Discover more: Top tips for regular visitors exploring SA's national parks
29 Nov. 2023 3 min read
For our regular visitors to South Australia's national parks, every trip is a new opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Even if you've been many times before, it's important to remember that conditions in parks can change and every park is different.
Our top tip? Always update yourself on the latest safety information before you head out, no matter how often you've visited. Remember to take direction from park rangers when you arrive; they have the greatest knowledge of local conditions.
Here's how you can stay safe while soaking in the beauty and adventure that our parks have to offer.
Don’t let weather and park conditions spoil your stay
- You may be a park pro, but did you know we post regular alerts on our website? Next time you visit check the parks closures and alerts list and save yourself the disappointment of arriving at a closed trail or park section. Remember, these closures are there for your safety.
- For those venturing into the more remote Flinders Ranges or Outback, check out the desert parks bulletin which will guide you through campground conditions and access routes.
Explore safely on marked trails
Stay on designated trails. As a regular visitor, you might feel confident venturing off the beaten path, but it's important to remember that closed areas are off-limits for good reasons, such as unstable terrain or fire hazards. Keeping to marked paths is key to ensuring your safety.
Make sure someone has your back
Heading into the wild unknown? Make sure someone trustworthy knows your plans and expected return time. It’s always better to have someone watching your back, even from afar.
Download park maps before you go
Be prepared by downloading maps onto your phone before you head off. Download the free Avenza Map App have our national parks at your fingertips. This handy app taps into your device’s built-in GPS, mapping out your real-time location within the park. And the best part? You can use it offline.
Remember phone coverage can be patchy
Mobile phone coverage is not reliable in all our parks, particularly in remote areas and where there is steep terrain.
Drive safely
Before you hit the road check your vehicle and road conditions. Remember, unsealed roads and nature aren’t always a smooth combination.
Wildlife is most active at dawn and dusk. Since you've been around, you know to drive slowly and keep an eye out for our furry friends making their way across the roads.
Stay safe on water
For all things boating touch base with Marine Safety SA.
Remember campfire and BBQs restrictions
To find out which parks allow campfires use our find a park tool and check the box for ‘Campfires (seasonal restrictions apply)’ in the filters; this will display all the parks which allow campfires. You can also check out this full list of park fire restrictions.
Know emergency contacts
In case of emergencies, dial 000. Our Regional Duty Officers are also there to assist with various emergencies in the parks.
Before you head out on your next adventure, equip yourself with these tips, respect the rules, and you're all set for an unforgettable adventure!