Relax in a National Park this Christmas - western Eyre Peninsula

Christmas is a wonderful time to spend with friends and family. National Parks on Eyre Peninsula offer a diverse range of activities over the Christmas break.

Go fishing, four wheel driving, camping, walking or bird watching. Capture some great photos, or just chill out.

There’s so much to do in your national parks! Ranger Tamahina Cox said popular destinations over the summer period are coastal parks, such as Wahgunyah, Fowlers Bay, Acraman Creek and Point Bell Conservation Parks.

To help visitors and locals make the most of their stay, and ensure the break is safe and enjoyable, the following information may assist;

Wahgunyah Conservation Park, a park that protects long windswept beaches and impressive cliffs, backed by spectacular dune systems which give way to dense coastal Mallee and heath understorey. Dogfence beach within Wahgunyah Conservation Park, is a popular fishing spot, as is Cheetima Beach. Enjoy the reeling in of a Mulloway or Australian salmon, or simply relax on one of its spectacular sandy beaches, however, please be aware these beaches also provide vital nesting habitat for the vulnerable Hooded Plover.

Fowlers Bay Conservation Park includes Point Fowler, Scotts and Mexican Hat beaches. A park with natural beauty that conserves an outstanding coastline comprised of long sandy beaches, sheltered bays, rocky outcrops and high cliffs. Another popular fishing area, where you can also enjoy camping under the stars and hearing the ocean roar. Enjoy the newly revamped camping and visitor areas, an initiative supported by local communities, aimed at preserving the beautiful coastline for the enjoyment of future generations. Access via 4WD only.

Point Bell Conservation Park provides excellent fishing, camping and swimming opportunities. Access via 4WD only.

Acraman Creek Conservation Park is protected from the full force of the southern ocean, and is comprised of a mangrove estuary, fringed with samphire and mallee vegetation. It provides important feeding grounds for many coastal birds, particularly supporting migratory shorebirds such as sandpipers and stints that come from as far away as the Arctic Circle. Acraman’s has a long white sandy beach, backed by sand dunes and small boats can be launched from the beach. The creek (shelter-shed area) and Point Lindsay can only be reached by 4WD vehicles.

Tips to Remember;

• 2016 – 2017 Fire Season: is between 1 Nov – 15 April for Fire Ban regions on Eyre Peninsula (penalties apply)
• Stick to existing tracks and observe all signs
• Be prepared and self sufficient
• Be aware of oncoming traffic, especially on bends
• Be respectful of others and the environment. Please take your rubbish with you.
• No Pets or Unregistered vehicles, this includes quad bikes (penalties apply) We know pets love getting out and enjoying the beach, however, they are not permitted in any SA park.

Seek further information through the Ceduna Natural Resources Centre, 50B McKenzie St, Ceduna, or by phoning (08) 8625 3144 or alternatively, contact the Natural Resources Centre in Port Lincoln on 8688 3111 or visit website: www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks

Port Lincoln Natural Resources Centre will be open until 5pm Friday 23 Dec, closed over the Christmas / New Years period and reopening 9am Tuesday 3 January 2017.