Tallaringa Conservation Park
More information
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Check the latest Desert Parks Bulletin before visiting this park.
On the western side of Mabel Creek Station, about 100km from Coober Pedy, lies Tallaringa Conservation Park. This vast wilderness of vegetated dunes and gibber rises is home to an incredible array of wildlife species uniquely adapted to their arid environment.
This park is particularly impressive in the months following rain that produces an abundance of bird-attracting flowering annual plants. There are at least seven species of mulga found co-existing in the park, which is rare.
Open daily.
A tourist access permit is required to access this area from the Department of Defence. Pleas note that access to the park may be restricted due to local road conditions, the Desert Parks Bulletin provides important and current information on access and road conditions.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
Visitor information, bookings and park management:
Port Augusta National Parks Wildlife Service South Australia office
Phone: (+61 8) 8648 5300
Email: desertparks@sa.gov.au
Emergency contacts:
Medical, fire (including bushfire) and police emergency situations
Phone: Triple Zero — 000
Police Assistance
Phone: 131 444 for non-urgent police assistance
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA – After-hours duty officer
Phone:0408 378 284
Injured wildlife:
Within the park
Please contact Port Augusta National Parks Wildlife Service South Australia office on (08) 8648 5300 or the after-hours duty officer on 0408 378 284.
Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group.
Desert Park Pass
Heading to the outback? Purchase a Desert Parks Pass which entitles you to 12 months vehicle entry into seven desert parks.
The pass also allows you to camp for periods of up to 21 nights at a time in the desert parks (excluding Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park, where camping is not permitted).
The Desert Parks Pass is mandatory if you’re planning to travel into Munga-Thirri – Simpson Desert National Park and Regional Reserve or are travelling east of Dalhousie Springs in Witjira National Park. Day vehicle entry and camping is available for all other Desert Parks.
Tallaringa Conservation Park is located 615km north west of Port Augusta. Access is via Stuart Highway, Coober Pedy or Mabel Creek Station.
Dogs are not permitted in this park.
Discover which parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks by Good Living for inspiration.
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.
Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email or on Facebook.
There are no designated camping areas, so camp within 50 m of the main track in natural clearings.
Flora and fauna species lists
To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the ‘Create Simple Species List’ tab under ‘Flora Tools’ or ‘Fauna Tools’ in NatureMaps.
Access to the park may be restricted due to local road conditions or according to requirements by the Department of Defence. The Desert Parks Bulletin provides important and current information on access and road conditions.
It is also important that you know about tourist access permits required by the Department of Defence.
- There is no mobile phone coverage in the park.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.
There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.
In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia.
For a four-wheel driving adventure, travel along the Anne Beadell Highway, a rough bush track linking Coober Pedy to Laverton in Western Australia over 1,300km away. The track was surveyed and built by Len Beadell, Australian surveyor, who named it after his wife.
Prior to travel on the Anne Beadell Highway you will need to obtain the following permits:
- Tallaringa Conservation Park
- Woomera Prohibited Area — Tourist Access Permit
- Mabel Creek Pastoral Station
- Maralinga Tjarutja Aboriginal Lands and Mamungari Conservation Park
Tallaringa Conservation Park
Entry and camping permits for Tallaringa Conservation Park can be purchased online.
For further information contact:
Port Augusta National Parks Wildlife Service South Australia office
Phone: (+61 8) 8648 5300
Email: DesertParks@sa.gov.au
Woomera Prohibited Area — Tourist Access Permit
The Anne Beadell Highway passes through the Woomera Prohibited Area. All tourists are required to obtain a Tourist Access Permit, issued by the Woomera Test Range before accessing any part of the Woomera Prohibited Area. Permits are not issued more than 12 months in advance and are required for each vehicle in their party. Tourists must also provide at least 10 business days notice confirming that they will be entering the WTA on the dates stated on their permit.
For further information contact:
Defence Support Centre
PO Box 157, WOOMERASA 5720
Phone: 08 8674 3210 or 8674 3370
Fax: 08 8674 3217
Email: woomera.enquiries@defence.gov.au
Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/woomera/
Mabel Creek Station
Permits are not required for Mabel Creek Station. Please observe the signs and remember to leave the gates how you found them, open or closed.
Maralinga Tjarutja Aboriginal Lands and Mamungari Conservation Park
A permit is required from the Maralinga Tjarutja Administration office for travel within the Maralinga Tjarutja Aboriginal Lands and Mamungari Conservation Park. Please allow 4 – 6 weeks for the processing of permits.
- Maralinga Tjarutja — tourist access application form
- Conditions relating to visitors entering the Maralinga Tjarutja Lands
For further information contact:
Maralinga Tjarutja Administration office
43 McKenzie St, CEDUNASA 5690
Phone: 08 8625 2946
Fax: 08 8625 3076
Email: senioradmin@maralinga.com.au
There is currently no bushwalking information available for this park, please contact the park office for more information.
There are no designated mountain biking trails in this park.
Camping
Self-sufficient bush camping is permitted within 50 metres of the Anne Beadell Highway (there are no facilities). Please note you must book prior to arrival and a tourist access permit is required to access this area from the Department of Defence.
Want to join others and become a Park Friend?
To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia.
You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events.
The international Trail Users Code of Conduct is to show respect and courtesy towards other trail users at all times.
Ensure that you:
- keep to defined walking trails and follow the trail markers
- wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen
- carry sufficient drinking water
- be aware of weather conditions and avoid walking during the hottest part of the day
- Walk, hike or trek — what’s the difference?
When camping in a National Park, it’s important to remember the following:
- Always let someone responsible know your travel plans, especially when travelling in remote areas. It’s a good idea to let them know when you expect to return.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave, including overnight temperatures on the Bureau of Meteorology. Even during very mild weather, the nights can get very cold.
- The quality and quantity of water cannot be guaranteed within parks. Please bring plenty of water and food to be self-sufficient.
- Always camp in designated sites (where applicable) — do not camp beneath trees with overhanging branches, as they can drop without warning. It’s also a good idea to check that there are no insect nests nearby.
- Check to make sure you’re not camping in a natural waterway, flash floods can happen anytime.
- If camp fires are permitted, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Extinguish your camp fire with water (not sand or dirt) until the hissing sound stops.
- Ensure that you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
Can I have a fire or barbecue?
- Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions for this park.
- You must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited.
- Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted through the year, other than on days of total fire ban.
Closures and safety
This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map on the CFS website.
Check the CFS website or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:
- Information on fire bans and current fire conditions
- Current CFS warnings and incidents
- Information on what to do in the event of a fire.
Listen to your local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety.
When 4WDriving in the park, it is important to be aware of the following:
- Standard road rules apply when driving anywhere in the park, including the laws for speed limits, drink driving, vehicle registration and seat belts.
- Take extreme care when driving in the park – be aware of blind corners, crests and narrow two-way tracks.
- Observe all track and safety signs, especially ‘No public access’ signs.
- Do not take your vehicle off the designated tracks. Wildlife can be threatened and precious habitat and indigenous sites can be damaged by off track driving.
- Make sure you know what to do in the event of getting bogged and always carry a shovel.
- When driving on sand, deflate your tyres as appropriate for your vehicle. Don’t forget to reinflate your tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before leaving the park. Take care when lowering tyre pressure as there is risk you could roll the tyre off its rim. Also, remember that lower tyre pressure can mean a change in how the vehicle handles.
Public Access Routes (PARs)
- Public access routes are established under the Pastoral Land Management and Conservation Act 1989 to provide public access over pastoral land without the need for travellers to ask permission from the lessee.
- Public access routes are not roads or part of the formal road network. They are unimproved and unsurfaced dirt tracks intended to provide four wheel drive access in dry conditions only.
Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.
Please ensure that you:
- leave your pets at home
- do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology
- do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park
- leave the park as you found it — there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you.
- abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit)
- respect geological and heritage sites
- do not remove native plants
- are considerate of other park users.
- Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.
Parks maps
Maps on your mobile
If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza PDF Map app and have interactive national park maps on hand when you need them.
The app uses your device’s built-in GPS to plot your real-time location within the park onto a map. The app can be used without a network connection and without roaming charges. You can also measure area and distance, plot photos and drop placemark pins.
How to get it working on your device:
1. Download the Avenza PDF maps app from the app store whilst you are still in range (its free!).
2. Open up the app and click the shopping cart icon.
3. Click ‘Find’ and type the name of the national park or reserve you are looking for.
4. Click on the map you are after and install it (all our maps are free).
5. You will now find a list of your installed maps on the home page of the Avenza app.
6. Use our maps through the Avenza PDF map app while in the park and never take a wrong turn again.
Please note you must pay vehicle entry prior to arrival and a tourist access permit is required to access this area from the Department of Defence.
Where can I book and pay in person?
If you are unable to book and pay online you can do so, in person, at these booking agents across the state.
For online bookings enquiries please email:
A tourist access permit is required to access this area from the Department of Defence.
Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival.
Click through to the online booking page for more details about individual campgrounds and fees.
Book online
Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance.
Book and pay in person
If you are unable to book and pay online you can do so, in person, at these booking agents across the state.
For online bookings enquiries please email:
Desert Park Pass
Heading to the outback? Purchase a Desert Parks Pass which entitles you to 12 months vehicle entry into seven desert parks.
The pass also allows you to camp for periods of up to 21 nights at a time in the desert parks (excluding Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park, where camping is not permitted).
The Desert Parks Pass is mandatory if you’re planning to travel into Munga-Thirri – Simpson Desert National Park and Regional Reserve or are travelling east of Dalhousie Springs in Witjira National Park. Day vehicle entry and camping is available for all other Desert Parks.
A tourist access permit is required to access this area from the Department of Defence.
