trails, camp sites, boat launching facilities and amenities.

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash (under 2 metres) and under control at all times.

**HINT – Campsites must be booked prior to arrival in the park. Mobile phone coverage is limited in the park, so make sure you book your campsite while you still have range. You can view pictures of campsites and book online before you head out to Chowilla. Also make sure you download the maps for the park from the National Parks and Wildlife Service website or through the Avena Maps app on your smart device. Avenza Maps app allows you to navigate the parks tracks and walking trails using your phones inbuilt GPS without needing phone service coverage.