5 activities you can now enjoy at South Australia’s Myponga Reservoir Reserve

11 May 2021
2 min read

If you’re looking for a new space to connect with nature, try Myponga Reservoir Reserve. Here’s what’s on offer.

Did you know that many of South Australia’s reservoir reserves are open to the public for recreational activities?

While these sites are home to much of our state’s water supply, including our drinking water, they’re also pretty as a picture, and those wide open surrounds are just what nature-lovers are dying to explore.

In the past few years, nine reservoir reserves have opened their gates for the community to enjoy. There’s Hope Valley Reservoir Reserve in Adelaide’s north-eastern suburbs, Barossa, South Para and Warren Reservoirs in the southern Barossa Valley, and a number of others around the state.

Myponga Reservoir Reserve is about an hour’s drive from Adelaide, on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

It’s been open to the public since April 2019, but it’s now better than ever with even more opportunities for recreation.

Here’s what you can do when you’re there:

1. Walking and running

Myponga Reservoir Reserve has an extensive trail network, perfect for walking and running.

There are 6 km of unsealed tracks on the south-eastern side of the reservoir, and most are suitable for wheelchairs and prams. You’ll have to leave the pooch at home though.

2. Cycling

If bike rides are more your thing, go for it. The reserve’s trails are shared-use, which means they can be accessed by cyclists as well as visitors who are on-foot.

3. Fishing

Myponga Reservoir has 250 hectares of water, brimming with fish like Murray cod, silver perch and golden perch, as well as the common redfin.

As well as the native species that were stocked here in early 2020, trout will be stocked here in the winter, making it a drawcard for fishers from miles around.

Fishing is permitted from the shoreline or in kayaks, but you need a fishing permit. Head to the Reservoirs SA website to purchase one.

4. Kayaking and canoeing

A recent upgrade of the reservoir’s water treatment plant has seen state-of-the-art ultraviolet disinfection capabilities installed, which has paved the way for on-water access for visitors without compromising the quality of the water.

This means that visitors can enjoy kayaking and canoeing. There’s a launch pontoon located via Eatts Street, giving visitors easy access to the water.

5. Picnicking

Take a moment to enjoy the serenity. There are many picnic settings dotted around the reservoir, with views over the water and the serene forests.

More information about recreational access at South Australia’s reservoir reserves, including conditions of entry, can be found on theReservoirs SA website.