Murray River Waterbird Breeding Colonies
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September – November
SA
When the Murray runs high, the river's large river red gums and river coobah bushes become alive with colonial waterbird breeding, including royal spoonbills, nankeen night herons, little pied cormorants, and sacred ibis all nesting simultaneously in the same trees above the floodplain. The noise, movement, and scale of a large mixed-species colony is extraordinary. The Riverland stretch between Renmark and Waikerie, and the lower Murray between Mannum and the lakes, are the most productive areas. This event is only partially predictable and depends on upstream river flows. It can be spectacular or entirely absent in drought years. A houseboat trip through the Riverland in spring is the ideal way to explore.
The Riverland stretch between Waikerie and Renmark (sealed Sturt Hwy, 200–300 km from Adelaide) is the most productive corridor. The Ral Ral Creek area near Renmark and Lyrup Flats Conservation Park (boat access from Berri or Renmark) have hosted significant colonies. A houseboat or canoe is the ideal way to explore; houseboat hire available from Renmark, Berri, and Waikerie.
What affects timing
Breeding success is strongly linked to river flow. High-flow years following good Queensland and NSW rains stimulate significant breeding events. In low-flow years, colonial breeding is greatly reduced or absent. Monitor the Murray-Darling Basin Authority flow forecasts.
Nesting colonies are highly sensitive to disturbance - never approach active nesting trees by boat or on foot. Observe from a distance using binoculars. Mosquitoes are abundant along the river in spring and summer (repellent is suggested!).
Riverland & Murraylands
Interactive map coming soon
