Revamped Tod Reservoir Reserve reopens for access

Fishing and kayaking are among the new activities now on offer for the first time at the Eyre Peninsula’s historic Tod Reservoir, as part of ongoing works to improve recreational access at the site.

The project expands the activities available for visitors, with work undertaken over the past several months to deliver a new fishing area, kayak launch space, picnic shelter, drinking water fountain, car parking and toilets.

Around 5,000 Australian Bass fingerlings were also safely stocked in the reservoir earlier this year in collaboration with RecFish SA and the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA). Tod is the first reservoir in South Australia to be stocked with Australian Bass, with the fish expected to grow to catchable size in around 2 years.

The new access has opened for visitors in time for the October school holidays following a recent temporary mid-week closure to the reservoir reserve’s lookout while construction activity was safely undertaken.

In addition, a new shoreline loop trail for running, bushwalking and cycling is currently being constructed, with this work expected to be complete by the end of November.

SA Water’s Senior Manager of Environment and Energy James Crocker said the upgrades will benefit locals and visitors to the Eyre Peninsula well into the future.

“This is an exciting project providing a raft of fun new activities for people to get out and enjoy at this beautiful natural space,” James said.

“The state’s keen fishing community in particular – from Eyre Peninsula and beyond – will be able to fish from either the shoreline or a suitable kayak or canoe, subject to the purchase of a required permit and once the fish have grown to a catchable size.

“Kayaking has also proven to be among the most popular activities enjoyed at some of our other 9 reservoir reserves open for recreational access, and now to be able to paddle out across the Tod is a great outcome for those keen to safely hit the water.

“There are specific conditions of access when it comes to both fishing or kayaking at our reservoirs, and we encourage everyone to brush-up on these before they visit.”

On top of the new expanded activities, visitors can also still enjoy the site’s existing amenities, including barbeques and a tennis court.

Upgrades to the Tod Reservoir Reserve are part of a broader investment to provide more and improved fishing opportunities at SA Water’s reservoir reserves, with major works continuing at Myponga on the Fleurieu Peninsula to enable deep water access fishing.

Constructed in the early 1900s, the Tod Reservoir is one of 16 SA Water-operated reservoirs located across South Australia, with 10 of these open to visitors.

To view the site’s conditions of access or purchase a fishing permit, visit sawater.com.au.