If you’re staying near Berri in the Riverland SA, be sure to ride the dirt Katarapko Trail along the Murray River south of Berri!
Katarapko Trail Ride Report
While staying in Renmark and working on our Murray River Cycling Route from Lock 5 Paringa to the Murray Mouth, we took a day to check out the awesome Katarapko Trail.
Starting at Martin’s Bend, we rode the Allan Thurmer Trail to River Jack’s on the Berri waterfront for a fortifying coffee before continuing onto the Katarapko Trail.
In view of how our day unfolded, we were glad we had had a good coffee at the start!
Feeling refreshed, we followed the boardwalk towards the Berri Bridge to pass by the artwork underneath.
A few hundred metres further and we were at the start of the Katarapko Trail.
The Katarpko Trail can be roughly divided into two sections: The first section is from the start near the Berri Bridge to the Booky Cliffs (six kilometres), while the second section is from the Booky Cliffs to the Lock 4 Day Visitor area and a little beyond (seven kilometres).
To the Booky Cliffs
The first half of the Katarapko Trail features some lovely riverside riding and some interesting bridges.
Environmental Flows
Katarapko, which is part of the Murray River National Park, provides shelter to threatened species and includes a range of habitats, with lagoons, swamps, wetlands and creeks.
Since weirs and locks were implemented on the Murray River system between 1922 and 1939, the ecological condition of Katarapko Creek has declined. This was because of altered flow regimes, obstructions to fish passage, and the introduction of pest plants and animals.
Recently, infrastructure has been put in place to allow waterflows to happen in a more natural way. This has included removing barriers and constructing fishways so that fish downstream of Lock 4 can migrate upstream through Katarapko.
When we rode the Katarapko Trail in late August 2021, it was a time of high environmental flows. This meant that it wasn’t long before we came across a flooded ford.
As we’re not locals to Berri, we were uncertain whether the surface under the water was rocky, smooth and/or slippery.
We made the mistake of thinking we could easily ride around. (The morning was very chilly and we didn’t feel like getting our feet wet!)
Six extra kilometres later, we decided it was time for a new strategy!
The next creek crossing consisted of two submerged planks, one of which seemed quite slippery. However, this time we were going through, no matter what!
Eventually, we came to the picturesque Bookpurnong (Booky) Cliffs.
After a snack break, it was time to continue on to Lock 4.
To Lock 4
While another couple of creek crossings presented challenges, the highlights of this second half of the Katarapko Trail, were the lovely wildflowers
and abundant undergrowth.
And of course, the beautiful riverside tracks continued!
Eventually, we came to Lock 4, where there is a pleasant picnic spot and public toilets.
A short way on, we rode to the end of the Katarapko Trail and emerged onto a gravel road to begin our trip back to Martin’s Bend.
Back to Berri
However, our return journey was not to be smooth! Just as we came to our intended route, a Parks Ranger arrived to close the road, due to flooding. We asked about the depth of the water, and she stated that the water would be up to our thighs…
Partially retracing our route, we made our way onto Draper Road where the corrugations were truly brutal! Nevertheless, we persevered and felt we had earned our second coffee by the time we arrived back in Berri at River Jack’s Cafe.
Summary of the Katarapko Trail
- Length: If you ride the Katarapko Trail only it’s 20 kilometres. The full loop including the Allan Thurmer Trail as shown in the map below, is 31 kilometres.
- Difficulty: Moderate due to some uneven surfaces and possible environmental flows over bridges and fords.
- Suitable for: gravel or mountain bikes.
- Surface: Gravel/dirt, except for the connector route between the Allan Thurmer Trail and the Katarapko Trail, which includes some bitumen.
- Signage: The signage for the Katarapko Trail is very good. Nevertheless, I recommend that you also take a paper map, which you can get from the Berri Visitor Information Centre. To take advantage of the full loop including the other trails, download the map below.
- Best Times: Suitable for most times of the year, but avoid hot days and days when the track could be muddy from recent rain.
- Coffee and Food: I recommend River Jacks Cafe or the Berri Hotel.
Map of the Katarapko Trail
The map below represents what I would call the ideal route, as shown to me by local Gavin McMahon in May 2021. It incorporates the Lion Allan Thurmer Trail at Martin’s Bend and returns via sections of the Ngak Indau and Rodeo Trails.
However, as described above, when we attempted to ride this route in late August, we encountered high environmental flows covering footbridges and closing roads. If the water level is high when you visit, I recommend that you wear shoes suitable for getting wet and be prepared to vary your route if necessary.
For further information about water levels, contact the Berri Visitor information Centre.
While you’re in Berri, I recommend that you also try this loop ride to Barmera.
