Nurragi Conservation Reserve is a 12km, grade 3 hike located in the Regional South Australia, South Australia. The hike should take around 3 hrs to complete.
Hike overview
The Nurragi Rail Trail provides a unique opportunity to experience remnant vegetation which is indigenous to the region and is recommended for families, train enthusiasts, and groups who want a gentle 2-3 hour walk
The trail includes a mix of natural and cultural heritage features. One of the original reasons for rail trails was to create long conservation corridors, and this trail is a good example.
Following settlement of the area in the mid 1800s native vegetation was cleared for agricultural production and less than 2 per cent remains. The Nurragi rail corridor was left relatively undisturbed and through the efforts of the local community, council and SA Government, existing vegetation has been protected and revegetated with species of the original Milang scrub.
More than 300 species of native plants grow on the reserve; 67 of these are of particular conservation significance. The reserve also attracts native mammals, reptiles and birds.
The trail is only suitable for walking as there are many stiles over fences at the road crossings, it can be cycled if you are prepared for a significant challenge. The trail is flat and is easy walking, but be prepared to move through sections of vegetation.
Nurragi volunteers have established a self-guided walking trail from Sandergrove to Milang. Points of interest are marked, distance markers have been installed, and a brochure produced to guide walkers.
Lake Alexandrina at Milang is a great place for a dip, especially for the kids, because the water is only waist deep until you're past the end of the jetty. The Milang railway museum is open on Sundays and by appointment. Telephone (08) 8537 0061. They have souvenirs and serve refreshments in the carriages.
Route and GPX file
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Tips
Milang to Sandergrove in Regional South Australia
Milang approx 70km south east of Adelaide
Compacted earth
Photo credit: Rail Trails Australia. For more information and a location map please visit RailTrails Australia.
Trail location
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Getting there
Nurragi Conservation Reserve can be reached from many points including:
- The Sandergrove end via Goolwa Rd and Tucker Rd (follow Tucker Rd to the end, past the railway line)
- Next to the cemetery (off Weeroona Rd) at the Milang end
- At Punkulde or from Nurragi Rd
Gallery
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About the region
The Nurragi Conservation Reserve forms a wildlife corridor linking the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges with Lake Alexandrina.
Containing a wide variety of wild-flowers and wildlife the Reserve features a popular nature trail. The Reserve contains remnant mallee vegetation in a highly developed agricultural region. Within this region less than two percent of the native vegetation remains. There are over 300 different indigenous plant species present on the Reserve, of which over 30% are of regional significance. The Reserve forms a wildlife corridor linking the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges with Lake Alexandrina. This is very important for many bird species as it provides them with food and protective cover.
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Gear to consider

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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.