Gluepot Reserve – Sitella Campground and Bellbird Campground

10 – 14 November 2024

We left Loxton and stopped in Waikerie to get groceries, and then drove down to the park for lunch by the river. Waikerie is a good place to stop before going on to Gluepot because of the facilities, easy parking and proximity to our final destination. After lunch we crossed the Murray River on one of the many ferries and continued on to the access road. A visit to Gluepot takes you through some private property before entering the reserve. This time, the roads were in fairly good condition and we made good time getting to the visitor centre where we checked in.

We nearly always end up adding a couple of days to our stay at Gluepot so this time we booked in for four nights at Sitella Campground. There are three campgrounds and we have stayed at all of them – each a little different but all fabulous. We found a nice spot, in the almost empty campground.

As always, Gluepot was all about the birds and Mick spent most mornings and afternoons out at one or other of the bird hides. Because of the size of the reserve and the distance to some of the bird hides and walks from Sitella we decided to spend two nights there, then move on to Bellbird for two nights. This would allow easy access to most of the best spots without too many long drives.

We moved campgrounds and set up at Bellbird, and again the campground was almost empty. The layouts of the campgrounds allow for a degree of privacy and accommodate caravans, camper trailers and tents. Most people who visit Gluepot are birders or other naturalists. It’s too far out of the way for people who are just looking for a cheap place to camp and the total ban on fires and dogs at all times also puts many off. We find this a bonus as we prefer the peace and solitude. Mick did meet a few other birders and lots of useful information was shared.

While we were at Bellbird campground we went out early one morning to the Malleefowl walk. This is an easy walk up and over vegetated sand dunes. There’s lots of good birding but we didn’t see one of these elusive megapodes this time. Last time we did the walk we did manage to catch a fleeting glimpse of one as it crossed the track, so we know they are there.

We watched a storm approach one afternoon

On our final morning we rose early and packed up to get to one of Mick’s favourite hides before the sun was too high in the sky. He wasn’t the only one with that idea, but there was still  room for him and his camera gear. While he photographed birds I made us a cuppa. Before leaving the reserve we drove back to the visitor centre where we purchased t-shirts for ourselves, with the promise we would never wear them at the same time.

From Gluepot we headed towards Adelaide on our way to Mount Compass.

Gluepot Reserve – Babbler Campground

 21 – 26 August 2023

After a couple of very pleasant and relaxing days at Lake Bonney, we set off for another one of our favourite places – Gluepot Reserve in the South Australian Riverland. We stopped in Waikerie to pick up a parcel at the Post Office and to do some more shopping. We then crossed the Murray River on the ferry and drove on to Gluepot.

Gluepot is a protected area and the largest block of intact mallee in Australia – and it is well known as a fabulous spot for birding. This would be our fourth visit. We stopped at the visitor centre to check in and also to have our lunch, then made our way to Babbler Campground. There had been reports of Scarlet-chested parrots in a location not too far from Babbler so it seemed the logical choice.

In the late afternoon one of the volunteer rangers called in and told us that we were the only ones camping in the whole reserve – there was no-one in either of the other two campgrounds. This didn’t last as over the following days a number of other campers arrived. The beauty of Gluepot is that the vast majority of visitors are birders – it’s too remote for caravanners looking for a cheap place to stay.

I went out with Mick a couple of times looking for the parrots, as well as to walk the Mallee Fowl Walk one morning. We actually did see a Mallee fowl not far off the track, but it didn’t stick around long enough to have its photo taken. We went out for a drive just on dark one night looking for Spotted nightjars but were not successful. Mick went out birding each morning and afternoon and processed photos during the middle of the day. I caught up on some reading and enjoyed relaxing and pottering around the camp.

Because there were a number of birders at the camp, much information was shared – not just about Gluepot. It was while we were there that we made up our minds that we would definitely go to another good birding spot – Mount Ive Station – even though it was a bit out of the way.

We had initially booked in for three nights but ended up staying for five. We could perhaps have stayed longer but had run out of drinking water so had to move on. Maybe next time we’ll allow a week. Even though the nights were cold – and fires are not permitted – the days were pleasantly cool and there was not a drop of rain while we were there.

Before leaving the reserve we called in to the ranger station and to check on another camper who had been having tyre trouble on his rented car, and to pay for our extra nights. We let Rob know that we would be spending about ½ hour at one of the hides before heading back to the main road so would be behind him if he needed help along the way. After the session at the hide – where we met up with another of the camper/birders we drove back towards Waikerie without seeing Rob. Knowing he had made it that far we presumed he had been able to get all the way to Waikerie where the two tyres could be fixed. I guess we will never know for sure.

Instead of returning to Waikerie we headed towards Morgan where we stopped to buy fresh bread and we discovered the local church market where I purchased a couple of books – just in the nick of time as I only had one left in my stash waiting to be read. We drove down to the riverside park to air up the tyres and have some lunch. While checking our location on WikiCamps, we discovered we were sitting near the Old Historic Morgue! It was located on the river so the deceased could be transported by steamer from outlying areas, for burial at the local cemetery.

Waikerie

 22 - 27 November 2021

After leaving Red Banks quite late we drove in to Morgan for lunch in a lovely park by the river. The sun was shining and the day was warming up considerably. From there we went on the ferry over the Murray River and on to Waikerie. We checked in to the caravan park as the temperature reached the high 20's - so different to a week ago when it was only 11's and 12's. I took the opportunity to get a load of washing done ahead of the rain that was due over the next few days.

On Tuesday we did a bit of exploring around the town and stopped for coffee in the Waikerie Bakery. We called in to the Visitor Information Centre and picked up some maps and brochures. It rained on and off for much of the day so we pottered at home for the afternoon. When the rain stoppped we drove down to the bird hide on the nearby Hart Lagoon. Later, we walked for a short way along the river but had to hurry home when an approaching storm whipped up the wind. The rain, fortunately, mostly bypassed us.

Wednesday morning was dry but very overcast so we set off after breakfast for the Clifftop Walk. This interesting and well marked walk follows the river and has lots of vantage points to take in the views. There is also lots of old machinery, relics from the early days of irrigation in the district. Interpretive signage adds to the experience. During the afternoon the rain bucketted down leaving us restricted to inside the tent. We were very pleased when it started to ease about an hour before we were scheduled to go on an evening cruise on the river.

The rain had completely stopped by the time we set off to walk down to the River Gum Cruise mooring for an evening on the water. There were only six of us, plus the captain and crew (husband and wife James and Sandra). The commentary was interesting and informative without being longwinded and the platter of local produce was delicious. To top it off we did get a lovely sunset as well.

We had more rain through the night and more forecast for Thursday. We had only intended to stay in Waikerie for three days, but added an extra one in the hope that we could get on to Gluepot once the sky cleared. With our extra day we decided on a drive - the drizzling rain made a long walk out of the question. Just out of Waikerie we stopped at Illalangi Gourmet Foods to buy some goodies for Christmas gifts then headed on for a look at Kingston-on-Murray. From there we went on the Barmera, then back past Lake Bonney.

We planned to have lunch at a popular pub - The Overland Corner Hotel - on the way home but we arrived minutes after a tour bus had disgourged its contents. We decided to give that one a miss and headed back to Waikerie. Lunch in the pub there was fabulous! I had lamb shanks and Mick had his favourite - pizza (of which there was plenty left over for dinner).

The sky looked to be clearing so we were hopeful about being able to get to Gluepot. Friday was clear so we went for another drive - this time a loop westward - across the river at Waikerie, then on to Cadell where we crossed back over the river. From there we went down to have a look at a popular camping spot - Hogwash Bend. Being a Friday it was quite crowded, but it looked like there were some very nice places where you could set up for a few days. As luck would have it we had to drive right past Caudo Winery on the way back to the main road. Unfortunately the bar had just closed but we were able to purchase a take-away bottle of sangria. Only one, as I hadn't tried it and didn't want to take any chances if it wasn't to my liking. (I discovered a few days later that it most definitely was to my liking.)

We checked the Gluepot Facebook page on Saturday morning and the status had been updated to show that the roads were open - although with some water laying around, caution would need to be excercised. We packed up, looking forward to a few days away from the crowds who had descended on the caravan park for the weekend. Back across the river again and we were on our way.