River Bend Heritage Trail is a 28km, grade 3 hike located in Mowantjie-Willauwar Conservation Park, South Australia. The hike should take around 8 hours to complete.
Hike overview
The River Bend Heritage Trail is a scenic 28km loop hike offering stunning views of the Murray River and a glimpse into the region's rich history. Located between Tailem Bend and Wellington in South Australia, the trail can be completed in a day for experienced hikers or broken down into sections for a more leisurely exploration.
Highlights:
- Explore the historic village of Jervois with its charming old buildings.
- Discover diverse landscapes within Mowantjie-Willauwar Conservation Park.
- Spot wildlife at Murrundi Reserve.
- Learn about the region's agricultural past at the East Wellington Pangarinda Arboretum and historic dairy farms.
The trail is designed as a loop, but you can choose to walk specific sections by strategically parking cars at designated points. For more details and heritage information, contact the Tailem Bend Visitor Information Centre.
Route and GPX file
Max elevation: 23 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 150 m
Total descent: -150 m
Tips
- Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, a hat, and wear sturdy walking shoes. Consider checking weather conditions before setting off.
- Estimated Time: 8 hours (can be split into sections)
- Facilities: Toilets and picnic areas are available at the start/end point (Tailem Bend) and Wellington.
Trail location
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Gallery
Image: Walking SA
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About the region
MowanÂtjie Willauwar ConÂserÂvaÂtion Park is locatÂed approxÂiÂmateÂly six kiloÂmeÂtres south-west of Tailem Bend and conÂserves 143 hectares of southÂern cypress pine forÂest. The forÂest is home to two nationÂalÂly threatÂened orchid species, the vulÂnerÂaÂble sandÂhill greenÂhood orchid and the endanÂgered metalÂlic sun-orchid, with the popÂuÂlaÂtion of sandÂhill greenÂhood orchids being one of the nine remainÂing in our state.
VisÂiÂtors wishÂing to escape the husÂtle can walk along the peaceÂful MurÂray Coorong Trail or RivÂer Bend HerÂitage Trail, which folÂlow the same secÂtion through the south-west and north-east corÂners of the park. This part of the trail was once the Princes HighÂway, and now meanÂders through southÂern cypress pine forÂest, mallee box woodÂland, droopÂing sheoak woodÂland and scentÂed ironÂgrass grassÂland. If you have a keen eye, you may be rewardÂed with the sightÂings of the rare striped honÂeyeater or restÂless flyÂcatchÂer. A variÂety of othÂer species have been recordÂed in the park, includÂing the white-browed babÂbler, varÂieÂgatÂed fairy-wren, yelÂlow thornÂbill and red-capped robin.
The park was named in recogÂniÂtion of the NgarÂrindÂjeri peoÂple. ​‘MowanÂtjie’ is the name for the native pine found in the area, while ​‘Willauwar’ is a plurÂal word meanÂing ​‘forÂest of species’. ThereÂfore the name ​‘MowanÂtjie Willauwar’ means ​‘Native Pine ForÂest’, which accuÂrateÂly describes the park.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.