Duck Breeding Season, Murray Lakes

The lower Murray lakes and Coorong system support one of SA's highest concentrations of breeding waterbirds, and spring brings a surge of duck activity that makes any boat trip through the area a wildlife experience. Maned ducks (Australian wood ducks) nest in tree hollows above the waterline, with newly hatched ducklings making the extraordinary leap to the water below. Australian shelducks and Pacific black ducks raise broods in wetland margins. For families and those with children, duckling season on the Murray is a reliably charming and accessible nature experience that requires nothing more than a foreshore walk or a quiet paddle along the river edges.

Lakes Alexandrina and Albert are accessible from Meningie (Princes Hwy, 2 hr from Adelaide) and Goolwa (via the South Coast). The Tolderol Game Reserve near Milang (free day-use area with car park) provides excellent wetland access. The Goolwa Barrage walkway offers foreshore viewing with duckling sightings common in spring. Camp Coorong near Meningie is also productive.