Myponga Reservoir Reserve is open for Easter adventure
The South Australian Government is inviting the public to run, ride or simply relax around the Myponga Reservoir this long weekend as it begins opening the gates to the natural beauty of our water catchments.
Nestled on the shoulder of the picturesque Fleurieu Peninsula 60 kilometres south of Adelaide, the Myponga Reservoir is a three-kilometre stretch of idyllic fresh-water surrounded by bushland.
Myponga Reservoir Reserve was opened last week to celebrate the new land-based recreational access as part of the South Australian Government’s commitment to boosting regions.
For the first Easter since the reserve was established in 1962, you can work-off your chocolate eggs by exploring the new trails or enjoy a picnic basket in tranquillity.
Start your morning off by running a lap through a new 5km track cut through Myponga’s beautiful bushland, with new hardly-seen water-views.
If running isn’t your thing, the track which skirts the southeast-side of the reservoir is also ideal for walkers and cyclists. The path travels through open plains, forested areas and native vegetation and is peppered with picnic tables.
Since Myponga supplies five per cent of Adelaide’s drinking water, protecting the water from potential contamination was a huge priority for SA Water. To do this they collaborated with SA Health to map-out ‘light touch’ activities that are all land-based and a safe distance from where the water is drawn.
South Australian Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs says the opening of Myponga Reservoir Reserve will drive regional tourism, encourage community wellbeing and promote environmental education on the coast.
“I can’t wait to see people hitting the tracks around Myponga to work up a sweat, or take their camera on a casual Sunday afternoon stroll to one of the lookouts,” said Minister Speirs.
More than 120 bird species live in the area, including Crescent Honeyeaters, Scarlet Robins and Grey Shrike-thrushs. You might find them in the native acacia melanoxylon trees, identified by big branches dotted with yellow budded flowers.
Top off your adventure by enjoying a craft beer at the award-winning Smiling Samoyed Brewery, which sits beside the reserve. The watering hole stocks standard IPAs and dark ales, as well as its namesake 12 Paws’ Pale Ale.
Those looking to get more out of Myponga should keep an eye out for future stages of opening, which may include shore-based casting for keen fishers.
The Myponga Reservoir Reserve opens everyday during daylight savings from 7.30am – 8pm, and 7.30 am – 5.00 pm in winter months. It is closed on Christmas Day, Total Fire Ban Days and operational activity days. Visit www.reservoirs.sa.gov.au for more information.