World Heritage wonder takes centre stage for Park of the Month
South Australians with a passion for science, nature and history are being invited to explore South Australia’s only World Heritage-listed site as Naracoorte Caves National Park takes centre stage as National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) Park of the Month for August.
Located in the Limestone Coast, the world-renowned park is home to the Naracoorte Caves, part of the 800,000-year-old Naracoorte East Range and one of only two sites that make up the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites World Heritage Area, alongside the Riverleigh fossil site in Queensland.
Naracoorte Caves Site Manager Thomas Shortt said the World Heritage site is one of global significance.
“The Naracoorte Caves contain one of the world’s most complete record of Australia’s ancient mammals, providing evidence of environmental change, human arrival, and megafauna extinction over the past 500,000 years,” Mr Shortt said.
“The site continues to offer a unique window into Australia's prehistoric past while providing outstanding educational, research, and tourism experiences.
“Fossils discovered here include iconic Australian megafauna such as the marsupial lion (Thylacoleo carnifex), Tasmanian tiger (Thylacincus cynocephalus), Zygomaturus, and sthenurine kangaroos.”
The park remains an important centre for scientific research, with ongoing fossil excavations helping scientists reconstruct Australia’s prehistoric ecosystems. Current research projects include tracking the survival of the critically endangered Southern Bent-wing Bat, a species which has used the caves for thousands of years.
Mr Shortt said the August Park of the Month program aligns with National Science Week and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience science in action.
“National Science Week is a fantastic opportunity to bring science to life for visitors of all ages, and we’re excited to welcome renowned palaeontologist and kids entertainer Professor Flint, local geology expert Ian Lewis and musical group The Ammonites to Naracoorte and Tantanoola caves,” Mr Shortt said.
“Through live podcasts, fossil displays, special guided tours, cave performances and expert talks, these events will showcase the remarkable natural and scientific stories of our World Heritage-listed caves, while inspiring curiosity and discovery in everyone who attends.”
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.
