KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The safety of our trail users is our utmost priority, but ultimately it is your own responsibility to help the Murray Coorong Trail be a safe place for yourself and others. Trail users are encouraged to please read and familiarise themselves with the essential information listed below. It is each individual users responsibility to ensure their visit and experience is a safe one.
If you are concerned about the state of one of our trail sections, please turn around and report your concern.
For further information on your safety, please refer to any additional hyperlinks in the relevant section.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The individual sections of the Murray Coorong Trail vary in difficulty, surface, usability and safety. Please assess each trail section individually and never presume suitability of the trail and your needs based on the experience of a different section of the trail. All trail users should;
- Familiarise themselves with signs / symbols / classifications and the associated meanings.
- Acknowledge the locations of the trailheads featured throughout all sections of the trail and use them as a resource on your journey.
- Always carry enough water on you and ensure someone knows your approximate location along the trail.
- Please stay on the trail path as indicated by signage, we do not recommend veering off the trail. Also be mindful of the surface conditions when travelling along levee banks.
Pet Owners - if you intend to bring your pet, please check if the individual trail section is pet appropriate. Some areas may have fox baiting and weed control in action, or be deemed unsafe for animals. Please refer to the Experience The Trail page for more information and keep your eyes out for signage within the areas.
WILDLIFE
The trail is home to many species of native flora and fauna. It is asked that all trail users respect the habitat of all wildlife. For your safety and the safety of the environment, please:
- Do not feed wildlife - it can promote aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology.
- Prepare for mosquitoes - they are known to be prominent along the trail.
- Be aware of wild animals on the trail and if encountered keep your distance.
The trail may also be home to some more dangerous animals - including snakes. Please stay on the designated path, stay alert and be prepared during higher risk weather conditions that promote the activity of animals.
WEATHER AND CLOTHING
Always check the weather forecast prior to embarking on your journey along the trail. It is recommended to be aware of the weather conditions both during your journey and leading up to your visit - various weather can cause changes to the trail conditions. To best prepare, please;
- Wear appropriate enclosed walking shoes for the varying surfaces of the trail.
- We recommended always having appropriate weather clothing on (weather proof clothes, sun safe clothing, hats, sunscreen etc).
- Be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during extreme heat or rainfall.
- It is recommended to carry water and a small first aid kit on you at all times.
The trail is closed on Catastrophic fire danger days and we recommend being cautious on extreme fire danger days. Please check the CFS website for the current fire danger rating.
MOUNTAIN BIKERS
The Murray Coorong Trail is a multi-use trail with some sections able to host bike riders too. Before taking to the trail track, please ensure the relevant section trail is applicable with your bike.
Any trail users on a bike need to be mindful of other trail users and respect the trail by;
- Complying with all relevant signage.
- Control your bike within your limits.
- Planning your ride in advanced and avoiding wet, muddy conditions.
- Clean your bike before and after your ride to avoid the potential spread of weeds.
The relevant trail sections are designed for mountain bikes or sturdy touring bike use - it is not suitable for road bikes. Any bikes taken on the trail are at your own risk of damage.
PHONE COVERAGE
Phone coverage can be patchy and unreliable throughout various sections of the trail. Please be aware that remote places are likely to struggle for signal on mobile phones. For your own individual safety, we recommended ensuring someone who is not travelling with you on the trail is aware of your approximate location and expected return time.
MAP
The Avenza Map App is available for trail users to view and use on their smart phone when offline. Simply visit our Maps section of the website and download the app before you go.
If you don't have a smart phone, the map also comes as a downloadable PDF for you to print from your computer. Please visit the Experience The Trail sections for relevant information on each trail section or www.avenzamaps.com/.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands the Murray Coorong Trail is developed on. Aboriginal peoples have occupied, managed and enjoyed the waters and lands of this region for generations and continue a deep reciprocal connection. Many places across the region have significance to Aboriginal first nations.
We ask for all to please be respectful of the Land which belongs to the Ngarrindjeri, Peramangk and Ngarkat people. You can show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you and leave nothing on the trail.