 The "south" descriptor distinguishes it from the North Para River with which it merges.The South Para River rises in the Mount Lofty Ranges near Mount Crawford and Kersbrook and flows northwest through the Mount Lofty Ranges, passing through the Warren Reservoir and the South Para Reservoir, before reaching its confluence with the North Para River in Gawler to form the Gawler River.The South Para River descends over its course.