Making South Australia's national parks more inclusive for Autistic people

What is a social script?

A social script is a simple, step‑by‑step guide that explains what might happen during a visit. It uses clear language and pictures to show:

• what the place looks like
• what you might see, hear or smell
• what people usually do there
• what is expected, like staying on paths or waiting your turn
• what you can do if things feel overwhelming.

For Autistic people, new places can sometimes feel unpredictable or stressful. Social scripts help reduce uncertainty by showing what to expect before arriving. This can make visits calmer, safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Social scripts can also be helpful for:

• children and adults who like routine
• people with anxiety
• families planning their first visit
• teachers or support workers preparing a group visit.

Social scripts now available in South Australia’s parks

Social scripts have been created for a range of park locations and activities across South Australia.

Belair National Park

Belair National Park is one of South Australia’s most loved parks, offering wide open spaces, walking trails, picnic areas and adventure play.

Social scripts are available for:

• Visiting Belair National Park
• Adventure Playground, Belair National Park
• Heritage Tree Walk, Belair National Park

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park

Cobbler Creek offers scenic views, walking tracks and a nature‑based playground.

Social scripts are available for:

• General visiting at Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
• Cobbler Creek Playground

Morialta Conservation Park

Morialta is well known for its waterfalls, walking tracks and nature play space.

Social scripts are available for:

• Visiting Morialta Conservation Park
• Morialta Nature Play Space
• First Falls Walk, Morialta Conservation Park

Para Wirra Conservation Park

Para Wirra offers opportunities for walking, wildlife spotting and camping.

Social scripts are available for:

• Visiting Para Wirra Conservation Park
• Walking at Para Wirra Conservation Park
• Camping at Para Wirra Conservation Park

Naracoorte Caves National Park

Naracoorte Caves is a World Heritage‑listed attraction. Visitors can experience its important fossils and spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. Guided underground tours and above‑ground experiences are offered.

Social scripts are available for:

• Visiting Naracoorte Caves
• Rooftop Walk
• Wonambi Fossil Centre
• Bat Cave and Blanche Cave tours
• Stick Tomato Cave

Communication board at Belair National Park

Belair National Park also has a communication board, located near the Adventure Playground. Communication boards use pictures and simple words to help people express their needs, feelings or choices without having to speak.

The board includes common words and images related to the park experience, such as:

• food and drink
• play equipment
• toilets
• emotions
• asking for help or a break.

You can also find each park's social scripts on their corresponding park pages, under 'Accessibility'.

Improving accessibility isn’t just about physical access. It’s also about making information clearer, communication easier and experiences more predictable.

Social scripts and communication tools are just some of the ways we’re helping make South Australia’s parks more welcoming and inclusive, because our parks are for everyone.