Eckert Creek is a significant waterway flowing through the Katarapko section of Murray River National Park in South Australia's Riverland, situated between the towns of Berri and Loxton, less than 250 kilometres from Adelaide. The creek is part of a network of interconnected waterways that includes Katarapko Creek, Jarrett Creek, and Sawmill Creek, and it opens at one point into Eckert Wide Waters, a broad oxbow lake that provides a notable change in character from the narrower creek sections.

There are multiple access points. The Eckert's Creek entrance is reached via Migga Road and Lower Winkie Road, off the Old Sturt Highway, approximately 4.7 kilometres to the park entrance. The creek can also be accessed from Lock 4 on the Murray River via Draper Road from Berri, where paddlers enter the Murray and travel upstream to the creek entrance on the left-hand side at GPS 34.3152 S, 140.5855 E. A third access option is via the Katarapko Creek entrance off Katarapko Crescent.

Paddlers should be aware of several significant hazards. A regulator at the creek entrance from the Murray requires a portage. Strong currents are present in sections of the creek, and one branch at the T-junction is specifically marked with warnings about strong currents. Fallen trees blocking the channel have been encountered, particularly on the right-hand branch at the T-junction. A culvert with a road crossing approximately 0.25 kilometres along Jarrett Creek typically requires a portage as well. Water levels can vary considerably, and some waterways may run dry during certain conditions.

The Lock 4 Eckert Creek Loop Trail is a well-documented route that takes paddlers from Lock 4 through the Ajax-Achilles Lakes, up the Murray past the Bookpurnong (Booky) cliffs, into Eckert Creek, through Jarrett Creek, across Eckert Wide Waters, and back via Sawmill Creek to the Murray — a route that can be extended into a two-day trip incorporating the Splash and Katarapko Creek. The creek and its surroundings are recognised as important habitat for native fish and wetland birdlife, with a bird hide available on the Ngak Indau Wetland Trail nearby.

There are 55 individual campsites within the Katarapko section, including sites along Eckerts Creek, most offering shade and canoe launching access. Camping bookings should be made through National Parks prior to departure. Dogs are not permitted in the Katarapko campground camping areas.