To help plan summer adventures, the Department for Environment and Water has compiled a list of parks where everyone can experience the best of the beach and the bush in a single trip.

It says South Australia is blessed with pristine beaches and beautiful bushland, and numerous parks showcase them side-by-side.

Encounter Marine Park on the Fleurieu and Lashmar Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island are two of the parks highlighted.

Encounter Marine Park

Stretching around the entire Fleurieu Peninsula – from Port Noarlunga Reef Sanctuary Zone to just past the Murray Mouth in the Coorong – and across to the north-east coast of Kangaroo Island, Encounter Marine Park showcases an enormous variety of coastal and marine environments for total immersion. 

Lashmar Conservation Park

Antechamber Bay in Lashmar Conservation Park is a picturesque location complete with turquoise waters, a 4km long beach with soft, white sand and a beautiful view across Backstairs Passage to the mainland.

The Park is a protected area located on the north coast of Dudley Peninsula about 40 kilometres south-east of Penneshaw.

Hallett Cove Conservation Park

Just 40 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, the beach at Hallett Cove Conservation Park is a lovely spot to cool off on a hot day. 

The park is home to a popular walking trail leading up to the top of the cliffs, which is also accessible for prams and assisted wheelchairs.

Beachport Conservation Park

The south east park’s seemingly endless white sandy beaches and coastal flora are home to an array of birds, making it a brilliant spot to take a dip and enjoy the birdlife. 

A walking trail around Woolley Lake offers panoramic views of the ocean and neighbouring Lake George or sail in the waters at Five Mile Drift.

Lincoln National Park

Located on Eyre Peninsula, this is a great place for fishing, beach lounging, walking, and camping. 

The Spalding Cove campground at the northern end of the park is a sheltered, shallow bay that provides a million-dollar view and a perfect spot to swim.

National Parks and Wildlife Service Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Manager Tony Magor says the parks have something for everyone.

“We are incredibly lucky to have such a diverse range of environments in South Australia,” he says.

“Whether you want to take a dip in the ocean, wander through bushland, or do both, our parks and reserves are the best places in the state to do just that.

“But if you are hopping in the water to cool off, make sure to be careful as there could be hidden dangers that you may not be able to see, including submerged objects such as tree branches or rocks.

“Visitors to parks should also be mindful of their swimming abilities and local currents and swells if they choose to swim.”

While encouraging people to take the time to explore the state’s wonderful parks and reserves, Mr Magor urges visitors to be safe while doing so:

• Be aware that entire parks or parts of parks can close because of the weather, particularly on days with catastrophic or extreme bushfire danger ratings.
• Find out if the park or campground you want to visit is open by checking the list of parks closures and alerts and the desert parks bulletin.
• Wear lifejackets when boating, kayaking or paddling.
• Always supervise children.
• Keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology for weather forecasts and warnings.
• For emergency information, download the Alert SA mobile app for the latest from SA’s emergency services. For fire updates, tune to your local emergency broadcast radio station.

Encounter Marine Park - Noarlunga reef.