After the fire: welcome back to Deep Creek National Park

Good news: more than half the park is untouched by fire

More than 4500ha of land was burnt in the fire, including 98% of neighbouring Talisker Conservation Park.

But the good news is about 60% of Deep Creek National Park remains intact, thanks to the tireless work of local and interstate fire crews including CFS, MFS and National Parks and Wildlife Service brigade members.

As more of the park is gradually reopened, visitors will be able to return to favourite untouched areas and also witness the way the burnt landscape naturally regenerates.

Park entry is free until Monday 6 April

Deep Creek National Park is one of five South Australian coastal parks where the vehicle entry fee is waived until the end of Easter, Monday 6 April 2026.

What do visitors love about Deep Creek National Park?

Located about 100km south of Adelaide, this park is a perfect destination for a day trip, weekend getaway or longer. Deep Creek National Park contains the largest portion of remaining natural vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Not only is it a beloved spot for city dwellers to escape to nature, but it provides important habitat for native wildlife such as the western grey kangaroo, short beaked echidna, southern brown bandicoot and bearded dragon.

With more than 400 species of native plants, wildflowers are a drawcard in spring, and 100 species of birds make the park a magnet for bird-spotters.

Whales can be seen cruising the coast during their annual migration, from June to October.

Five campgrounds are dotted throughout the park with four of them accessible by 2WD vehicles. The other campground is hike-in only, situated on the popular Heysen trail.

What’s open for visitors

As of Monday 2 March 2026:

All picnic areas

Campgrounds

OPEN: Stringybark, Tapanappa, Cobbler Hill, Trig, Yapri Ngawanthi (Cliffs) and amenities. 

Accommodation

OPEN: Glenburn Cottage, Ridgetop Retreats and Deep Creek Homestead. 

Walking trails and lookouts

OPEN: Marrano Creek Hike, Blowhole Beach Hike, Boat Harbor Circuit Hike, Deep Creek Cove Hike from Tapanappa Lookout and from Trig Picnic Area, Forest Circuit Walk, Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail, Spring Wildflower Walk, Stringybark Loop Walk, Pages Lookout, Tapanappa Lookout.

Plan ahead for a great Easter visit

Deep Creek National Park is a popular destination during long weekends, and with areas reopening, demand will be high. Most campsites will book out ahead of the long weekend, but you can check online for last-minute spots and book at parks.sa.gov.au

Be aware: Some areas of the park are impacted

Most public roads in the area have been reopened but anyone in the vicinity is reminded to remain alert for ongoing hazards. These include falling branches and trees, and livestock or wildlife wandering onto roads due to damaged fences and habitat.

CLOSED: Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi (Eagle Waterhole) campground.

CLOSED: Aaron Creek Hike, Aaron Creek Circuit Hike, Deep Creek Circuit Hike, Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tapanappa Lookout and from Tent Rock Road, Goondooloo Ridge Walk, Talisker Silver Lead Mine Hike.

CLOSED: Blowhole Beach 4WD track.

Motorists are urged to take extra care and drive to conditions.

The silver lining of the fire event is, over the coming weeks and months, visitors will have a rare chance to witness a fire-affected landscape regenerating.

Most Australian ecosystems have evolved with fire, and some native plant seeds are actually triggered by fire to begin germination. It won’t be long before the park begins showing signs of new life.

Useful links

The Deep Creek National Park web page for the latest information about park conditions and reopening.

 The CFS website for the latest fire updates.

Traffic SA website for the latest on road closures and traffic conditions.