Morphett St Bridge to Torrens Weir

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In an earlier review I looked at the walk from the Torrens Weir to the Morphett Street bridge along the northern or city side bank of the lake. This time I am reviewing my field notes and images from the southern aspect or North Adelaide side of the Torrens between the bridge and weir.



The thing about bridges, or at least, most of them, is the view they afford. Morphett Street Bridge is no exception. The pedestrian walkway not only provides wonderful vistas of the lake in both directions but also gives a tree-top view into the tall eucalypts on the northern bank.



Scanning the branches with my camera I pick up honeyeaters, Noisy Miners, Galahs and even a pair of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos scoping out a nesting hole.





From the bridge, I walk down to the bank of the lake and make my way towards the weir. Even though there is a paved walkway it is better to range along the water's edge as the wildlife is far more prolific in this reedy environment. I am not disappointed. Peering between the reeds I discover a Eurasian Coot tending a nest while a fledged chick stands on it.



The reed beds, grasses as well as a few trees and bushes along the edge of the lake are home to a remarkable variety of animal species. I tread carefully making as little noise as possible and take up a vantage point where a small opening in the foliage allows me a view of both the lake and reed beds.



A few mosquito bites later I am rewarded when a beautiful Blue Ringtail Damselfly alights on a grass blade and a Reed Warbler perches on the stem of a reed. Reed Warblers are frequently heard but very elusive and I have rarely been able to photograph them.



My final encounters are with an entirely different class of animal; reptiles. I look under some loose bark and discover a Marbled Gecko sheltering there. I have time for a couple of quick shots before the rubbery looking lizard disappears under another sheet of bark.



When I reach the café by the weir I grab a takeaway latte and a bun then sit on the steps leading down to a viewing area and riverside track. Scanning my surroundings I soon find one of the Eastern Water Skinks that are quite prolific in the area. A nice finale to a short but rewarding walk.

Additional notes
This is an easy walk which is quite suitable for families and seniors with public toilets, parking and other facilities nearby. It is dog friendly.

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