Lashmar Conservation Park
The Chapman River water level has dropped and access is permitted via Creek Bay Road and Cape Willoughby Road. Visitors are advised to take care when driving along unsealed roads. Details
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A favourite for beach lovers, Lashmar Conservation Park adjoins the long sandy beach at Antechamber Bay.
The park is an ideal location for swimming, fishing and birdwatching and is just a short drive from Cape Willoughby lightstation.
Explore the park further by canoeing your way along the tranquil Chapman River which flows through the park and into the sea at Antechamber Bay.
A scenic picnic area and campground are also available within the park.
Download the National Parks of Kangaroo Island Visitor Guide: May 2022.
Open daily.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Visitor information, bookings and park management:
National Parks Wildlife Service South Australia Kangaroo Island office
Phone: (+61 8) 8553 4444
Email: DEW.NPWSReferralsKangarooIsland@sa.gov.au
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero — 000
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – After-hours duty officer
Phone: 0477 334 898
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact National Parks Wildlife Service South Australia Kangaroo Island office on (08) 8553 4444 or the after-hours duty officer on 0477 334 898.
Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group
Marine mammals
If you find a sick or stranded marine mammal (including whales, seals, sea lions and dolphins), please contact
National Parks Wildlife Service South Australia Kangaroo Island office on (08) 8553 4444 or the after-hours duty officer on 0477 334 898.
Lashmar Conservation Park is located 40km south east of Penneshaw, on Kangaroo Island. Access is via Hog Bay Road.
You can get to Kangaroo Island from mainland South Australia on the SeaLink ferry. This vehicle and passenger ferry operates daily (except Christmas Day) between Cape Jervis (two hours south of Adelaide) and Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island. The journey takes 45 minutes for the 16km crossing.
Visit the SeaLink website for more information and bookings.
Dogs are permitted on the south side of the Chapman River only.
Please ensure you:
- Keep your dog under control and on a lead no more than two metres in length.
- Stick to designated walking trails.
- Bring disposable bags to clean up your dog’s faeces (please be aware there are no bins in national parks).
Dogs are not permitted in other areas of the park.
Discover other parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.
Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook.
There are picnic facilities, BBQs, toilets and camp grounds available for use within this park.
Flora and fauna species lists
To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the ‘Create Simple Species List’ tab under ‘Flora Tools’ or ‘Fauna Tools’ in NatureMaps.
- National Parks of Kangaroo Island Visitor Guide: May 2022
- Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail website
- Parks management plans
- Trails SA
- SA Marine Parks
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.
There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.
In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia.
There is currently no bushwalking information available for this park, please contact the park office for more information.
Make the most of the park’s spectacular beaches and spend the night at one of the Antechamber Bay campgrounds.
Camping fees apply and must be booked and paid for online before arrival.
Antechamber Bay Campground
Suitable for: caravans, camper trailers and tents
Facilities: toilets and picnic tables
Located on the northern side of the Chapman River, this campground consists of 10 camp sites with nearby walking trails providing access to the beach and the river.
*Wood fires and solid fuel fires are permitted within designated fire pits, other than on days of total fire ban (excluding fire danger season).
Chapman River Campground
Suitable for: caravans, camper trailers and tents
Facilities: fire pits, picnic shelter, toilets and gas BBQs.
Located on the southern and eastern side of the Chapman River, this campground consists of 12 campsites dotted along the banks of the Chapman River.
*Wood fires and solid fuel fires are permitted within designated fire pits, other than on days of total fire ban (excluding fire danger season).
There are no designated mountain biking trails in this park.
Fishing is actively managed in South Australia by the Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA.
Check out these useful links before embarking on your fishing adventure:
Here are some of the animals you may also encounter on Kangaroo Island:
Kangaroo Island kangaroo
This kangaroo is smaller, darker and longer furred than its closest mainland relative. During the day they often rest under vegetation, coming out to graze in the early morning and late afternoon. Spot one in this park or at these alternative locations:
- At Black Swamp at Flinders Chase National Park
- At Grassdale in Kelly Hill Conservation Park. Park at the gate on the South Coast Road and follow the 2 km track to an open area near an old cottage.
- Lathami Conservation Park and surrounding paddocks. Enter the park through the double gates around 3 km south east of the Stokes Bay Café along the North Coast Road.
- On the Hog Bay Road from Prospect Hill to Baudin Beach. Take care when parking. Ensure your car is completely off the road when parked.
Tammar wallaby
These wallabies are nocturnal and are best seen at dawn and dusk. During the day Tammar wallabies rest in dense, low vegetation. They move through tunnels in the vegetation from their daytime shelters to grassed areas to feed in the evening. Spot one in this park or at these alternative locations:
- At Grassdale in Flinders Chase National Park. Park at the gate on the South Coast Road and follow the 2 km track to an open area near an old cottage.
- Around the campsites and down towards the jetty at Vivonne Bay.
- Along the D’Estrees Bay Road up to Wheatons Beach in Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park.
- In the township at Nepean Bay, via Western Cove Road.
- In Baudin Conservation Park. Access to the carpark is along Frenchmans Terrace and south along Binneys Track.
Short-beaked echidna
Echidnas are found across Kangaroo Island in all types of habitat. Short-beaked echidnas are generally solitary, but during the breeding season from May – September male echidnas form trains behind females. Echidnas can be seen throughout Kangaroo Island, across all types of habitat.
Australian sea-lion
The Australian sea-lion is one of the rarest seals in the world. Seal Bay Conservation Park is home to the world’s third largest breeding colony.
Spot one in this park or at these alternative locations: Seal Bay Conservation Park on a guided tour.
Long-nosed fur seals
Long-nosed fur seals live along rocky shores around Kangaroo Island where they rest and breed in colonies.
Spot one in this park or at these alternative locations: Admirals Arch in Flinders Chase National Park.
Glossy black-cockatoo
Glossy black-cockatoos feed during the day returning to their nests at dusk. Spot one in this park or at these alternative locations:
Lathami Conservation Park. Enter the park from North Coast Road, approximately 1.5 km from Stokes Bay.
Baudin Conservation Park. Access to the carpark is along Frenchmans Terrace and south along Binneys Track.
Koala
Koalas were not on Kangaroo Island at the time of European settlement. In the 1920s conservationists released 18 koalas in Flinders Chase National Park to save their declining mainland population. The population quickly established and their numbers rapidly increased and koalas moved across the island. Koalas spends most of the day resting in a tree fork, usually climbing into the canopy around dusk to feed. Look for their ball-shape high in the canopy, or as they move between branches. Spot one in this park or at these alternative locations:
- Grassdale in Kelly Hill Conservation Park. Park at the gate on the South Coast Road and follow the 2 km track to an open area near an old cottage.
- The Heritage Walk that starts at the Flinders Chase National Park Visitor Centre.
- The scenic walking trail along Cygnet River at Duck Lagoon, accessed via Kookaburra Road.
Heath goanna
Heath goannas are active during the day and are often seen basking in the sun. Spot one here or at these alternative locations
- Along any walk in Flinders Chase National Park. Park staff at the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre can help select the right walk for you.
- On the Hanson Bay Hike in Kelly Hill Conservation Park. This 18 km return hike passes through Grassdale Lagoon to Hanson Bay.
- At Bales Bay in Seal Bay Conservation Park.
Cape Barren goose
Cape Barren geese can be seen on Kangaroo Island from autumn through to early spring. Spot one in this park or at these alternative locations:
- The grassy areas near the entrance of Flinders Chase National Park, where they breed.
Want to join others and become a Park Friend?
To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia.
You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events.
Become a Campground Host
Combine your love of camping with doing a good deed by becoming a volunteer campground host in this park.
A campground host is a volunteer who stays at the park either for a specific peak period, like the Easter break or a long weekend, or an extended period of time (up to a few months) to support park rangers.
If you are passionate about the environment, a keen camper, like to meet people from all around the world, and are a happy to help, then hosting could be right up your alley.
The international Trail Users Code of Conduct is to show respect and courtesy towards other trail users at all times.
Ensure that you:
- when hiking, wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day
- make sure you have appropriate weather proof clothing
- carry enough water to be self-sufficient
- please be respectful of other users at all times
- stay on the designated trails and connector tracks for your own safety, and prevent the spread of declared weeds to other areas in the park
- ensure someone knows your approximate location and expected time of return
- take appropriate maps.
- Walk, hike or trek — what’s the difference?
When camping in a National Park, it’s important to remember the following:
- Always let someone responsible know your travel plans, especially when travelling in remote areas. It’s a good idea to let them know when you expect to return.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave, including overnight temperatures on the Bureau of Meteorology. Even during very mild weather, the nights can get very cold.
- The quality and quantity of water cannot be guaranteed within parks. Please bring plenty of water and food to be self-sufficient.
- Always camp in designated sites (where applicable) — do not camp beneath trees with overhanging branches, as they can drop without warning. It’s also a good idea to check that there are no insect nests nearby.
- Check to make sure you’re not camping in a natural waterway, flash floods can happen anytime.
- If camp fires are permitted, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Extinguish your camp fire with water (not sand or dirt) until the hissing sound stops.
- Ensure that you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
If you plan to drive on Kangaroo Island roads:
- Be aware that the condition of gravel and dirt roads is unpredictable. Slow down.
- Avoid driving from sunset to sunrise to avoid collisions with our wildlife.
- You must stop your car off the road before you take photos.
- If you are visiting from overseas, remember we drive on the left in Australia!
To learn more, check out ‘Expect the Unexpected’ safety video courtesy of Kangaroo Island Council and the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. The video shows you what to expect on Kangaroo Island roads and how to drive safely while visiting. The video is available in English, Italian, Chinese, French, German, Hindi and Indonesian languages.
Can I have a fire or barbecue?
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Antechamber Bay and Chapman River Campground: wood fires and solid fuel fires are permitted except from 15 November 2023 to 27 March 2024 inclusive and on days of total fire ban.
You must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited.
Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited within the Antechamber Bay North campground.
Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted, other than on days of total fire ban.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Follow these tips to optimise the experience for yourself and our precious wildlife.
Observe don’t interact
- Always put the animals’ welfare first.
- Move slowly and quietly and keep at least 20 m away.
- Turn off your mobile phone.
- Use binoculars for that close-up view.
- Observe the animals without interacting; do not try to touch them, play with them or pursue them.
- If the animal’ change their behaviour while you are watching them you are probably too close; retreat slowly and give them more space.
- When photographing wildlife turn your flash off and use natural light instead to protect their eyes.
Drive safely
Wildlife is active at night. Animals are blinded by bright lights, so slow down, dip your lights and take time to observe the wildlife. During the day watch out for goannas and snakes basking on warm roads and birds and echidnas foraging along road edges.
Keep wildlife wild
Human foods can cause illness and death to wildlife so please do not feed them. Feeding wildlife also interrupts their natural patterns of behaviour, which are essential for their survival in the bush.
Snake safety
Snakes live all over South Australia and many of the world’s most venomous snakes are found in Australia. If you see a snake in the wild, always assume it is venomous and leave it alone. Snakes are not likely to chase you, so it’s best to leave them be. When walking in national parks and reserves, stick to the trails and make a bit of noise when you walk. For more information, visit our blog ‘What to do if you see a snake in the wild’.
Injured wildlife
To report injured wildlife phone Natural Resources Kangaroo Island on (08) 8553 4444 or notify parks staff.
Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.
Please ensure that you:
- leave your pets at home
- do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
- do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
- leave the park as you found it — there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you.
- abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
- respect geological and heritage sites
- do not remove native plants
- are considerate of other park users.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Why does my dog need to be on a lead?
If your dog is off lead, it is more likely to impact on native wildlife and other visitors in a park and be at risk itself.
Risks to wildlife:
- Dogs off tracks will leave a scent in the bush that will keep wildlife away.
- Uncontrolled dogs may frighten wildlife and disrupt their natural behaviour.
- Some dogs will kill or injure wildlife.
Risks to other park visitors
- Dogs may be aggressive to other park visitors.
- Even friendly dogs can knock people over causing injury.
- Some people want to enjoy parks without dogs.
Risks to your dog
- Poison baits may be laid to control foxes. Baits can be fatal to dogs.
- Even if your dog is friendly, other dogs may not be.
- Your dog can catch parasites (such as fleas and ticks) from wildlife.
- Snake bites are a real risk in natural areas such as parks.
- Wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas will defend themselves if threatened by a dog and can cause significant injury to or the death of your dog.
Park maps
Campground maps
- Lashmar Conservation Park — Antechamber Bay Campground map
- Lashmar Conservation Park — Chapman River Campground map
Maps on your mobile
If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza Map app and have interactive national park maps on hand when you need them.
The app uses your device’s built-in GPS to plot your real-time location within the park onto a map. The app can be used without a network connection and without roaming charges. You can also measure area and distance, plot photos and drop placemark pins.
How to get it working on your device:
1. Download the Avenza Maps app from the app store (iOS/Android) whilst you are still in range (its free!).
2. Open up the app and click the shopping cart icon.
3. Click ‘Find’ and type the name of the national park or reserve you are looking for.
4. Click on the map you are after and install it (all our maps are free).
5. You will now find a list of your installed maps on the home page of the Avenza Maps app.
6. Use our maps through the Avenza Mapa app while in the park and never take a wrong turn again.
Vehicle entry to this park is free, however fees apply for camping and must be booked and paid for online before arrival.
Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival.
Click through to the online booking page for more details about individual campgrounds and fees.
Book Online
Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance.
Book and pay in person
If you are unable to book and pay online you can do so, in person, at these booking agents across the state.
