Murray River National Park -
Katarapko (Eckerts Creek Entrance)
Katarapko, a Murray River National Park,
is located in the Riverland, approximately 180 kilometres from
Adelaide. The park is opposite the town of Loxton and is four
kilometres south of Berri.
Access to this area of the park is by
crossing the floodplain via Lower Winkie Road.
Due to the terrain, the park is in three
distinct sections, which can only be accessed through their
separate entrances.
The park was formed in 1991 and includes
8,905 hectares with a rich range of habitats. 75 percent of the
area is floodplain and contains many wetlands, both permanent and
semi permanent.
Explore the waterways in a canoe, the
quiet backwaters of Katarapko and Eckerts Creek meander past
towering River Red Gums, Black Box Trees, dense Lignum and reeds.
Canoes can be launched from boat ramps and some of the
campsites.
Take a six-kilometre Mallee Drive and
notice the multi-stemmed trees, which indicate you have entered the
mallee. Sand goannas, kangaroos and parrots may be seen resting or
feeding here.
Katarapko was dedicated in 1991 as part of
the Murray River National Park. Lyrup Flats, Bulyong Island and
other adjoining islands are also included in the Murray River
National Park.
These areas have great natural and
cultural significance, conserving floodplain, wetlands and
Aboriginal and European historical sites.
The Cache
The cache container has room for the log
book, pen and small swaps.
WARNING:
It is NOT recommended that you look for this
cache in wet weather - river mud flats turn to glue and vehicles
gouge ruts into tracks making them impassable for
others.