South Australia’s national parks attract record visitor numbers

July 1, 2021

South Australia’s national parks are reporting elevated attendances with more than 220,000 visitors having booked to camp in or visit national parks across the state from January until the start of June – the highest ever for this period. This is more than double the number for the same time last year and more than 70,000 higher than the previous record in 2019.

NPWS’ Park of the Month for June, Mount Remarkable National Park is proving to be one of the most popular destinations during school holidays – with its Mambray Creek Campgrounds a popular place to stay.

Parks including Dutchman’s Stern Conservation Park, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Innamincka Regional Reserve, Onkaparinga River National Park, Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park, Witjira National Park and Deep Creek Conservation Park remain popular destinations.

South Australian Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said those considering looking for last minute campgrounds in parks across South Australia are encouraged to book before they go.

“South Australia’s national parks are as popular as ever with visitor numbers going through the roof in the past couple of years. The July school holidays are the perfect time to get away with the family and we encourage all South Australians to make the most of this time off and get out to visit our parks.

The SA Government is investing $130 million in national parks to boost conservation, improve experiences and increase visitor numbers.

Minister Speirs adds “we are also continuing to increase the amount of quality, green, open space available by expanding some of our national parks and opening up our reservoirs for recreational access.

“For those that might miss out on camp spots there are still some plenty of things to do with many of our national parks and reservoirs within a short distance from the CBD such as metropolitan Adelaide’s newest national park – Glenthorne.”

Campers looking for last-minute bookings can also still secure spots at parks across South Australia. To book your spot in a campground visit www.parks.sa.gov.au .

Image: Mount Remarkable National Park courtesy environment.sa.gov.au/

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18th January 2021 - NSW national parks receive major infrastructure investment

3rd December 2020 - Newly released resource explores the accessibility of Western Australia’s national parks

1st November 2020 - NSW Government doubles goal for expansion of national parks estate

4th October 2020 - Leading environmental groups welcome Queensland Government’s strategy to protect national parks

3rd October 2020 - Queensland Government releases long-term plan to protect and expand national parks

12th July 2020 - Federal Government to provide $233 million backing for tourism in national parks

5th May 2020 - Queensland’s reopened national parks attract thousands of visitors

2nd May 2020 - Western Australia reopens national parks for local camping

6th January 2020 - Researchers put a value on national parks’ impact on mental health

2nd August 2019 - South Australia launches new National Parks and Wildlife Service

9th July 2019 - More funding for Western Australia’s national parks and reserves

28th November 2018 - Queensland National Parks receive 6.4 million visits in year to March

29th October 2018 - Environmental groups concerned at Queensland Government plans for 60 year commercial leases in national parks

23rd October 2018 - 4,500 hectares added to NSW national parks estate

21st May 2018 - Rangers annoyed at increased levels of dumping in ACT National Parks

17th April 2018 - Bilbies return to NSW National Parks after near 100-year extinction

28th December 2017 - Another 1174 hectares added to South Australian national parks

1st October 2017 - Ecotourism value of Queensland’s national parks flagged in Annual Report

18th June 2017 - $40 million budget commitment to revitalise Queensland’s national parks

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