Sir Joseph Banks Group Conservation Park
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Best accessed by boat from Tumby Bay or Port Lincoln, the park’s limestone-capped islands are havens for wildlife, providing refuge for diverse birdlife and the endangered greater stick-nest rat.
Access to some islands such as Dangerous Reef is prohibited, as they are important breeding colonies for sea birds and seals, while other islands provide ideal vantage points from which to view the marine animals that inhabit surrounding islands.
The Sir Joseph Bank Group Conservation Park lies within the Sir Joseph Bank Group Marine Park. Fishing, diving and other recreational activities are permitted other than within designated sanctuary zones which protect important marine ecosystems and marine fauna populations.
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 and Wildlife Service Port Lincoln Office
Phone: (+61 8) 8688 3111
Email: EPParks@sa.gov.au
Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre
3 Adelaide Place, Port Lincoln
Phone: 1300 788 378
Email: info@visitportlincoln.net.au
Visit Port Lincoln website
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: 08 8688 3223
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact National Parks and Wildlife Service Port Lincoln Officeon (08) 8688 3111 or the after-hours duty officer on (08) 8688 3223
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 and Wildlife Service Port Lincoln Office on (08) 8688 3111 or the after-hours duty officer on (08) 8688 3223
Sir Joseph Banks Group Conservation Park is located 20km south east off the coast of Tumby Bay.
It is only accessible by boat from Tumby Bay or Port Lincoln.
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.
Dogs are not permitted in this park.
Discover which 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.
There are no facilities in the park. Please ensure you carry sufficient water, food and supplies for your entire visit. It is also a good idea to let a responsible person know of your intended movements and when you expect to return.
Dangerous Reef hosts one of the largest breeding colonies of Australian sea lions. It is also an important feeding area for the protected great white shark, particularly for breeding females. Bring your binoculars to see the range of seabirds which nest on many of the islands.
Please be aware that tiger snakes are common on several of the islands.
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.
- There is no mobile phone coverage in the park.
- 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.
The Nauo-Barngarla Aboriginal people have traditional associations with this region.
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.
There are no designated mountain biking trails in this park.
Camping is not permitted within this park.
- Use Find a Park to discover which parks you can camp in.
Venture out to the Sir Joseph Banks Group of islands for a full day of fishing some of SA’s best KG Whiting grounds.
This remote group of islands with unspoilt beaches, remarkable aquatic life and absolutely no crowds rivals any sailing experience in Australia. Once you depart and head to the Sir Joseph Banks Group, you are on your own to embrace sailing at its finest. Take your time to explore the islands, stopping at Sibsey Island, where you are sure to encounter some curious seals. Then head on over to Reevesby Island, where you can explore the old homestead which still stands from the days the island was once used as a sheep farm. Spilsby Island is a must with some of the best snorkelling spots in the Conservation Park.
If you think you might be interested in volunteering opportunities within this park please contact our Volunteer Support Unit.
Can I have a fire or barbecue?
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
- You must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited.
- Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted through the year, 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.
Please be aware that tiger snakes are common on several of the islands.
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.
Come and enjoy this park for free.
This park is not included in the park pass system.
There is no camping or accommodation available within this park.
There are no other fees or permits associated with this park.
