South Australia’s national parks attract record visitor numbers

South Australia’s national parks are reporting elevated attendances with more than 220,000 visitors having booked to camp in or visit national parks across the state from January until the start of June – the highest ever for this period. This is more than double the number for the same time last year and more than 70,000 higher than the previous record in 2019.

NPWS’ Park of the Month for June, Mount Remarkable National Park is proving to be one of the most popular destinations during school holidays – with its Mambray Creek Campgrounds a popular place to stay.

Parks including Dutchman’s Stern Conservation Park, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, Innamincka Regional Reserve, Onkaparinga River National Park, Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park, Witjira National Park and Deep Creek Conservation Park remain popular destinations.

South Australian Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said those considering looking for last minute campgrounds in parks across South Australia are encouraged to book before they go.

“South Australia’s national parks are as popular as ever with visitor numbers going through the roof in the past couple of years. The July school holidays are the perfect time to get away with the family and we encourage all South Australians to make the most of this time off and get out to visit our parks.

The SA Government is investing $130 million in national parks to boost conservation, improve experiences and increase visitor numbers.

Minister Speirs adds “we are also continuing to increase the amount of quality, green, open space available by expanding some of our national parks and opening up our reservoirs for recreational access.

“For those that might miss out on camp spots there are still some plenty of things to do with many of our national parks and reservoirs within a short distance from the CBD such as metropolitan Adelaide’s newest national park – Glenthorne.”

Campers looking for last-minute bookings can also still secure spots at parks across South Australia. To book your spot in a campground visit www.parks.sa.gov.au. 

Image: Mount Remarkable National Park courtesy environment.sa.gov.au/