Bird Watching in South Australia

The Murray and the Mallee

The Murray River winds its way through eastern South Australia and is a life-line for the state.  One of the most rewarding ways to bird watch along its length is to hire a houseboat.  Meander the waters of the river in comfort, and stop occasionally to walk along the shores.  The bird species will vary from Goolwa to Renmark, but you will always be surprised by the waterbirds and the woodland birds which reside along this mighty river.

Gluepot Reserve Brookfield and Swan Reach Conservation Parks Upper Reaches - Blanchetown to Renmark Danggali Conservation Park Billiatt and Peebinga Conservation Parks

Gluepot Reserve is a very special place in South Australia for bird watchers.  Situated around 60 kilometres north of Waikerie, Gluepot has been set aside as one of the last strongholds for a number of threatened bird species, but in particular for the preservation of the Black-eared Miner.  Birds Australia purchased the property in 1997 and it has since been included as a vital part of the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve in the Murray region.  Gluepot encompasses one of the largest areas of intact mallee in Australia, and also has some of the country's oldest unburnt mallee woodland.  There has been a great deal of work done by Birds Australia and volunteer workers to make a visit to the reserve enjoyable for lovers of nature.

Please check the official Gluepot web site for precise details on how to reach Gluepot.  On the web site you can also find a map of the park, its walking trails and camping areas.  There is an excellent visitor centre located at the old homestead area, where you can purchase Gluepot memorabilia and also pick up detailed walking trail pamphlets. 

There are three campgrounds within the park boundary which have been situated in the shade of large mallee trees.  Toilets are provided, and the sites are numbered and well laid out.  The managers have even allowed for vehicles towing camper-trailers or caravans, by providing 'drive-through' sites in each campground.  Visitors must bring their own water and supplies into the reserve, and take rubbish out with them.  Only gas fires are allowed in the camping area.

Good roads make access to all corners of the reserve easy for all types of vehicle, and the walking trails are clearly marked and well signed.  Walks start at short strolls of 600 metres to long treks through the mallee scrub.  It is advisable to visit during the cooler months of the year, since summer in the mallee region can be extremely hot.  Another feature of the park are the bird hides which have been erected in a number of strategic positions.  The hides overlook small, raised watering troughs where you may be lucky enough to see a special bird coming in for a drink.

Gluepot Visitors Centre	Mallee Country	Gluepot track
Bird Hide	Malleefowl Mound	Whistler Trail

Gluepot Reserve is a wonderful place for bird watchers.  It is unique in being the only place of its kind in Australia.. set up mainly for those of us who love to wander slowly, binoculars in hand, hunting for a glimpse of something special.

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    Billiatt and Peebinga Conservation Parks

The Mallee region in South Australia is generally in the far east of the state, roughly between Lameroo and Renmark.  There are a number of excellent parks to explore and the bird life is usually prolific.

    Other Parks along the Murray

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