Calperum Station

Calperum Station is a protected area on the Murray River floodplain in South Australia with woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and red-brown dunes spread across the land. The reserve features a mix of different landscape types that support different plant and animal communities throughout the region.

The area was originally named Ral Ral after an Aboriginal king before European drovers established camps starting in the 1830s. Pastoral leases began in 1851 and shaped the land's use for many decades afterward.

Archaeological findings like perforated shells reveal that Aboriginal peoples have used this region for at least 6,000 years. The land carries traces of this deep connection between the original inhabitants and the Murray River floodplain.

The site functions as a research facility where scientists work on ecosystem monitoring and habitat restoration projects. Visitors can explore the landscape, though it is extensive and not fully developed for tourism.

The reserve provides critical habitat for rare bird species like the black-eared miner. It forms part of an internationally recognized wetland system and plays an important role in protecting these sensitive species.

Location: South Australia

Inception: 1993

GPS coordinates: -33.81667,140.56667

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:00