Parks SA will receive major upgrades through a $22 million state government investment initiative. 

The Parks 2025 strategy aims to conserve natural landscapes and wildlife, and sustain Aboriginal cultural heritage, as well as building nature-based tourism, creating world-class experiences within South Australia, and fostering more places for people to connect with nature through recreational activities. 

National parks cover 21.1 million hectares of South Australia; there are 12 parks on the Fleurieu Peninsula and nine on Kangaroo Island. 

A staggering 1.8 million people visit Parks SA each year.

Parks SA states that in response to the summer bushfires, projects on Kangaroo Island have been pushed forward. These include revitalising facilities at the popular Seal Bay, creating a distinctive camping experience at D’Estrees Bay, and introducing new visitor experiences at Cape Willoughby — known for its heritage lighthouse. 

The initiative will inject $7 million into improving visitor experiences on Kangaroo Island to help the region’s economic recovery.

On the Fleurieu Peninsula, the Parks 2025 projects that are already underway include opening Myponga Reservoir Reserve for visitor access and creation of the Great Southern Ocean Walk. 

Myponga Reservoir, which is encircled by lofty forests and rolling hills, is now a hub for nature enthusiasts. The reserve offers cycling, walking, picnicking and fishing. Kayaking on the reservoir is planned for the near future.

The Fleurieu Peninsula boasts some of the state’s most breathtaking scenery. Many of these coastal landscapes will soon be connected by the Great Southern Ocean Walk. This $6 million trail will span from Cape Jervis to Victor Harbor. The trail will encourage accessibility for all, attract both visitors and locals to explore the dramatic coastline, and enhance sections of the iconic Heysen Trail. The project includes construction of a day visitor facility at Deep Creek Conservation Park and upgrades to existing campgrounds.

The natural environment of South Australia is unique. The state is home to 450 bird species, 85 per cent of our marine species are found no where else in the world, while our diverse landscapes and habitats include beaches, native woodlands, wetlands, gorges, and coastal cliffs — all home to incredible flora, fauna and wildlife. 

According to the Department for Environment, the Parks 2025 initiative will create 4000 new jobs over the next decade though nature-based tourism.

To find out more visit: www.parks.sa.gov.au