Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 23m
Min elevation: 1m
Total Ascent: 150m
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.
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.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 23 m
Min elevation: 1 m
Total climbing: 150 m
Total descent: -150 m
Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Gallery
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Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Mowantjie-Willauwar Conservation Park.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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.
Find a place to stay
Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.
Closest towns to this walk: Ceduna, Koonibba, Nundroo, Penong, Streaky Bay
Let someone know
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Mowantjie-Willauwar Conservation Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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.