The $1.6 million transformation of Antechamber Bay camping facilities, in Lashmar Conservation Park on Kangaroo Island is underway with installation of a suspension bridge linking the north and south sides of the campground.

The 55-metre long, 1.5-metre wide, custom-built bridge will enable pedestrians to easily access both sides of the Chapman River, ensuring ongoing enjoyment of the site’s conservation values with its beautiful bushland and spectacular sea views.

Constructed on-site the design of the bridge was carefully selected in consultation with the community to ensure it fitted well into the surrounding site, spanning the tidal river, and allowed access for kayaks underneath.

Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs says the upgrades are part of the state government’s Parks 2025 initiative and record $130 million investment to revitalise South Australia’s national parks.

“Kangaroo Island has some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, so it’s been fantastic to undertake projects which enable both the community and visitors from afar to better enjoy our national parks,” he says.

“A huge amount of work has gone into the roll out of these projects, as we can continue to build attractions and encourage people to visit this very unique part of the state. Every visitor is helping in the recovery of Kangaroo Island after last summer’s bushfires and in overcoming the impacts of COVID-related restrictions, which have affected tourism.”

As part of the upgrades a new double toilet block has also been constructed at Antechamber Bay, south east of the Chapman River. The new building will provide toilet facilities for campsites and day visitors to the area. 

Further upgrades to the campground and day visitor facilities will also be completed by mid-2021.

Other infrastructure projects recently completed through the Reimagining Kangaroo Island Parks engagement process include the re-sheeting of D’Estrees Bay Road, to enable better visitor access to the D’Estrees Bay area in Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park.

Six new campsites, barbecue and toilet facilities will be built in the near future at the island’s largest lagoon, Murray Lagoon. Construction is also underway on eight new campsites, a barbecue, toilet facilities and day visitor facilities. To find out more visit the KI Parks website.