SA

 

Belair National Park
Belair National Park is located 13km south-east of Adelaide and has been a long time favourite recreation area, it is one of the oldest National Parks in the world and the first in South Australia, the land was set aside in 1891.  Half of the park is gently sloping parkland with a well-developed range of services and infrastructure for visitors: ovals, lakes, golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds, walking and horse trails, lawned picnic areas and heritage pavilions. Further into the park the landscape changes to steep sided gullies, ridges and waterfalls, a refuge for the native vegetation that once clad the Adelaide Hills.  The park is open every day from 8am to sunset, except on days of total fire ban. 

 

Canunda National Park
There are three main entry points to the park; Millicent, Southend and Carpenter Rocks. Range of walking trails and spectacular coastline views with cliffs and long stretches of surf beaches offering surfing, swimming, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. The 40 km coastline of beaches, rocky headlands and reef platforms, offers an extensive range of fishing opportunities. Depending on the season and ocean conditions, the beaches may yield mulloway, salmon, sharks and rays, whereas sweep, abalone and crayfish can be caught off the rocks. Remember to observe size and quantity restrictions and seasonal closures. Canunda National Park plays a significant role in conserving coastal habitat and allows for recreational activities such as bushwalking, fishing, surfing, four-wheel driving, birdwatching and nature study. The northern section of the park is characterised by limestone cliffs, sea stacks, offshore reefs and low dense scrub, whereas the southern section is dominated by mobile sand dunes and stretches of beaches which are backed by low foredunes.

 

Coffin Bay National Park
Located 50 km west of Port Lincoln on southern Eyre Peninsula, this 31,000 ha park offers a diversity of coastal landscapes.  High windswept cliffs, massive dunes and pounding surf beaches are exposed to the Great Southern Ocean. These contrast with the sheltered bays and sandy beaches that typify the park's northern coastline, which lies amongst the calmer waterways of Coffin Bay, Port Douglas and Mt Dutton Bay. Away from the coast there are both vegetated and mobile sand dunes, and limestone pavements. The park conserves a representative sample of coastal habitat that was once more widespread on the Eyre Peninsula. The south west end of the Coffin Bay Peninsula near Point Whidbey has been classified as having a high wilderness values. Fishing, 4WD adventure, bushwalking, and bird watching are just some of the activities possible within the park. 

 

Coongie Lakes National Park (and Innamincka Regional Reserve)
Coongie Lakes National Park is one of the most spectacular of South Australia's natural attractions. A pristine water world made up of channels, waterholes, lakes, internal deltas, shallow floodout plains and interdune corridors and swamps. While Coongie Lakes contains water most of the time, the large expanse of ephemeral wetlands fill after flood and heavy rain. The area plays host to the most incredible diversity and number of water dependent wildlife including native birds, fish, reptiles and frogs. For an arid wetland the diversity of waterbirds is high and birdwatchers visit here as the area transforms into a breeding ground for an enormous number of migratory birds from around the world. It is a wildlife show like no other starring pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, ducks, grebes, swans, spoonbills, coots, moorhens, kites, harriers, terns, water rats, tortoise and fish. Not surprisingly, Coongie Lakes is listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. This listing recognises the true significance of the wetlands to South Australia, Australia and internationally. The Coongie Lakes National Park is also a single proclamation park, so oil and gas exploration and pastoral activities are not permitted. There are a variety of recreational activities to enjoy in the National Park including bird watching, photography, bushwalking and canoeing. This oasis is a deeply spiritual site for the Yandruwandha, Yawarrawarrka, Ngamini and Dieri people who inhabited the area and it also has significant European history associated with exploration and pastoralism so please tread carefully when you visit.

 

Coorong National Park
The Coorong National Park is about two hours drive from Adelaide and extends 130 km south east from the mouth of the River Murray. At the mouth of the River Murray, Southern Ocean and sand dunes of the Younghusband Peninsula. The Coorong National Park is a birdwatchers paradise and is also rich in Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal culture. The 50,000 ha Coorong National Park was declared in 1966 to conserve the distinctive landscape, coastal dune system, lagoons, wetlands and coastal vegetation and the great variety of birds, animals and fish that live in or visit the area. As a habitat for numerous species of migratory birds and as a refuge for birds in times of drought, the Coorong is important in a national and international sense. The Coorong was included on the list of 'Wetlands of International Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat', maintained by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources on 21 December, 1975 and the 'Agreement between Australia, Japan and China for the 'Protection of Migratory Birds and Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment' on 30 April, 1981.

 

Flinders Chase National Park (Kangaroo Island)
A stunning coastal landscapes with vast areas of wilderness and diversity of wildlife. Most of the park is forested hills, sheltered creeks and scenic lagoons, the coastline is incredibly dramatic, with magnificent cliffs facing the Southern Ocean.  Cape du Couedic, at the south-west tip, is famous for its wild scenery and Admirals Arch, sculpted by wave action, is easily accessible by a short boardwalk.  Close by the Remarkable Rocks are a bizarre formation of huge grantie tors weathered into unusual shapes and perched precariously on a cliff top at Kirkpatrick Point. Make time to witness the spectacular sunset thought Admirals Arch. Marine life is fantastic and provided some of Australia's best diving, including wreck diving.  The water is alive with walls of gorgonian corals, harlequin fish, blue devils and colourful sponges.

 

Flinders Ranges National Park
A dramatically beautiful area with a wealth of geological, wildlife and Aboriginal and European cultural heritage, wide range of outdoor recreational activities. Early pastoral ruins, Aboriginal art sites and extensive walking trails. Flinders Ranges National Park offers excellent bushwalking opportunities for all ages and levels of fitness, ranging from overnight treks and the long distance Heysen Trail to easy walks in Wilpena Pound. This is by the far the best way to truly experience the Flinders Ranges. Be sure to pick up a copy of the free park guide 'Bushwalking in Flinders Ranges National Park' from the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre before you set off. Plan your walk accordingly, as there is little permanent water in the park. A series of marked trails and companion brochures are located around the park. The Heysen Trail, which extends for 1,200 km from Cape Jervis in the south to Parachilna in the north, is marked with red and white markers and is accessible from Wilpena, Aroona, Trezona, Yanyanna, Parachilna and Black Gap. The Heysen Trail is closed during summer between 1 December and 31 March each year and on days of total fire ban

 

Gawler Ranges National Park
Gawler Ranges National Park is located approximately 600km north west of Adelaide, in The West Region. The spectacular southern Gawler Ranges containing vast hill and gully complexes, rocky gorges, seasonal water flows, stunning landscape of natural beauty. A diverse range of plants and animals including 21 rare and threatened species. It was proclaimed to conserve an important transition zone between the Eyre Peninsula and the Gawler Ranges region, and to include a representative sample of the Gawler Ranges Bioregion in the reserve system. The park provides for the conservation of unique geological and natural features of the Gawler Ranges, and preserves habitats of threatened plants and animals, including species endemic to the State.

 

Innes National Park
Innes National Park is located on the southwest tip of Yorke Peninsula approximately 300 km from Adelaide via Port Wakefield, Minlaton and Warooka. No matter what time of year you visit Innes National Park, there is always something that will surprise and delight. Innes National Park encompasses spectacular coastal landscapes, a diversity of wildlife habitats and a wide range of recreational opportunities. Hear the waves crash on the beaches, the wind whispering through the sheoaks, view the rugged coastlines sculpted by the Southern Ocean and wander through remnants of South Australia’s mining and maritime history. Innes National Park comprises of 9,232 ha of natural coastal vegetation with a range of habitat types including coastal heathlands, mallee woodlands, open grasslands, samphire flats, sheoak woodlands, salt lakes, beaches and rocky cliff lines. Being rich agricultural country, most of Yorke Peninsula has been cleared for farming, making Innes an important and valuable national park for conserving biodiversity

 

Lake Eyre National Park
The appeal of Lake Eyre lies in its stark wilderness and timeless landscape. It covers an area of 1,349,251 ha and its vastness (it is 144 km long and 77 km wide) can create a sensation of personal insignificance and complete isolation, bringing on mixed reactions in different people. Lake Eyre is an extensive 'salt sink' which derives its mineralization from the evaporation of floodwaters over countless years. During the last forty years or so the lake has seen many floods of varying sizes. Water from its three-State catchment area covers the lake about once every eight years (on average) while the lake has only filled to capacity three times in the last 150 years. Seasonal rainfalls attract waterbirds such as Australian Pelicans, Silver Gulls, Red-necked Avocets, Banded Stilts and Gull-billed Terns. There are a number of theories being put forward on what triggers the instinct for the birds to migrate to Lake Eyre, however no definitive answers are known. When the lake floods, it becomes a breeding site for enormous numbers of waterbirds, especially species that appear to be tolerant of salinity. Elliot Price Conservation Park, adjoining Lake Eyre National Park, was South Australia's first arid zone reserve, set up to conserve the wilderness of Lake Eyre and named after the 'king' of nearby Muloorina Station, the late Elliot Price (there is no vehicle access to Elliot Price Conservation Park).

 

Lincoln National Park
Located just 15 km south of Port Lincoln on the southeastern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, the park boasts some of the most scenic coastline in South Australia, and includes unique natural features such as the vast Sleaford-Wanna dune system, offshore islands, and the outstanding wilderness of Memory Cove. The park is also rich in Aboriginal and European cultural history. This magnificent park protects 31,531 ha of coastal vegetation of the lower Eyre Peninsula and contains diverse landscapes, which include undulating limestone hills, vast expanses of mallee woodland with occasional granite outcrops, sheltered coves, isolated sandy beaches and rugged cliffs, all of which can be explored by foot or vehicle. The park is the perfect destination for nature lovers or those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Entry and camping fees do apply.

 

Mount Remarkable National Park
Vehicle access to Mount Remarkable National Park is from Highway 1, approximately 45 km north of Port Pirie, to park headquarters at Mambray Creek (5 km), or via a picturesque drive commencing 1 km south of Wilmington on Main North Road to Alligator Gorge (13 km). Walking access is provided within the park from these locations and from Melrose, which lies at the foot of Mt Remarkable itself. Mount Remarkable National Park, in the Southern Flinders Ranges, offers visitors a true wilderness experience within easy reach of Adelaide and the more populated areas of South Australia. Dramatic mountain scenery and natural diversity of the park make it a great location for camping, bushwalking and a wide range of recreational activities. The 16,000 ha park stretches from the coastal plain on the western side of the Flinders Ranges to the foothills above Wilmington. Its geographical location, where South Australia's arid north and wetter southern regions overlap, makes it a key conservation area with an intriguing mix of flora and fauna from both environments.

 

Murray River National Park
The Murray River National Park has rich habitats including floodplains and wetlands which are important breeding areas for many forms of life including water birds. Riverland towns such as Berri and Renmark are a little over two hours drive east of Adelaide, while Mannum, in the Murraylands, is a 90-minute drive from Adelaide via the South Eastern Freeway. The river meanders its way past sandstone cliffs, majestic River Red Gums, wetlands and vast tracts of mallee country. Aborigines used the river for over 40 000 years before European settlers introduced the paddle steamers that transformed the river into a busy national trade route. The park has three separate sections: Katarapko, adjacent to Loxton, is the largest area with permanent and semi-permanent wetlands: Lyrup Flats flood plain lies on the northern side of the river: Bulyong Island and Ral Ral Creek, north or Renmark form the third part of the park. Visitors to the park can relax under shady river red gums, swim in Australia's largest river, canoe along the backwaters, birdwatch and fish. 

 

Naracoorte Caves National Park
Naracoorte Caves National Park, South Australia's only World Heritage Site, (previously a Conservation Park) was proclaimed by the Governor of South Australia as a National Park on 18 January 2001. It is located in the Limestone Coast tourism region in the southeast of South Australia. The importance of the fossil record at Naracoorte Caves was officially recognised in 1994, when the site was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The park preserves 600ha of remnant vegetation, with 26 caves contained within the 305ha World Heritage Area. Show cave tours are guided by professional interpreters through highly decorated caves with some tours visiting significant fossil deposits. Modern technology has been utilised to show visitors the normally inaccessible interior of Bat Cave, where thousands of bats breed each year. Other opportunities include adventure caving, a selection of specialty tours and special events

 

Nullarbor National Park and Regional Reserve
Unique in scenery and geological features, Aboriginal culture, habitat for many wildlife species including the southern hairy-nosed wombat. The Nullarbor cliffs, Southern Ocean coastline, southern right whales during winter. Eyre Peninsula, which stretches from Whyalla in the east to the Western Australian border, is home of the spectacular Gawler Ranges and the vast expanse of the Nullarbor Plain. The region is popular with holidaymakers and offers secluded sandy bays, friendly coastal towns and exceptional seafood.  Accessible from Adelaide by car or plane, Eyre Peninsula is also known for the Great Australian Bight. Each winter, Southern Right Whales come here to mate, give birth and care for their young. Visitors can enjoy the spectacle from a purpose-built viewing platform. Waterbirds are prolific along the coast, and White-bellied Sea-Eagles and Ospreys can often be seen. Common and Bottlenose dolphins can be seen in local waters, and one of the mainland breeding colonies of Australian Sea-lions can be observed from Point Labatt near Streaky Bay. Off the coast of Tumby Bay, the Sir Joseph Banks Group of islands is a major South Australian breeding ground for the inquisitive Cape Barren Goose. Lincoln National Park, on the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula offers spectacular coastline and great bushwalking. Coffin Bay National Park has  magnificent beaches, towering sand dunes and 4WD adventures. In the northern part of the region, the Gawler Ranges, the result of powerful volcanic activity some 1500 million years ago, is home to an  abundance of wildlife, including the Yellow-footed Rock-wallaby, Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat and Major Mitchell Cockatoo.

 

Onkaparinga River National Park
A spectacular park if you are interested in bushwalking, canoeing, rock climbing or photography. South Australia’s second longest river, the Onkaparinga enters the Park in a steep sided valley and flows into a magnificent gorge with cliffs up to 50 metres high and large permanent rock pools. Look out for western grey kangaroos, echidnas and koalas.  The wetlands support fish and breeding haditats for wading birds.   

 

Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park
400 km north of Port Augusta, off Copley-Balcanoona Road. Vulkathunha-Gammon Ranges National Park is an arid wilderness of spectacular rugged ranges and deep gorges. The park has important cultural significance for the Adnyamathanha people who are the traditional custodians of the region. There are a number of vehicle access points both for 2WD and 4WD vehicles, and the rugged and remote heart of the park provides a challenging destination for experienced bushwalkers. Vulkathunha- Gammon Ranges National Park adjoins Lake Frome Regional Reserve

 

Witjira National Park (and Simpson Desert Regional Reserve)
Witjira National Park, established in 1985 on land comprising the former Mount Dare pastoral lease, covers 7,770 km2 of gibber, sand dunes, stony tablelands and floodplain country on the western edge of the Simpson Desert in the far north of South Australia. It is truly spectacular country with vast landscapes including many areas of considerable archaeological, biological and geological interest. The attraction of the Dalhousie mound springs, combined with some delightful camping spots and upgraded visitor facilities, make Witjira one of the most popular Desert Parks, particularly with family groups. The need to protect and rehabilitate the 70 or so thermal springs in the Dalhousie complex was one of the main reasons for the establishment of Witjira National Park. The springs are home to unique species of fish such as the Lake Eyre hardy-head and other rare aquatic life. They are also a haven for arid-land birdlife. The park is part of the lands associated with the Lower Southern Arrernte, Wangkangurru, and Arabunna people who in 1989 formed the Irrwanyere Aboriginal Corporation, which manages the park jointly with us. The joint management agreement, the first of its kind in Australia, provides the advantages of a shared approach to the land which accommodates traditional Aboriginal uses together with environmental management, tourism and recreational activities