Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park, desert parks reopen to four-wheel drives

The parks have reopened to four-wheel drive traffic only with no towing allowed.

List­ed as a Ram­sar Wet­land of Inter­na­tion­al Impor­tance, Coongie Lakes is one of the most spec­tac­u­lar of South Aus­trali­a’s nat­ur­al attrac­tions.

It is a pris­tine water source made up of chan­nels, water­holes, lakes, inter­nal deltas, shal­low flood­plains and inter­dune cor­ri­dors and swamps.

National Parks and Wildlife Service District Ranger Travis Gotch encouraged visitors to head out and view the park while the lakes were full of water and bird life.

“It’s looking fantastic at the lakes and with the Cooper Creek flowing it’s a great time to get out and see the park,” he said.

“There is still water over the causeway at Innamincka on the way out to the park but it’s safe to cross.

“There is a possibility of further floodwaters travelling down the catchment next month, so I’d encourage visitors to get out and see the park now and over Easter while the roads are accessible.”

Mr Gotch said all visitors must buy a Desert Parks Pass - which provides important information on how to prepare for the crossing, what to do in emergencies and also lists emergency contact numbers - to access any of the desert parks.

Mr Gotch said some important safety tips to remember when driving in the Outback included:

• Ensure vehicles are equipped for Outback travel.
• Carry extra water, food and fuel supplies.
• Use either HF radio or a satellite phone, plus an EPIRB or PLB (personal locator beacon).
• Check local conditions and don’t rely solely on vehicle satellite navigation or navigation apps.
• Tell a responsible person when you are expected to arrive at your destination.

For further information regarding desert parks visit www.parks.sa.gov.au

For up to date public road information outside of the national park, visit www.dit.sa.gov.au/OutbackRoads