Improved visitor facilities to be delivered at Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park

A $3 million investment at the popular Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, will deliver a new lookout, upgraded campgrounds and improved visitor facilities at three sites.

A new lookout will be constructed at Chinaman’s Hill to give visitors a dedicated place to appreciate the impressive views of Investigator Strait and the Althorpe Island group, as well as Kangaroo Island in the distance.

Improvements will also be made at Stenhouse Bay and Shell Beach, including constructing additional facilities picnic areas, toilet facilities and carparks at the day-visitor areas and campgrounds.

South Australian Minister for Environment and Water, David Speirs said the $3 million upgrades at Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park are part of the State Government’s Parks 2025 initiative which is delivering record amounts of funding to the environment.

“Parks 2025 is a once in a generation investment in more than 30 parks across the state to improve the visitor experience and boost conservation,” Minister Speirs said.

“Dhilba Gurranda-Innes National Park is a spectacular part of our state with its beautiful coastline and beaches and these upgrades will further enhance its reputation as a must-visit destination.

“Our national parks are more popular than ever with visitor numbers at record levels as many South Australians look to holiday in their home state. This continues to provide a significant economic boost to our regions and support local jobs at a time when it is needed most as we continue recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Department for Environment and Water is working with the park’s Traditional Owners and Friends of Parks volunteer groups to ensure the best outcome in creating new visitor facilities at this iconic park.

The three sites to be upgraded are:

Chinaman’s Hill Lookout
Chinaman’s Hill, on the southern edge of the park offers unrivalled views of the sweeping coastline below.

The new lookout will give visitors an even better viewing experience, with 360 degree views of Southern Yorke Peninsula, multiple viewing platforms and interpretative signage.

Works will also include the construction of sealed, two-way access roads, a new carpark for up to 25 vehicles, and minor infrastructure and signage updates.

Stenhouse Bay
Stenhouse Bay, at the entry to Dhilba Gurranda-Innes National Park, is home to the heritage-listed jetty which is popular for fishing and diving.

Facilities at the day visitor area will also be boosted with the construction of new toilet blocks, a new picnic shelter with two barbeques and picnic tables, stone fencing and an upgrade to the visitor car park.

The large Stenhouse Bay Campground, which services visitors in tents, caravans, campervans and camper trailers, will have a new toilet blocks and barbeques.

Shell Beach
Upgrades at Shell Beach, on the western side of the park, will benefit swimmers at the popular nearby Blue Pool, along with campers staying at Shell Beach Campground.

Works will include the construction of new toilet facilities, improved day visitor parking, new signage and a redesign the campground including construction of new campsites.

Construction is expected to commence at all sites in September.

Image: Stenhouse Bay Credit: Walking SA  https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/stenhouse-bay-lookout-trail/