Wilabalangaloo Reserve, South Australia - Coloured Cliffs and River Views on the Murray

Wander * Explore * Discover
Jun 8, 2023
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

Wilabalangaloo Reserve, South Australia - Coloured Cliffs and River Views on the Murray

Wilabalangaloo Reserve is a beautiful and lesser-known nature reserve located on the banks of the River Murray, near the Riverland town of Berri in South Australia. Protected for its natural and cultural values, the reserve helps conserve a wide variety of native plants, birds, animals and insects, while offering visitors a scenic and rewarding walking experience.

The reserve is best known for its striking ochre-coloured sandstone cliffs, which rise dramatically above the river and provide one of the most impressive viewpoints along this stretch of the Murray. With several walking tracks to explore, Wilabalangaloo is a wonderful place to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty of the Riverland.

Wilabalangaloo Reserve Walk Overview

Distance: 1.5 kilometres - Time: Approximately 45 minutes - Grade: Moderate

During our visit, we followed the River Link Trail and continued up to the lookout overlooking the Murray River. While the walk is relatively short, it packs in plenty of scenery, with river views, colourful cliffs and peaceful bushland along the way.

Beginning the Walk

The walk starts near the former home of Janet Reiners, where you’ll find a small car park, information boards and picnic tables — a great spot to pause before or after your walk.

Janet Reiners was the daughter of a prominent local photographer, and in 1971 she generously donated the property to the National Trust to be preserved as a flora and fauna reserve. The land was originally part of the much larger Cobdogla Station grazing property. The name Wilabalangaloo is believed to come from an Aboriginal word meaning “the place of red, yellow and brown stones” — a fitting description of the richly coloured cliffs you’ll encounter along the trail.

Along the River and Beneath the Cliffs

From the trailhead, the path leads past the old homestead and toward a small mud hut, before continuing along a rocky track with lovely views over the river. The trail gradually descends to the water’s edge, where you can follow the winding path alongside the Murray.

This section of the walk is peaceful and scenic, with reflections on the water and opportunities to spot birdlife along the riverbanks. Before long, the towering sandstone cliffs come into view — a highlight of the walk and a perfect place to stop and take in the colours and textures of the landscape.

The Sandstone Cliffs

The cliffs at Wilabalangaloo are made up of Parilla and Loxton Sands, formed between 3 and 6 million years ago. Over time, the oxidation of iron within the sandstone has created the vivid reds, yellows and browns that give the cliffs their striking appearance and inspired the reserve’s name. Standing at the base of the cliffs, it’s easy to appreciate the immense timescales that shaped this landscape and the powerful natural forces that continue to influence the Murray River corridor.

The Lookout

After admiring the cliffs, the track continues past a large tree marked with recent flood levels, a reminder of the river’s changing moods. From here, the trail climbs uphill across rocky ground and over a small bridge before reaching the lookout.

A short spiral staircase leads to the top of the lookout platform, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the River Murray, the cliffs below and the surrounding Riverland landscape. It’s a fantastic vantage point and well worth the final climb.

From the lookout, it’s a short and easy walk back to the car park, completing the circuit.

Visiting Wilabalangaloo Reserve

Wilabalangaloo Reserve is open daily from dawn until dusk and is a peaceful place to enjoy a short walk, photography or a quiet picnic by the river. While the trail is not long, sturdy shoes are recommended due to rocky sections, and water and sun protection are essential, especially in warmer months.

Why Wilabalangaloo Reserve Is Worth Visiting

Wilabalangaloo Reserve offers a wonderful snapshot of the Riverland’s natural beauty, combining river scenery, ancient geology and quiet bushland in a short but memorable walk. The colourful cliffs, tranquil river views and sense of history make it a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the Murray River near Berri. It’s an easy addition to a Riverland itinerary and a perfect place to pause and connect with the landscape.