Focus on southern metro parks

To celebrate this region, National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is showcasing seven southern metropolitan parks for Park of the Month in May.

Whether it’s visiting one of the state’s biggest nature play spaces at Glenthorne National Park–Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, checking out the rare and protected plants found at Wangkuntila-Aldinga Conservation Park or hiking to heritage mining sites at the new Kauwi-Marnirla-Field River Conservation Park, there’s plenty of activities to choose from. 

National Parks and Wildlife District Ranger Steve Johnson said two scheduled local history hikes would be a great introduction to Kauwi-Marnirla-Field River Conservation Park.

“It used to be private property so now everyone has an opportunity to see this recently established park and its geological history,” he said. “There’s just such a broad range of things to do and see - some of the south metro parks have great mountain biking trails, while others are a magnet for birdwatchers. 

May’s Park of the Month activities include:

History Hikes One: Creek and Quarry Adventure Hike – Tuesday 12 May 9am-12pm

Hike Kauwi-Marnirla-Field River Conservation Park with experts in the local history and geology and see the spectacular views and spring-fed creek within the park.

History Hikes Two: Early SA Geology and Copper Hike – Sunday 17 May 9am-12pm

An adventurous hike that will take you to the waterway, observing the mining structures en route. Hike downstream following the creek to Howchins photo point and follow the spring-fed waterway.

Bird Identification Sensory Guided Accessibility Walk – Wednesday 20 May 10am-12pm

Learn from bird expert Phil Barron for an hour in nature, walking through the beautiful Onkaparinga River Recreation Park, along the wetlands loop trail.

For more information about Park of the Month events and to book, head to: www.parks.sa.gov.au/get-inspired/park-of-the-month