Environment SA News

South Australia’s desert parks temporarily closed due to heavy rain and track safety

 

Munga-Thirri – Simpson Desert National Park and other desert parks in the state’s north have been temporarily closed due to heavy rain affecting road and track access.

NPWS car driving through Outback

The following parks will remain closed for public safety until further notice:

  • Munga-Thirri – Simpson Desert National Park
  • Witjira National Park
  • Innamincka Regional Reserve
  • Malkumba Coongie Lakes National Park

More than 350 millimetres of rain has been recorded in Munga-Thirri – Simpson Desert National Park since 22 March, while 65 millimetres was recorded in Witjira National Park and 20 millimetres in Innamincka Regional Reserve. Rain continues to fall at Innamincka and Birdsville.

National Parks and Wildlife Service District Ranger Travis Gotch said the rain has made vehicle tracks within the parks impassable.

“We’re closely monitoring park and track conditions,” Mr Gotch said.

“We look forward to welcoming people back to these spectacular parks as soon as conditions improve.

“Many of the tracks in our Outback parks are un-maintained and conditions can change unpredictably, so this is a good reminder to be well prepared and check local conditions when travelling.”

Mr Gotch said important safety tips for people preparing to travel in remote parts of the state, or in desert parks when they re-open, included:

  • Ensure vehicles are equipped for remote travel.
  • Carry extra water, food and fuel supplies.
  • Use either high frequency radio or a satellite phone, plus a personal locator beacon.
  • Check local conditions and don’t rely solely on vehicle satellite navigation or navigation apps.
  • Tell a responsible person where you are going and when you expect to arrive at your destination.

For more information and current warnings in SA’s desert parks, refer to parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/desert-parks-bulletin

For further information on Munga-Thirri – Simpson Desert, Witjira or Malkumba Coongie Lakes national parks and Innamincka Regional Reserve, visit parks.sa.gov.au

For up to date public road information outside of the national park, visit dit.sa.gov.au/OutbackRoads

For information on the Queensland Munga-Thirri National Park, visit parks.des.qld.gov.au/parks/munga-thirri