After the fire: witness recovery at Deep Creek National Park

Visitors have a unique opportunity to visit the national park and witness the very beginnings of the landscape's recovery.

A major bushfire 

More than 4,500 ha of land was burnt in the February 2026 bushfire, including 40% of Deep Creek National Park, 98% of neighbouring Talisker Conservation Park and private land.

Thanks to the tireless work of local and interstate fire crews - including Country Fire Service (CFS), Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) and National Parks and Wildlife Service brigade members – the fire was brought under control within two weeks.

The fire’s perimeter stretched 60 km, and within that area, evidence of what happened can be seen in charred trees, blackened soil and dried leaves.

But there are also signs of new life.

Signs of recovery 

Most Australian ecosystems have evolved with fire, and some native plant seeds are actually triggered by fire to begin germination.

A few months on from the fire, buds are beginning to burst from the sides of a tree - an encouraging sign known as epicormic growth.

In recent weeks, a western beautiful firetail has also been spotted feeding on the edge of the fireground.

While other local residents are making their way back.

Visiting Deep Creek National Park 

Now is a great time to visit Deep Creek National Park and see nature's recovery up close and experience the park in a whole new way.

Located about 100km south of Adelaide, the park is a perfect destination for a day trip, weekend getaway or longer.

The park is now mostly open, with all campgrounds reopened except Wuldi Krikin Ngawanthi – Eagle Waterhole Campground.

While a few tracks and hikes remain closed, the very popular Wild South Coast Way on the Heysen Trail has reopened, allowing hikers to once again enjoy long-distance or multi-day hiking experiences.

Learn more and book your trip by visiting the parks website.

Talisker Conservation Park is closed until further notice for public safety while assessments and necessary repairs are undertaken.

Lend a hand - donate to the Wildlife Recovery Fund 

The Wildlife Recovery Fund – a Nature Foundation and state government initiative – has been opened to help support projects that promote recovery and increase resilience of vital habitats damaged or destroyed by fire.

While our ecosystems have evolved alongside fire and can recover over time, in fragmented landscapes, species can be at risk of disappearing locally if a single fire affects too much of their habitat and other threats are not managed.

Funds raised will be used to help immediate on-ground projects – including fence repair, weed control and habitat restoration – and for monitoring and research to understand the effects of the fire and how populations of threatened species recover.

These combined efforts will help provide additional habitat to support recovery of native animals and plants and improve scientific knowledge in future bushfires.

If you are able to contribute to the Wildlife Recovery Fund at this time, you can learn more and contribute by visiting the website. 

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