Camping popular in SA’s national parks and reserves
Campsite bookings in SA national parks and reserves have taken off since the easing of COVID-19-related restrictions on regional travel in SA has made camping an option once again.
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Executive Director Mike Williams said demand for campsites has been huge since the on-line booking system became available again on Monday 11 May 2020.
“On the first two days we had 1132 bookings for sites,” Mr Williams said. “Of those, 777 bookings were made for May and 260 bookings were made for June.
“The most popular campgrounds are within a two and a half hour drive of the Adelaide CBD.
“The most popular, in order of popularity are Deep Creek Conservation Park and Newland Head Conservation Park, Mount Remarkable National Park, Murray River National park, Loch Luna and Moorook Game Reserve, Chowilla Game Reserve, Para Wirra National Park
Onkaparinga River National Park, and Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park.
“There is no doubt that people are keen to get out and about again with the easing of restrictions.
“People have also been encouraged to visit parks through our recently released digital advertising campaign that encourages people to think outside their four square metres and visit a park because it’s good for their physical and mental wellbeing.
“The campaign has reached more than a million people and encourages people to visit the Parks website (https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/Home) to book and find information on what’s open, how to visit parks safely and how beginners can learn to set up a campsite.
“We’ve also rostered more rangers on the ground to provide a friendly face and assistance to visitors at peak times.
“And we’ve had some fun with signage in parks that helps people keep their social distance, using a kangaroo and other wildlife to show a 1.5m distance.
“We’ve been pleased to see this humorous approach to a serious issue picked up by other government agencies around the world.
“We have installed advisory signs in campgrounds to remind campers to keep their social distance and comply with all Covid-19 directions.
“We’re also providing clear advice to campers to be as self-sufficient as possible, by bringing their own cooking and cleaning equipment as well as products for personal hygiene.
“Park facilities, including toilet blocks, showers and camp kitchens are being regularly cleaned and maintained for visitors.”
To book a South Australian campsite online visit https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/booking
