World Rivers Day: How Waterways Sustain Us
Our region is home to the River Murray as well as 250 wetland complexes, all playing a critical part in our environment – not just sustaining our ecosystems, but us too!
Recent research from the Murray-Darling Basin Authority showed that spending time near rivers and wetlands can have positive benefits to our mental health.
It found people visit waterways for connection with places of personal, spiritual or historical significance, recreation and exercise, social and family gatherings, wildlife watching, and inspiration (such as photography, drawing and painting). The research also found people felt happier, calmer and more mentally restored after visiting.
Sunday 28 September is World Rivers Day – a global celebration of the world’s waterways and the vital role they play in sustaining life in our environment and our communities.
To celebrate World Rivers Day, we asked some of our Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board team members to share their favourite local waterways – and why these special places mean so much to them.
Toby – Regional Ecologist, Landscape Ecology
“Every day I am working at the Murray Bridge office, I walk down to the river with a pair of binoculars and I record what I see on eBird. I’ve seen a banded stilt among the gulls, great crested grebes out in the middle, and the corellas in their amazing numbers come and go with the seasons.
Also, I regularly run-bird around Narooma Wetlands in Murray Bridge. Nothing reduces stress and increases contentment like run-birding. It is running to notice, observe and enjoy birds and other nature. Forget the headphones, stopwatch, competitors, and treadmill. Run, witness, wonder, appreciate, and stop regularly (it is not a race).”
Deanna – Finance Officer
“As a trail runner I love running along Bookmark Creek, Renmark. The variation in trails from levy banks to single track keeps it interesting.
It is always peaceful, and the wildlife seem to watch with amusement. Sometimes I get caught on the wrong side of the creek and have to get my feet wet to get to the other side!”
Paris – Business Support Officer
“One of my favourite local spots is Avoca Dell – and the best part is, it’s only about 300 metres from my house. When life gets busy, heading down to the water is my way to unwind. There's something about being by the river that instantly brings a sense of calm and clarity.
In winter, it’s a peaceful hideaway – quiet, still, and perfect for a walk or some quiet reflection. Come summer, it transforms into a vibrant hub full of boats, families, and friendly faces. I love the contrast; it keeps the place feeling alive and special all year round.
There are always ducks paddling along the edge and people out walking their dogs – simple things, but they add to the charm. Whether it’s a quick morning walk or a lazy afternoon by the river, Avoca Dell is my little escape, and it never fails to lift my spirits.”
Finally, our creative Business Support Officer, Cherie, wrote this poem about her favourite spot, Katarapko:
“The gentle breeze through branches sways,
The green of trees in sunlight plays.
The smoky scent of campfires old,
Tales of the past quietly told.
Reflections shimmer in my mind,
Of days gone by, now left behind.
It feels a lifetime since we’d go—
Camping, riding, fishing slow.
The laughter shared, the faces dear,
Still echo softly, crystal clear.
Though time has flown, the heart still sees,
All memories of Katarapko to me.”
We hope that hearing about our team’s favourite spots inspires you to explore one of them or discover your own special place.
We encourage you to take time out to visit a local waterway, enjoy the calm and reflect on how we can all help protect these precious places for future generations.
