Onkaparinga River Recreation Park

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park is a beautiful protected area in South Australia, located in the suburbs of Noarlunga Downs, Port Noarlunga South, and Seaford Meadows.

Established in 1985, the park covers the estuary of the Onkaparinga River and spans between Main South Road and Commercial and Saltfleet Roads.

The park offers various recreational activities such as walking, canoeing, kayaking, recreational fishing, and picnics. There are walking tracks on both sides of the river, including the Wetlands Walk and the Pringle Farm Walk. Canoeing and kayaking are popular in the waters of the Onkaparinga River, and recreational fishing is allowed. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. The park also has parking areas, toilets, and a picnic ground. The Old Noarlunga Airfield, located in the park, provides an opportunity to witness vintage and model aircraft in action.

The land for the recreation park was purchased between 1973 and 1977 with the aim of providing open space for recreational activities, preserving the natural landscape, and acting as a buffer zone between urban and rural areas. The majority of the land was transferred to the Department for Environment and Heritage in 1982, and the recreation park was established in 1985.

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park is part of the Port Noarlunga Reef Aquatic Reserve and the Encounter Marine Park. The Onkaparinga River within the park is included in these protected areas, where only line fishing and hand net fishing for bait shrimp are permitted.

Whether you enjoy walking tracks or water-based activities, a visit to Onkaparinga River Recreation Park will be a memorable experience