Sacred Canyon proclaimed as part of Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Posted 26 April 2017.

Park boundaries have been amended at Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park to preserve Sacred Canyon, a highly significant cultural site for the Adnyamathanha people.

The area is located approximately 12 kilometres south east of Wilpena, adjoining the southern boundary of the park, and comprises approximately 298 hectares.

Sacred Canyon preserves ancient engravings of images representing animal tracks, people and waterholes in the sandstone walls of the canyon. The site provides a drawcard for visitors and holds opportunity for new cultural tourism ventures.

Protection of Sacred Canyon was requested by Adnyamathanha members of the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park Co-management Board and the Adnyamathanha people. The addition of the area to the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park will provide the appropriate legislative protection for the site under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

"Sacred Canyon is an area of great cultural significance to the Adnyamathanha people and is truly part of our national heritage, containing some of the oldest rock engravings in the world," said Adnyamathanha Traditional Land Association CEO Vince Coulthard.

"The inclusion of the area within the Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park provides the opportunity to ensure the site can be actively managed, protected and appropriately interpreted for park visitors."

The addition of Sacred Canyon to the protected area system was announced by Sustainability, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter in April - see the full media release here.