Kaurna Wetlands: The Tapa Wardlipari trail
Kaurna Wetlands is a 48-hectare hidden bushland haven of winding paths and boardwalks just across the way from Springbank Plaza Shopping Centre in Burton on Waterloo Corner Road.
With widespread tree-planting over the years, the wetlands area has been reinvigorated with a range of tree, shrub and groundcover species and developed into a variety of gentle water channels with a growing native flora and wildlife population.
The wetland includes the Tapa Wardlipari trail (‘tapa’ meaning trail and ‘wardlipari’ meaning ‘milky way’), a historically sacred area for the Kaurna people who found it to be an important resource of economic and spiritual wealth.
A short and easy 1km circuit will take you past shallow billabongs and native trees that now teem with birdlife. Up to 116 species of birds have been sighted and 21 of these are known to breed here.
The 15 minute stroll is both relaxing and educational and ideal for families who will see all manner of plants of significance to the Kaurna people. It is a mostly wheel-friendly trail meaning it can easily accommodate prams or wheelchairs.
If you’re after a bit of a run, you also have the option of the Kaurna Wetlands Loop, which is a 2.85km clay and gravel track around the wetlands that fitter folk can complete in about 20 minutes.
The impressive innovation of this wetland is that recycled wastewater from the wetlands is used to irrigate ovals and other park areas around Salisbury.
Please note that the lower ends of the walking loop may not be accessible after heavy rains.
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed (max 2m leash) between 8 am and 6:30 pm.
Toilet facilities can be found at the nearby shopping complex or community centre.
