Discover the Lavender
Federation Trail from
the banks of the
Murray River at Murray
Bridge to the wine
growing area of the
Barossa at Springton
in South Australia.

Welcome to the Lavender Federation Trail, a linear walking trail of 105 kilometres through diverse countryside traversing the eastern flanks of the Mt Lofty Ranges. The trail begins at Murray Bridge and takes a serpentine course of 105 kilometres to Springton in the Barossa Valley

Distances
It is recommended that walkers refer to the detailed Lavender Federation Trail maps available from outdoor stores or local Visitor Information Centres.

Usage
Walking only. No animals permitted on the trail. Walkers must follow trail signs at all times. To deviate from the trail may mean you are trespassing on private property. Use the stiles provided over fences NOT gates which must be left as found either closed or open. Camping is not permitted along the trail.

Grade
EASY BUT SOME SECTIONS TRAVERSE
STEEP ROCKY AND UNEVEN GROUND.
The section to Mt Beevor on the eastern approach is very steep.

Description of the walk
Beginning at Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge on the banks of the Murray River, the Trail meanders past historic buildings, old riverboats undergoing restoration, past important wetland systems through to Rocky Gully Reserve on the outskirts of Murray Bridge.

This spectacular gully boasts steep rugged gorges with rocky outcrops and an abundance of
native flora and fauna. At the northern side of Rocky Gully a loop trail provides rewarding views into the gully and a panorama across Murray Bridge. Allow at least three hours for this loop walk. Keep following the main trail and you may glimpse exotic animals as you pass the Monato Zoological Park, an open range Bio Park.

Continue over grazing land and through forests to the eastern rim of the Bremner Valley. Then travel past abandoned stone farm houses, copper mines, along timeless creeks, over rock outcrops and ridges with views over the countryside.

The trail makes its way to the summit of Mt Beevor, the most spectacular view of them all. To the north, the bush clad summit of Wirra Wirra peaks and the Barossa Range break the skyline, with glimpses of the Murray River to the east. On the edge of vision in the south, Lake Alexandrina stands out against the sand hills of the Coorong National Park and the Southern Ocean while to the west, Mt Barker, Mt Lofty, Harrogate and the Bremner Valley complete the scene.

From Mt Beevor summit it’s a short walk via a spur trail to Diggers Rest north of Harrogate or continue to Tungkillo situated on the Adelaide to Mannum Road through quiet back roads, across creeks with an occasional glimpse of kangaroos. A loop trail north of Tungkillo allows a pleasant day walk or continue on the main track past spectacular rocky outcrops, open grazing country with views back to Mt Beevor and across the Murray Mallee. Gradually, glimpses of grapevines come into view as the trail reaches its current destination at Springton.

When can the
trails be walked
The trail is in the Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and
Barossa fire ban districts and is suitable for walking mainly between March and November or cooler days outside this period.

WALKING IS NOT PERMITTED ON DAYS OF TOTAL FIRE BANS

Signage Directional markers are used at regular intervals consisting of a silver and green plaque with reflective directional arrow as shown here.

How to get there
The Lavender Federation Trail commences on
the banks of the Murray River at Sturt Reserve,
Murray Bridge. Murray Bridge is located 75kms
or 50 minutes f rom Adelaide along the South
Eastern Freeway. Alternative trail access points
at various locations are shown on the detailed
maps available from outdoor stores and local
Visitor Information Centres.

Planning your walk
• Plan to walk a realistic distance taking stops
into consideration.
• Wear solid and stable footwear with a sole that grips.
• Carry an adequate supply of drinking water.
• Leave no litter. Take your rubbish home.
• Do not approach stock or animals.
• Use stiles over fences, NOT gates.
• Fires and smoking are strictly prohibited.
• The use of detailed maps of the trail is recommended
especially on more remote sections.

History of the Lavender Federation trail:
The concept of the Federation Trail came into being after a small group of walkers began to look for interesting walks in the hills to the west of Murray Bridge and found to their surprise a wealth of good walking country with high ridges, dramatic gorges, stately peaks and sweeping panoramas never before explored by walkers. Since that time the idea of developing a trail between Murray Bridge and Clare has grown. Building of the trail has been made possible with the financial and 'in-kind' assistance of State and Local Government authorities and local businesses and individuals. All track and administrative work has been performed by volunteers. A project of ‘South Australian Recreational Trails Incorporated’.