Onkaparinga River, Port Noarlunga, South Australia

© plainpicture/AWL/Marco Bottigell

River of life

Let’s leave the last days of winter behind us and head off, virtually, to the coast of South Australia where the sun is shining on Port Noarlunga. This staircase leads us down to the mouth of the mighty Onkaparinga River, an important part of the area’s ecosystem. The Onkaparinga is home to a variety of fish, as well as hundreds of native plants and animal species while the river’s estuary is also a habitat for endangered migratory birds.

And it’s a great place for us humans to visit as well, when we can. Between both Onkaparinga River Recreation Park and Onkaparinga River National Park, you can stroll along the wetland boardwalks, hike up to the cliff tops or find a cosy spot to camp for the night. If the weather is as stunning as it looks in today’s image, kayaking is also a popular choice, providing the perfect opportunity to escape into nature.