Backwater and Winter morning - Loch Luna Game Reserve

Loch Luna Game Reserve is one of my favourite places.  It is in South Australia's Riverland, not far from the township of Barmera.  It is surrounded by a maze of wetlands and sits between the River Murray itself and Lake Bonney.  Chambers Creek flows from the Murray into these wetlands before finding it's way into the lake.

It is an ideal camping spot and consists of numerous sites set well part.  There is ample shade from the gum trees and it is a very peaceful spot.  There are no facilities at all, although Barmera is only a few minutes away if you need anything.

The entrance to the reserve is near Nappers Bridge on the western side of Lake Bonney, about 10 kilometres from Barmera.  (Barmera is about 210 kilometres from Adelaide).  There is no entrance fee, but at the time of writing, it costs $6 a night to camp, which is paid at the self-registration station not far from the entrance to the park.  Next to this station, the road splits.  Going right will take you to campsites 1-5 and going left will take you to numbers 6-10.  The road is rough in places due to corrugations, but a 2WD will get you there. 

A word of warning here.  After rain, the roads that lead to the sites (you'll recognise them - they are that grey clay type stuff) become very slippery and boggy.  It is almost impossible to keep the car on the road, so avoid it if there has been rain (even in a 4WD). 

Excellent fishing for big carp is available at number 5.  Fish can also be caught at sites 8, 9 and 10.  However, access to the water can change due to the water levels and riverside vegetation.  Sites 8 and 9 are probably the best.  There is plenty of room at both and they are well shaded. All sites do provide some form of shade though.

There is plenty of room for caravans and camper trailers at all of the sites.

Camp fires are allowed except during Fire Danger Season - 1st of November until 30th of April.  You must bring your own firewood.

If you are into canoeing or kayaking, then Loch Luna would have to be paradise.  It is a large area of calm, quiet backwaters with numerous creeks and islands.  It is well known for it's canoeing and a "canoe trail" can be followed to take advantage of the area.

It is a game reserve, but hunting is only rarely allowed.  A phone call to the Department of Environment and Heritage (see River Murray home page) will reveal any hunting days scheduled for the year, so you can avoid going on that day (unless you want to shoot ducks of course).

Bird lovers and photographers will find plenty to keep themselves amused.  As well as the usual species like pelicans, cormorants, darters and ducks, less common birds such as kites, woodswallows, spoonbills and wrens can be seen.  Photographers have the oppurtunity to take some memorable shots, especially at sunrise and sunset.  The numerous dead trees make great subjects.

Kangaroos are numerous within this reserve, along with snakes and lizards. 

Swimming is not recommended here due to the shallow water.  The bottom of the lagoons are strewn with dead branches and it is impossible to see even a couple of inches below the surface.

Spring and Autumn are the best months due to the moderate temperatures,  Winter is also quite pleasant, although cold at night.  During the day during Summer, the flies will drive you mad.  At night, just when the flies have knocked off for the day, the mosquitoes make an appearance.  Some of these are 6 inches between the eyes, so be warned.

A brilliant spot.  Ideal if you need to unwind.