Onkaparinga River Recreation Park

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park follows the river's estuary through Seaford Meadows, Old Noarlunga and Port Noarlunga, just beyond Seaford Heights. Dogs are allowed, but only on a lead of no more than 2 metres and only on the designated walking trails.

Leads and trails

National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia manages the park, and there are no off-lead areas inside its boundaries. Keep your dog on the marked trails rather than heading off track.

The park sits within the City of Onkaparinga, but it is the park rules that apply here.

The walk

Most tracks are unmade dirt, some of them narrow, with flatter compacted and gravel sections along the estuary and wetland trails.

The river bends slowly through the estuary, and the wetlands draw a wide mix of waterbirds.

Max: Two metres is the limit here, so leave the long line at home.

Pair it with

The Old Noarlunga Hotel is an easy dog-friendly stop, and Deep Blue Cafe in Moana suits a coffee on the way home.

When to go

The narrow dirt tracks suit sure-footed dogs best. Bring water for the dog and walk in the cooler hours in summer.