Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park - Wetlands Walk - June 19, 2010

Walk Map

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park - Wetlands Walk - June 20, 2010

 

Description

An easy walk through the Wetlands along the bank of the Onkaparinga River, not far from the river's mouth.  Trails run alongside the river with a boardwalk enabling you to walk across the wetlands.  There is an abundance of life - birds, snakes, kangaroos, insects.  Informative signs give an insight into the complex life of the wetlands.  Revegetation is continuing and there is a diverse range of grasses.  Due to the snakes, it is a walk to either avoid or be very cautious on in summer.  Many people use this and other part of the recreation park for kayaking, walking, cycling, running, model planes, photography, and simply taking in nature.

Details

Location:  Gate 31 Rivers Road, Noarlunga Downs. (45 minutes from the CBD)
Tracks:    Wetlands Walk
Grade:     Easy
Time:      1.25 hours
Length:   5.5 km
Map:       http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/pdfs/BROCHURE_ONKAPARINGA.PDF
               http://www.communitywebs.org/OnkaparingaParks/pdf_files/OnkWalks.pdf

 

My Story

This is an easy, flat walk along the Onkaparinga River and Wetlands.  I first took the trail along the river which is surrounded by reeds of many colours and sizes.  Just as I left two kayakers rowed passed on their way upstream.  We have kayaked along this river a few months ago, but without a waterproof camera.  So, when we get organised on this, I can post about our kayak trips as welI!

There are a lot of really interesting places for photography with the reeds, river, trails and also old posts which were used for something in the past and make for interesting photos! 

Onka Bridge

Variety of Wetlands grasses

Colorful grasses

Wetlands Walk 2008

The kangaroos, once again, didn't disappoint!  Of course, being only an hour from sunset when I began my walk, it was prime time for kangaroo spotting.  Only having my little camera and without much light, I didn't get any good photos, but it was fascinating watching them.  The first two I saw, seemed to be hopping along with us parallel to the track.  Amazing!  And they blended so incredibly well, that even though they were on open land, there were times when I completely lost sight of them until they moved again.  Towards the end of the walk, after Max and I passed over the wetlands boardwalk, there was all of a sudden a movement just 10 metres away from us as two kangaroos hopped off.  I counted 11 kangaroos in that group and they just stayed there watching us, watching them!!

It's been a while since I had done this walk, and I wasn't sure I could remember all the off shoot trails.  So, initially I stuck to the main track, but it didn't take long to remember it all again.  As I mapped the track on Map My Hike though, I saw more tracks in a different area of the park, so next time, it will be something new!

The park has benches along the way to sit and take in the views as well as a picnic area in a quiet, isolated part of the park.  I think we will definitely have to take advantage of that one day!

Seat and grasses

An easy and interesting walk, with lots to learn and see.  The flat paths make it suitable for all walkers.  With it's dog friendly policy and only 10 minutes away from home, it will be a regular walk from now on!

Slideshow of Photos - A Winters Day at Dusk.

 

Slideshow of Photos from Jan 12, 2008 - A Sunny Day

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