South Australians urged to get out and explore parks
The Department for Environment and Water has launched an online campaign encouraging South Australians to get out and explore national parks and gardens with the further easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
The launch of the “You can… in Parks” campaign coincides with the public reopening of Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, following the summer’s devastating bushfires.
Executive Director National Parks and Wildlife Service, Mike Williams said with school holidays starting today and Flinders Chase reopening, it’s an ideal time to remind South Australians of all the fantastic natural open spaces we have on our doorstep, particularly in regional areas.
“South Australians have done an amazing job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the collective discipline and conscientiousness we’ve shown, our state has been a measuring stick within Australia, and we’re now being rewarded with the easing of restrictions,” Mike said.
“We saw throughout the past couple of months with everyday life disrupted, South Australians seeking out spaces in which to recreate safely, without compromising efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Parks have provided a critical refuge for South Australians, given their abundant space for social distancing.
“South Australians are very keen to get out and about again. In fact, an assessment of visitor numbers since the travel restrictions were eased on May 11 shows a 43% per cent increase in visitors compared to the same time last year.
“The “You can… in Parks” campaign is about taking it one step further and really harnessing that same enthusiasm to get people out into the regions.
“Despite ongoing border restrictions, we can still support the local tourism sector and regional communities by exploring our own backyards and parks offer an ideal choice for families looking to holiday without leaving the state.
“With travel restrictions eased there is an opportunity to continue to connect with park visitors and encourage them to move beyond the experiences they enjoyed near Adelaide, to parks experiences in regional areas.
“And with school holidays now upon us it’s a great opportunity to take the kids to experience an iconic site such as Cleland Wildlife Park, Naracoorte Caves or Seal Bay on Kangaroo Island.”
Meanwhile, Flinders Chase National Park has now reopened to the public to drive a safe corridor of the park to see the iconic sights of Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, Cape du Couedic Lighthouse and Weirs Cove.
In support of the reopening of Flinders Chase National Park, entry will be free until further notice.
Visit www.parks.sa.gov.au for more information.
