Walk of the Month: Casuarina Wetlands and surrounds, Murray Bridge

Graham Hallandal invites you to see the tranquil Casuarina Wetlands and the newly landscaped sections of Swanport Road in Murray Bridge.

Graham Hallandal

Apr 12, 2023 — 3 min read

Pelicans relax in the Casuarina Wetlands. Hard not to. Photo: Barry Stacey.

This month, our walk suggestion is in the south of Murray Bridge, east of Swanport Road.

Major features of the walk include views over the Murray flood plains, Unity College, an upgraded landscaped section of Swanport Road and the sights and sounds of the Casuarina Wetlands.

The walk is 4.4 kilometres, but an alternative shorter walk option of 2.2km is available.

The starting point for both walks is at the end of Sedge Court, with room for several cars to park away from house driveways.

An aerial view of the starting point for both walks. Image: Graham Hallandal/RCMB.

Head southwest along Sedge Court, along Waterlily Terrace, uphill along the footpath on the left to Ridge Road.

Turn left at Ridge Road, cross the road and continue heading south for 200 metres to Apex Park and Ridge Road Reserve.

Entrance to the park is temporarily partially blocked, but the entrance is still open at the southern end.

At this location, those undertaking the shorter walk version should continue along Ridge Road a further 80m to Virgo Road.

Walk through the park to Owl Drive, cross the road to the footpath, turn right and proceed past the main entrance of Unity College’s junior school to Virgo Road.

At this location, several new houses under construction as part of a revitalisation of the area can be seen.

Travel along Virgo Road to Swanport Road, past Unity College and their sports grounds.

Go left into Swanport Road towards the South Eastern Freeway – the wide shared bike and pedestrian pathway is part of the ongoing council upgrading of entrances into Murray Bridge.

A walking and cycling track on Swanport Road. Photo: Graham Hallandal.

The section north between Owl Drive and Rotary Jubilee Park, adjacent to Long Island Road, is currently underway.

Walk 320m to the end of the paved pathway, turn left following the track alongside the fence past Unity College for 800m to Ridge Road and turn left again.

Ridge Road, unpaved at this location, has some great spots overlooking the flooded wetlands.

Walk 500m to Virgo Road.

This is the location where those taking the shorter version of the walk re-join.

Down the slope along Virgo Road for 450m, we enter the Casuarina Wetlands.

Casuarina is a beautiful wetland with walking trails and a boardwalk with viewing platforms.

The area is well signposted with information about the area.

Seating and shelters are located throughout, and a bird viewing location with a screen has been erected for birding enthusiasts.

U3A walking group walkers pass through the wetland. Photo: Barry Stacey.

Take the inside loop as shown on the map.

The outer loop trail was closed in April 2023, with one section still under water, and was expected to remain closed for several months until the Department of Environment and Water reopens levee bank trails when safe to do so.

If you are an early riser and are in this area on a calm clear morning, the views across the flooded wetlands are spectacular and the wildlife prolific.

The wetland trail leads to Parkview Reserve, which has a playground and half-court basketball area.

Sledge Court is adjacent to the reserve and the finish of the walk.