The Renmark – Paringa Rail Trail features a smooth hot mix surface of adequate width. It is a popular trail, particularly at holiday times, as it provides safe access to the two main caravan parks and both towns.

The Paringa Bridge lifting span operates daily at 9:30am and 2:30pm. Ensure you position on the side you want to be on before the span lifts – it can be a long wait.

Take advantage of the coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants in Renmark and Paringa.

Toilets and picnic facilities at Bert Dix Memorial Park.

Nineteenth St to Patey Drive (2.0 km)

Access: Nineteenth St., Renmark (Search Darnley Taylor Park, 216 Renmark Ave, Renmark).

The trail starts off Nineteenth Street opposite the Renmark Plaza shopping centre. Parking is available on-street or within the shopping centre car park. There is a BMX track and also playground, picnic facilities and toilets close to the trail start in Darnley Taylor Park.

The first section to Para Street is paved and the remainder of the trail is hot mix. After crossing Para Street the trail turns to the left and then parallels Eighteenth Street/Sturt Highway. This whole area was once the railway station and freight yards, now a housing estate and Council offices. Just past the Council offices an old railway crane sits alone, the sole remnant of the station precinct.

Great care is required crossing the Sturt Highway as this is a major interstate freight route. The trail then passes behind houses on the edge of town with the highway off to the right. At 1.8km there is a ramp to the left allowing access to the riverfront trail. Immediately following are the first two of four railway bridges over swampy waterways. Another ramp just after the second bridge accesses a trail, passing under the bridge, leading to Paringa Paddock and its many MTB and walking trails.

Patey Drive crosses the trail and is the highway access point for the Renmark Riverfront Caravan Park. Near the caravan park entrance are public toilets, BBQ and picnic facilities, river access and a boat ramp, and a boardwalk across shallow water to a small island for birdwatching. The caravan park café/kiosk is accessible from Patey Drive.

Access: Search BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park, Renmark

Patey Drive to Paringa (1.9 km)

Access: Search BIG4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park, Renmark

250m beyond Patey Drive, a signposted gravel road off the far side of the highway leads to the Paringa Paddock trails. Take care crossing the highway.

There are two more railway bridges to cross before the Paringa Bridge comes into view. Approaching the western end of the bridge, cross the entrance road to the Riverbend Caravan Park and the eastbound carriageway of the highway to access the bridge’s central cycle path.

Paringa Bridge was built in 1927 as a multi-use bridge over the Murray River with vehicles sharing the central passage with the railway. Later, outrigger vehicle decks were added to either side, leaving just the railway in the centre corridor. This is now the cycle path, necessitating crossing the eastbound lane of the highway at both ends of the bridge. The lifting span is close to the Paringa end of the bridge and operates daily at 9:30am and 2:30pm. Its operation is best viewed from Bert Dix Memorial Park.

Leaving the bridge on the eastern side, cross the highway again to access the remaining trail into Paringa. Off to the left you will see a museum and also some silo art. The trail finishes on a service road close to the Paringa store and Post Office. Paringa also boasts a bakery café, the Black Stump Gallery and a hotel.

Access: Search 1/3 Murtho Rd, Paringa

Side Trails

Renmark Riverfront Trail (3.3 km)

The Renmark Riverfront Trail follows the western bank of the river from the Riverfront Caravan Park. It diverges through a housing estate briefly before returning to the river.

Opposite the historic Renmark Hotel is the Visitor Information Centre. Bike hire is available through the Information Centre, best booked in advance by phone or online. Paddle steamer Industry is moored behind the Information Centre and has regular passenger steaming days.

Continuing north, the trail drops down to river level as it passes in front of the Renmark Club before climbing back to street level before the old wharf area. The central shopping area is off to the left and boasts bakeries, cafes and other shops.

The trail continues through lush shady parks to the main irrigation pumping station.

Paringa Paddock MTB Trails

Paringa Paddock is easily accessed from the rail trail and comprises a number of walking and MTB trails. Maps can be obtained online or from the Visitor Information Centre in Renmark. Trails are a mix of single track and unsealed roads.

Lock 5 (1.7 km)

Access Lock 5 Road from the eastern end of Paringa Bridge. Bert Dix Park has BBQs, toilets and picnic facilities. Continue on the lightly trafficked road past numerous moored houseboats. Lock 5 and weir has well kept shady grounds with picnic area, BBQs and toilets. The historic barge Bunyip is displayed within the grounds and can be entered to view historical information and photographs about the barge and the locks.

Access: Search 182 Lock 5 Rd, Paringa

Old Customs House (31 km)

Access: Search 1/3 Murtho Rd, Paringa

Depart Paringa on Murtho Road, uphill initially passing the scenic lookout on the left. Murtho Road is sealed and lightly trafficked, although it does have a 100km/h speed limit. The terrain is mostly flat and passes irrigated orchards and open farmland.

12.5km from Paringa, great views are afforded by the Headings Cliffs Lookout, 1 km off to the left on a sealed road.

Access: Search Headings Cliff Lookout, 93 Heading Rd, Murtho

15km from Paringa, turn left onto Wilkinson Road to visit the Wilkadine – Woolshed Brewery, overlooking a bend in the Murray River, less than 1 km from Murtho Road.

Access: Search 65 Wilkinson Rd, Murtho

Approximately 26.5 km from Paringa, just past the intersection with Millewa Road and cattle grid, the route of the old Chowilla Dam railway crosses Murtho Road. Little evidence remains of the old line now.

Old Customs House was established in the late 1800’s to levy excise on goods being shipped into SA via the Murray River steamers. Today it is a base for houseboats and has a general store. It is also the stepping off point for the Border Cliffs Wetlands Walk.

Access: Search 3076 Murtho Rd, Murtho