Attraction
Attraction
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Limestone Coast
National Parks in South Australia
Come and find out what makes South Australia's national parks so special
South Australia is a microcosm of all that makes Australia iconic – think pristine white sandy beaches, bounding kangaroos, lush forests, red desert plains and craggy peaks – gifts of our varied climate and geography. Thanks to our protected national parks and conservation areas, South Australia is home to unspoiled natural wonders. Embark on a classic red desert outback trek, camp encircled by prehistoric mountain ranges or kayak through wetlands. Our national parks and conservation parks are home to an abundance of native wildlife, including wallabies, wedge-tailed eagles, emus, kangaroos and even sea lions. Or if history is your thing, take a guided tour to learn about important heritage sites preserving South Australia's recent history or its ancient past.
Please help protect South Australia national parks by leaving no trace behind when you visit. For the most up-to-date information on travelling and staying in our parks, head to parks.sa.gov.au
Top national parks to visit
South Australia is blanketed with natural beauty, thanks in part to a whopping 340 national parks spread across the state. While we have a large number of national parks, there are a handful we consider ‘must-visit’ destinations in Australia. Many offer established campgrounds, visitor centres, guided tours and nearby towns bustling with a selection of local provenance. Journey through coastlines of sculpted rock, expansive desert plains, pink lakes, wetlands, beaches and walking trails galore. Here’s our pick of the best national parks South Australia has to offer.
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Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park
Weave between the towering cliffs and dramatic gorges that make up the 95,000 hectares of Ikara Flinders Ranges National Park. Wilpena Pound, the main attraction of this outback mountain range, is a natural amphitheatre best witnessed from above. Board a scenic flight to truly understand the scale of this geological wonder or embark on one of the many walking trails that will take you around the base of the pound. While getting your step count up you might even catch a glimpse of St Mary Peak, the highest point of the Flinders Ranges. Take in the vast wilderness from different vantage points. Resort, glamping and camping facilities are available.
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Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
Coastal grasslands, rugged cliffs, sandy beaches and rolling sand dunes – Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is an aquamarine dream where you can even swim with dolphins at Dolphin Beach. Amble through a 30-minute easy bushwalk or embark on a four-hour hike for more of a trek where you’re bound to see the many emus roaming the area. With Cape Spencer Lighthouse, the Ethel beach shipwreck and the abandoned town of Inneston, you can also lose yourself in some Yorke Peninsula history before meeting the brilliant sunset spreading over the horizon.
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Murray River National Park
Among the national parks South Australia offers, Murray River National Park is home to the state’s most important water source and animal sanctuary. Visit in autumn or spring when wildlife is most active for the best of the mighty Murray River. Explore an impressive network of wetlands and floodplains by foot or canoe down the river whilst looking out for over 150 bird species. Spot a wombat on a Big Bend By Night tour or take a Dark Sky Reserve tour for the best stargazing around.
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Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park
When full, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre becomes the largest lake in Australia and one of the only inland seas in the world. An obvious white blotch on the map of South Australia, the Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park is an icon in the heart of Australia’s outback. When you visit the lake, you’ll be struck by a true natural phenomenon – an invisible horizon. It is not uncommon to gaze into the distance only to see a horizon that blends in with the sky above, the white salt flats creating an optical illusion. When rain is generous, see Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre fill to create an oasis for eager waterbirds like pelicans and terns that flock to the temporary desert lake, which also turns a charming pink due to present algae. Visit between April and October for a chance to see this striking spectacle.
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Flinders Chase National Park
With its unique geological forms, skyward cliffs and untouched beaches, Flinders Chase National Park is more like an art sculpture than a park. Roam around the ancient Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch while taking in sweeping views from the park’s awe-inspiring platforms. You’ll also be able to see the resident long-nosed fur seal colony that calls this rocky beacon home. Hike, bike, and take a snap at the eye-catching Cape Du Couedic Lighthouse before settling in at May’s Homestead or the Harvey Return campground.
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Coorong National Park
This breathtaking 140-kilometre wetland paradise is a perfect place to kayak, fish and birdwatch in serene surroundings. With an unusual ecosystem of fresh and salt water, Coorong National Park is an important sanctuary for migratory birds and endangered plant species. Visit in autumn or spring for the best chances to see them. If you’re camping, you’ll appreciate padding about the abundant soft sand dunes as you watch the brilliant South Australian sunsets. Australian film buffs will also recognise this park as the site where Storm Boy was filmed.
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Coffin Bay National Park
Expansive coastal views dotted with islands, rugged limestone cliffs, sweeping white sand dunes and crystal-clear waters – Coffin Bay National Park is a beach lover’s heaven. Enjoy a coastal bushwalking trail from the southern end near Yangie Bay with plenty of cosy spots to stop for a picnic lunch or get in the water to sail, scuba dive, windsurf or fish. Many of the park's most stunning beaches are accessible by car, but make sure to plan your journey accordingly as some routes require a 4WD.
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Lincoln National Park
Surrounding the Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area, Lincoln National Park has magnificent scenery to hike through and is perfect for swimming and boating. Birdlife comes to life in autumn and spring while southern right whales visit in winter. Campgrounds are an easy walk to the beach and extensive trails pass by sheltered bays, sand dunes, granite headlands and colourful bushland - home to cute Australian marsupials and birds. Take a 4WD to handle the rugged roads between attractions. It’ll be worth it when you’re looking out over those postcard-worthy views.
