New walk-in campsites open on Wild South Coast Way

As part of the $6 million project, hikers enjoying the rugged coastal trail can now enjoy four low-impact custom campgrounds at Deep Creek National Park, Newland Head Conservation Park and Ballaparudda Creek Recreation Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula, including:

• Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi (Eagle Waterhole Campground) in Deep Creek National Park and pronounced Wool-dee Krik-ren Ngah-wun-thee
• Yapari Ngawanthi (Cliffs Campground) in Deep Creek National Park and pronounced Yah-pah-ree Ngah-wun-thee
• Kurri Ngawanthi (Creek Campground) in Ballaparudda Creek Recreation Park and pronounced Koor-ee Ngah-wun-thee
• Natunyuru Ngawanthi (Sand Dunes Campground) in Newland Head Conservation Park and pronounced Nut-un-yoo-roo Ngah-wun-thee

The Ngarrindjeri names were chosen in consultation with local First Nations representatives, with the trail traversing Ramindjeri Ruwi (land). Ramindjeri is one of eighteen Lankinyerar (tribes) that make up the Ngarrindjeri Nation, whose Country spans the lower River Murray, Coorong and western Fleurieu Peninsula.

The new walk-in campgrounds complement four existing vehicle-based campgrounds located on or near the Wild South Coast Way that include Cobbler Hill, Trig, Tapanappa (in Deep Creek National Park) and Waitpinga (in Newland Head Conservation Park).

National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Executive Director Mike Williams said it was very pleasing to see the walk-in campgrounds open.

“Nature is at the heart of what we do at National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail offers an exciting, active adventure for walkers of varying fitness levels,” he said.

“These campgrounds have been specifically designed to meet the needs of multi-day walkers. Each campground includes formed earth or raised timber platforms, toilets, and undercover areas with seating, food preparation areas and non-potable water available.

“The campgrounds are available to book online now with 10 sites available at each and able to accommodate a two-person tent.”

Finishing touches are being made to the spectacular Tapanappa Ridge Lookout and picnic area, which will mark the completion of major works for the Wild South Coast Way project. The Goondooloo Picnic area opened last September and is already a popular attraction for day visitors to the region.

The Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail is set to become one of South Australia’s hallmark five-day, four-night walking experiences, offering immersive nature experiences which will appeal to a highly diverse range of visitors, including travellers with accessibility requirements.

The trail has been developed by the Department for Environment and Water in collaboration with community, the Ngarrindjeri Aboriginal Corporation and Ramindjeri representatives, the City of Victor Harbor and the District Council of Yankalilla and the Friends of the Heysen Trail.

To find out more visit www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/wild-south-coast-way