by Cecelia Hopkins (
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Cecelia's articles are illustrated by Allan who enjoys photography. Cecelia is also the author of: "Silver Springtime", "All for Love", "Mystic Evermore" and the new release: "Faith and Love". https://creativearts2009-picturefiles.blogspot.com/
Heron's Bend Reserve is a 17-hectare nature reserve situated along the Murray River at Overland Corner. It is located by following a turn off from Old Coach Road, just off the Goyder Highway.
View of the Murray, Heron's Bend - Photo by Allan
There is an attractive picnic area opposite historic limestone cliffs showing lines of erosion over the years. A walking trail leads around the edge of the river and also up from the river to the historic Overland Hotel.
Camping appears to be allowed in designated parking spaces along the river bank and houseboat mooring spots are available. Visitors are required to care for the environment by sticking to the designated tracks, refraining from littering and placing rubbish in bins provided, keeping dogs on leashes and not taking wood for fires. Guns are also prohibited and I am sure fire safety regulations ought to be respected.
Fishing is allowed using a hand-rod and certain specified nets. Limits apply to Congolli, Golden Perch, Murray Cod (certain seasons), Trout and male Yabbies. Female Yabbies' with eggs, Freshwater Catfish, Silver Perch and Murray River Crayfish are protected.
Camping spaces - Photo by Allan
Heron's Bend Reserve appears perfect for a long weekend visit or camping trip. It also appears to be a beautiful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get closer to nature. It might make for a romantic weekend get-away or even honeymoon!
House-boat mooring - Photo by Allan
If you are camping at Heron's Bend Reserve on a moon-lit night, keep one ear open for the ghost of "Captain Moonlight" (Andrew George Scott) who was a bank robber. He was wanted in NSW and Victoria and used Overland Corner as a retreat. Legend has it that he rode into the hotel on his horse and demanded the doors be left open so he could make a fast escape if surrounded. (Se
www.murrayriver.com.au/overland-corner)
Overland Corner - Photo by Allan
If camping and hiking around the reserve makes you thirsty, you can drop into the historic hotel which is still open for business. Bookings are required for meals.
Historic Overland Hotel, garden entrance - Photo by Allan
