Explore SA’s best bush and beach parks
Summer is here and many of us will enjoy the warmer weather by hitting the beach or exploring our diverse natural environments. South Australia is blessed with pristine beaches and beautiful bushland, and numerous parks showcase them side-by-side. So why not experience both in one go?
To help plan your summer adventures, the Department for Environment and Water has compiled a list of parks where you can experience the best of the beach and the bush in a single trip.
Hallett Cove Conservation Park
Just 40 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, the beach at Hallett Cove Conservation Park is a lovely spot to cool off on a hot day. But if adventuring is more your style, the park is home to a popular walking trail leading up to the top of the cliffs, which is also accessible for prams and assisted wheelchairs.
Encounter Marine Park
Stretching around the entire Fleurieu Peninsula – from Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary Zone to just past the Murray Mouth in the Coorong – and across to the north-east coast of Kangaroo Island, Encounter Marine Park showcases an enormous variety of coastal and marine environments for you to immerse yourself in.
Beachport Conservation Park
Beachport Conservation Park’s seemingly endless white sandy beaches and coastal flora are home to an array of birds, making it a brilliant spot to take a dip and enjoy the birdlife. A walking trail around Woolley Lake offers panoramic views of the ocean and neighbouring Lake George, and you can even sail in the waters at Five Mile Drift.
Lincoln National Park
Lincoln National Park on Eyre Peninsula is a great place for fishing, beach lounging, walking, and camping. The Spalding Cove campground at the northern end of the park is a sheltered, shallow bay that provides a million-dollar view and a perfect spot to swim.
Lashmar Conservation Park
Antechamber Bay in Lashmar Conservation Park is a picturesque location complete with turquoise waters, a 4km long beach with soft, white sand and a beautiful view across Backstairs Passage to the mainland.
National Parks and Wildlife Service Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Manager Tony Magor said our parks had something for everyone.
“We are incredibly lucky to have such a diverse range of environments in South Australia,” he said.
“Whether you want to take a dip in the ocean, wander through bushland, or do both, our parks and reserves are the best places in the state to do just that.
“But if you are hopping in the water to cool off, make sure to be careful as there could be hidden dangers that you may not be able to see, including submerged objects such as tree branches or rocks.
“Visitors to parks should also be mindful of their swimming abilities and local currents and swells if they choose to swim.”
While encouraging people to take the time to explore the state’s wonderful parks andreserves, Mr Magor urged visitors to be safe while doing so.
- Be aware that entire parks or parts of parks can close because of the weather, particularly on days with catastrophic or extreme bushfire danger ratings. Find
out if the park or campground you want to visit is open by checking the list of parks closures and alerts and the desert parks bulletin. - Wear lifejackets when boating, kayaking or paddling.
- Always supervise children.
- Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology for weather forecasts and warnings.
- For emergency information, download the Alert SA mobile app for the latest from SA’s emergency services. For fire updates, tune to your local emergency broadcast radio station.
Make sure to head to the NPWS website to find a park: https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/fi...
