Murraylands parks celebrated in August

Stretching from the River Murray mouth to the Victorian border, vast tracts of native vegetation are conserved through the Murraylands network of national parks. They provide important habitat for many significant plant and animal species and are great places to enjoy activities such as bushwalking, birdwatching, camping, canoeing and four wheel drive touring.

The region is also home to the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, Australia’s only International Dark Sky Reserve and one of only 16 reserves worldwide. Designated in 2019 by the International Dark Sky Association, the reserve is home to exceptional darkness making it one of the best places on Earth to stargaze.

NPWS District Ranger Paul Gillen has worked in the Murraylands region for 16 years and said Murraylands parks are great for people who want to truly connect with nature.

“There are some remarkable places out this way when you take the time to notice the small things such as the changes through the season or an orchid bursting to life,” he said.

“Many of the parks provide an opportunity to get a sense of solitude as they are expansive and often you may be the only one there.

“If you’re looking for some solitude and somewhere to escape busy city life, Murraylands parks are great for a day trip with places like Kinchina Conservation Park, just 50 minutes from Adelaide, or a weekend camping holiday in Ngarkat.”

During August, NPWS has put together a program of events in national parks across the region. Park of the month activities include:

• Ranger-guided 4WD tag-a-long tour in Ngarkat Conservation Park, near Keith
• Nature Journaling in Kinchina Conservation Park, near Murray Bridge
• Ranger-guided bushwalks at Nanam’s Well in Ngarkat Conservation Park, near Pinnaroo
• Wombats after dark campout in Brookfield Conservation Park, including a ranger-guided night walk looking for wombats and star gazing session through a telescope, near Blanchetown
• Mountain bike skills sessions in Kinchina Conservation Park, near Murray Bridge
• Introduction to bird watching in Kinchina Conservation Park, near Murray Bridge
• 15% discount on Dark Sky Gold Stars Sunset Dinner Tours visiting Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park with Juggle House Experiences

For more information about these and other events and to book a place at an event visit: www.parks.sa.gov.au/park-of-the-month