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South Australia has a number of
beautiful parks offering different experiences. The spirit this
region is reflected in the diversity of its national parks. As
one of the first communities in the world to proclaim a national
park (Belair National Park dates from 1891), South Australia now
has more than 20% of its land area protected for conservation
purposes. Two of the earliest parks to be proclaimed, Belair
National Park (NP) and Flinders Chase NP (1919) remain among the
most popular parks in South Australia.
Many of South Australian parks are of international significance
due to their unique wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage
and also the visitor experiences that they provide.
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.This is an area of world-wide biological significance. It
contains a representative sample of coastal and salt-influenced
terrestrial habitats as well as an unusual set of aquatic
habitats in the Coorong Lagoon and ephemeral lakes.
Flora & Fauna :-
278 terrestrial flowering plant and fern species are recorded in
the Park, of which 80 are introduced.
The Coorong Lagoon is a very important area for migratory wading
birds and serves as a refuge in the drier months for many water
birds. Of the 238 bird species, which have been recorded, 9 are
introduced species. Some are oceanic birds which have only been
recorded in the Coorong area as dead birds stranded on the ocean
beach. 23 terrestrial mammals have been recorded in the Park. Of
these species, 7 are introduced. 10 species of marine mammals
have been recorded as stranded on the beach of the Younghusband
Peninsula. 21 reptiles and 7 amphibians have been recorded in
the Park.
 Belair National Park
Belair National Park is an 835-hectare urban national park
reserve located just 13 kilometres from the Adelaide City
center. The Park has important natural, cultural/historical and
recreational values and is the birthplace of the national park
system in South Australia. The park was dedicated in 1891,
making it the first National Park in South Australia.
Innes National Park
Innes National Park is located on the south-west tip of Yorke
Peninsula. The Park is 300 km from Adelaide via Main North Road
through to Port Wakefield and the towns of Ardrossan, Minlaton
and Warooka.
The summer months provide warm and sunny conditions for the
beach lover, while autumn heralds cool and milder weather
ideally suited for bushwalking and sightseeing.
Winter transforms the park into a fresh, green landscape with
wild seas, vibrant rainbows and visits by southern right whales.
Experience camping amongst coastal mallee in one of the many
designated sites within the park. A wide variety of fish species
can be caught off the beaches and jetty in the Park. Bushwalk
along the many inland or coastal trails. Discover the Thomson/Pfitzner
Plaster Trail from Stenhouse Bay to historic Inneston village
and the old wood cutters trails, or investigate the Royston Head
coastal trail.
Lake Eyre National Park
This huge, remote and arid 1 228 000 ha park incorporates all of
Lake Eyre North and the adjoining Tirari Desert forming a desert
wilderness. Lake Eyre is internationally significant as a dry
salt lake and for its occasional flooding. Vegetation in the
park consists of mainly samphire, saltbush, bluebush and acacia.
The unique Lake Eyre dragon is found on the salt pans of the
Lake Eyre Basin. Prolific birdlife abounds when the lake is
flooded.
 Cleland Wildlife Park
The Cleland Wildlife Park is situated in a natural bushland
setting in the center of Cleland Conservation Park. The park
offers the opportunity to wander freely among kangaroos,
wallabies, emus and waterfowl. Visitors can view dingoes,
Tasmanian devils, wombats, and koalas. They can walk through the
parrot and swamp aviaries.
Cleland's koala sessions give an opportunity to meet one of
these amazing marsupials. Koalas are brought from their
enclosures for the visitors to touch and photograph. In daily
photographic sessions, you can hold a koala and have a
professional photo as a memento to take home. These are conducted
from 2.00 pm to 4.00pm every day, with an additional
session on Sundays and Public Holidays from 10.00am to 12.00
noon. A fee applies for this service. |
