Attractions

Parts of the Watervalley Wetlands complex and Morella Conservation Area are open to the public by arrangement. There are excellent opportunities for bird-watching, botanising or photography and also bush-walking, four-wheel driving or mountain biking along numerous bush tracks. In the wetlands such activities as canoeing can be experienced when sufficient water is present.

Morella is adjacent to the Coorong National Park and the Coorong beach is famous for surf fishing. A stay at Morella offers unique views over the Coorong to the ocean and opportunities to take some spectacular photographs.

On all properties there are many species of native plants within large tracts of remnant vegetation made up of mallee and eucalypt woodlands, shrublands and wetland vegetation. Revegetation programs at Morella and Cortina are slowly transforming large areas of ex-farmland into habitat areas for wildlife. Wildlife includes the endangered malleefowl, southern emu-wren, common wombat, western grey kangaroos, red-necked wallabies and, in some areas if you are lucky you may see swamp wallabies. Emus are abundant.

Note that some feral animals may be present, including deer, which Wetlands & Wildlife control throughout the year via various methods. At times the areas may be closed to visitors to enable control methods to be used safely.

Facilities

The Watervalley Wetlands and Morella properties have several secluded bush camping sites. Each camp site has a long-drop toilet. Camp fires are allowed outside the fire season when conditions are safe. In the heart of the wetlands accommodation is available at the Wetlands & Wildlife Centre which is located amongst scattered gum trees close to the wetlands. The centre is ideal as a base for family groups, researchers and students.

The Centre contains:

• Six bedrooms (each with two single beds with mattresses - please supply own bedding)
• Fully equipped kitchen for self-catering
• Dining/recreation area equipped with a slow-combustion stove
• Showers
• External block of three flushing toilets
• Mains electricity and a rain water supply
• Laboratory equipment and research facilities (see research page for further details)

Note that there is no TV and mobile phone coverage is limited. Accommodation is also available at Milton Weinert Lodge on the Morella property. The Lodge is a transformation of the old homestead that was used by the owners of Morella when it was a working cattle and sheep station. The Lodge sits at the northern end of the property, 1 400 ha which has now been entirely revegetated. The entrance to the Lodge is off the Princes Highway, 2 km south of Salt Creek. Access as far as the Lodge is suitable for all vehicles but all tracks beyond the homestead require a 4WD vehicle.