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Wilabalangaloo Reserve
The Wilabalangaloo Reserve is located on the River Murray, near Berri in South Australia. This nature reserve helps to conserve many plants, birds, animals and insects; it also has several walking tracks.
Today, we walk along the River Link Trail and then to the lookout over the Murray River, a total distance of 1.5 kilometres. The walk's highlight is the stunning 30-metre-high ochre-coloured sandstone cliffs and the beautiful view over the Murray River from the lookout.
The Walk - 1.5 Kilometre Circuit - 45 Minutes - Moderate
The Nature Trail The trail starts near the former home of Janet Reiners, there is a small carpark, information boards and picnic tables here.
Janet Reiners was the daughter of a significant local photographer, and she donated the property to the National Trust in 1971 as a flora and fauna reserve. It was originally part of the large grazing property, Cobdogla Station. The name Wilabalangaloo is thought to be derived from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘the place of red, yellow and brown stones’, a link to the colours in the cliffs.
Walk past the homestead towards a small mud hut and then along the rocky path with stunning views over the river, down to the edge of the river.
Follow the winding path along the edge of the river until you come to the stunning sandstone cliffs, then take a moment to admire them
The Cliffs
The 3 – 6 million-year-old sandstones of the cliffs are known as the Parilla and Loxton Sands. The rich red, yellow and brown colours are produced by the oxidation of iron over the ages. These coloured cliffs give Wilabalangaloo its name.
After viewing the cliffs, we continued along to a large tree, which had the recent flood markings on it. The track then headed uphill, across the rocks and over a small bridge.
We then reached the lookout at the top of the cliffs; after climbing the spiral staircase, we enjoyed beautiful views over the River Murray. It is then a short walk back to the carpark. The Reserve is open to the public daily from dawn till dusk.
