Relax and unwind in a national park this Christmas – eastern Eyre Peninsula

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National parks are for all to enjoy and this holiday season Natural Resources Eyre Peninsula welcomes locals and visitors alike to visit a park. Not only the stunning scenery and wildlife of our land based parks but also the vast and unique experiences to be had within local Marine Parks.

Natural Resource Officer, Elly Schultz said parks on the Eyre Peninsula are within easy reach of many regional communities, and it’s a great time of the year to get outdoors and enjoy all Eyre Peninsula has to offer.

“Whether you are in Cleve, Kimba and Whyalla or the surrounding districts there are many parks waiting for you to explore. There is the Whyalla Conservation Park, where you can take a short climb to Wild Dog Hill and be rewarded by expansive views over the semi-arid plains. Make sure you take your binoculars to spot those elusive birds of prey,” Ms. Schultz said.

“Enjoy some of the less known parks on the eastern Eyre Peninsula, on mild weather days a walk amongst the steep gullies and beautiful native vegetation in the Yeldulknie Conservation Park is fantastic. Or take a picnic lunch and enjoy the coast in the Munyaroo Conservation Park. Do a bit of wildlife spotting as you explore the parks, see how many little and big critters call these places home. Come for a day visit and explore these beautiful places that are right on your door step,” Ms. Schultz said.

To help you enjoy you visit, there are a few simple things to remember:

Access and four wheel driving traveling through parks can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. In can also be hazardous on unfamiliar tracks. It is essential to plan your drive carefully, and have a well maintained and equipped vehicle that can cope with extreme track conditions. Here are a few tips that may assist you.

  • Tell people where you are travelling – Inform family or friends of your intentions and how many days you are travelling.

  • Fuel – Plan ahead to ensure you carry enough fuel between fuel stops.

  • Road and Track Conditions – Contact regional offices for information on track closures.

  • Sand Flags – If travelling over sand dunes, flags will improve visibility of your vehicle to oncoming traffic.

  • Food and Water – Carry a reserve of food and water enough for 3-4 days.

  • Tyres – Ensure your tyres are in good condition and fit for the trip. Lower tyre pressure to suit track conditions (sand).

  • Communication - UHF radios are a useful tool to communicate with other vehicles using the same track or with group members travelling to the same destination.

  • Four-wheel drive tracks have areas of soft sand. Please remember to reduce tyre pressures to aid traction and to minimise track damage. The four-wheel drive tracks are for two-way access. Remember to take care on crests and bends.

  • Drivers are reminded to exercise caution and check tides as soft sand and changing coastal conditions may create challenges.

  • Normal road rules apply on all National Park roads and tracks including beaches.

Fires

  • Only gas/liquid fires are permitted within designated campsites during the fire ban period unless it’s a day of Total Fire Ban, in which case all fires are prohibited.

  • Park visitors can find out about fire ban notifications by listening to 891 AM ABC, 1485 AM ABC, 5LM, 765 AM 5CC, and 89.9 MAGIC FM or ring the Natural Resources Centre on 8688 3111 (weekdays). It is the responsibility of park users to be aware of fire bans.

  • On days of elevated fire danger parks may be closed.

Nesting birds

  • Summer is the breeding time for many coastal and migratory shorebirds such as the hooded plover, pied oystercatcher and threatened fairy tern.

  • Remain vigilant and observe all signs and fenced off areas which are in place to protect known sensitive breeding sites.

Accessing parks

  • All parks in the eastern Eyre Peninsula have free entry and no camping is permitted.

Pets

  • Pets are not permitted in national parks, people who bring pets into the parks will be asked to leave, and will be fined.

New Year celebrations

  • It is illegal to carry or use flares or fireworks in a reserve, they create a significant fire risk.

Travelling to other parks on Eyre Peninsula? Some parks on Eyre Peninsula and around the state required online booking for entry and camping. For more information visit the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre in Adelaide Place, Port Lincoln or the Port Lincoln Natural Resources Centre (weekdays only) at 86 Tasman Terrace or visit: www.parks.sa.gov.au

Whyalla Natural Resources office will be accessible via appointment until 5:00pm Friday 22 Dec, and then closed over the Christmas / New Year’s period. The office will reopen 9:00am on Tuesday 2 January 2018.

For enquiries relates to an online parks booking during the closure period, please emailDEWNR.OnlineBookings@sa.gov.auand one of our friendly staff members will respond to you as soon as possible.

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