Para Wirra Conservation Park

This park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset (the park is open 24 hours to campers via the Eastern gate entrance).

On Christmas Day the main entrance is closed and access is restricted to pedestrians and campers via the Eastern gate.

This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.

Listen to the local area radio station for the latest updates and information on fire safety. 

• CFS website
• CFS Hotline: 1800 362 361

Para Wirra is located 41km North of Adelaide. 

There are several entrances to the park, with the main entrance being via the West Gate of off of Humbug Scrub Rd. 

If you are heading to the campsite after hours, enter the park via the Eastern Gate of off Humbug Scrub Road. 

Download a park map via the maps tab before your trip.

Visitor information, bookings and park management:

Gawler Natural Resources Centre
Phone: (+61 8) 8115 4600
Email: DEWPWOnlineBookings@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: 0427 556 676 

Injured wildlife:

Within the park
Please contact Gawler Natural Resource Centre on (08) 8115 4600 or the after-hours duty officer on 0427 556 676 (outside of business hours)

Outside of the park
Please contact a local wildlife rescue group

Para Wirra Conservation Park is great at any time of year. The cooler weather is the best time to attempt the more challenging hikes and late winter through to spring the park comes alive with many wildflowers.

In the warmer months, the park is the perfect spot for picnics, barbecues or to take a leisurely stroll around the lake.  Visit the park early morning or late afternoon to make use of the cooler parts of the day.

Please be aware of fires or fire bans throughout the fire danger season and adjust your visit accordingly.

Parks are for all to enjoy, we would love to hear from you about your experience in nature. You can share your comments, pictures and videos with us and others by tagging @NationalParksSA on Facebook,  Instagram or email us.

Facilities 

Parking

There is two accessible parking spaces at Gawler View Picnic Area.

Toilets

There are accessible toilets located at:

• Gawler View Picnic Area (right hand)
• Wirra Picnic area  (right hand)
• Hissey Picnic Area 1 accessible toilet (right hand) situated at the rear of the toilet block and accessed from the right-hand side path

See and do

Trails

Lake Discovery Loop (1km) – It is recommended to start from the East Lake carpark and follow the well-signposted trail in a clockwise direction. The trail loops around the lake on a hard packed gravel trail with a few slight rises that may require some assistance.

Dogs on a lead are also welcome.

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 call the information line on (+61 8) 8204 1910.

Dogs are welcome in this park.

Please ensure you:

• Keep your dog under control and on a lead no more than two metres in length.
• Stick to designated walking trails.
• Bring disposable bags to clean up your dog’s faeces (please be aware there are no bins in national parks).

Discover other 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.

Para Wirra Conservation Park is a perfect spot for group and family gatherings, with accessible facilities in a natural bushland setting. The lake is one of the park’s most popular places, there’s a barbecue area and picnic tables with a view out over the water. On a calm day, you’ll see the surrounding bushland reflected in the water with mirror-like perfection. 

The Gawler View picnic area is a large, open recreation space with a beautifully constructed Nature Play Forest set amongst the blue gums.  Free barbecues, picnic tables, shelters, a bush oval and toilets with accessible access are provided.

The Wirra campground has sites for tents, small campervans and camper trailers, with bookings to be made online. If you have a large group please use the school groups booking form.  Facilities within the campground include free barbecues, a basic camp kitchen and accessible toilets. 

The Para Wirra Resource Centre is available for hire and includes access to a small kitchen. The centre is a great location to hold small meetings for community and business groups.

Please note that the water at the campground and picnic areas is not treated, please ensure you bring enough drinking water with you for your visit.

• Mobile phone coverage can be patchy and unreliable in this park, especially if you are in low-lying areas.

• Visit the Walking trails support group for maps, leaflets and walking notes produced by park volunteers.
• Read the Insider guide: Para Wirra on the Good Living blog.
• Explore what other nature and outdoor activities are available in this area on the South Australia Tourism website.  

• Parks management plans
• Trails SA
• SA Marine Parks

• 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.

Take a virtual tour of this park. Get a taste for the various historic sites, the lake and the panoramic views which you will be rewarded with whilst walking within the park .

• Georama virtual tour

If you are looking to visit Parra Wirra for educational purposes, you might like to peruse our Educational Pack tailored to Para Wirra Conservation Park. This pack was developed for schools and families by park rangers and the Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges’ NRM Education team.

Learning in nature virtual tour

This virtual tour has been created as a resource for teachers to assist with outdoor learning. It can be used before and after visiting Para Wirra Conservation Park, and can even be used by students in the classroom. 

The tour complements a 'learning in nature' at Para Wirra Conservation Park professional development (PD) session for teachers and it contains a number of activity stops based around environmental and sustainability learning concepts tied to the curriculum. This virtual tour also contains additional information about plants, animals, learning ideas and links to additional educational resources 

• Para Wirra Conservation Park - Learning in nature virtual tour

Phytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora), otherwise known as root-rot fungus, is killing our native plants and threatens the survival of animals depending on plants for food and shelter.

This introduced fungus can be found in plant roots, soil and water. Help stop the spread by using hygiene stations, staying on tracks and trails and by complying with all Phytophthora management signs.

• Phytophthora brochure

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. 

The three nations connected to Para Wirra are the Peramangk, Ngadjuri and Kaurna nations. Tapering gradually to meet the Barossa Valley and the mallee plains, the rugged Mount Lofty Ranges and South Para River form a natural meeting place for the Kaurna people across the Adelaide plains; the Peramangk people to the east; and the Ngadjuri people to the north.

Translated from the Kaurna language, ‘Para’ (really Pari) means river, creek or gully. ‘Wirra’ means forest. So Para Wirra is the forest where a waterway (river or creek) flows. Today, Para Wirra Conservation Park is an important area for all three nations, and National Parks are working with them to develop and promote cultural interpretation of the park.

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. 

• DEW Park management
• DEW Aboriginal partnerships

Barossa Goldfields

Gold was discovered here in the 1860s and although a number of mining syndicates invested heavily, they did not make their fortunes. Small scale mining continued in the area until the mid-1930s and many remains of mining activity can be seen throughout the northern end of the park. 

Stop in at the quaint Bowden Cottage Museum to learn about the gold mines and the challenging lives of those who worked in them. The cottage is open most Tuesdays and the third Sunday of every second month by the Barossa Goldfields Historical Society volunteers.

Geology

The Geology of the Para Wirra Conservation Park provides evidence of a long and dynamic history, involving deposition, deep burial, metamorphism and folding and subsequently uplift and faulting. This history began with the development of the Barossa Inlier about 1600 million years ago. After a period of erosion between 850-550 Million years ago, in a basin deposition occurred. The sediments were then buried to a depth of 10 km, and subjected to folding and faulting, resulting in gold mineralisation. From this time to the present a period of erosion and uplift occurred bringing the rocks to the surface.

Further inspiration:

• Check out Nature Play SA's 40 things to do in Para Wirra Conservation Park.
• Check out Ranger tips: Para Wirra Conservation Park
• Check out How to spend a weekend in South Australia's Para Wirra Conservation Park

Bushwalking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, keep fit and spend time with family and friends. Please ensure that you are well equipped with food, water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Please note that in winter and spring the water levels of the South Para River can become quite high, making it challenging to cross in sections.

Bushwalking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, keep fit and spend time with family and friends. South Australia's national parks feature a range of trails that let you experience a diversity of landscapes.

• Visit the Walking Trails Support Group for maps, leaflets and walking notes produced by park volunteers.

Easy walks

No bushwalking experience is required. Trails are clearly sign posted. The track is a compacted surface and has gentle undulating sections, but may have minor tripping hazards, e.g leaf litter and loose gravel.

• Lake Discovery Walk (30 mins. 1km)

  This popular short trail is great for families where you can soak up the tranquil setting of Para Wirra's lake. You're sure to see many waterbirds and bush birds along the way, so bring your binoculars. Great in the morning and late afternoon.

• Gawler View Nature Loop (30 mins. 1km)

  Explore the Nature Play Forest shared-use paths through the Gawler View picnic area. Keep your eyes peeled for bush birds, scurrying lizards and maybe even an emu or kangaroo. Suitable for prams. Some limited mobility access may be possible if assisted.

Moderate hikes

Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Trails are sign posted. Some bush walking experience is recommended. Tracks may have some steep hill sections, rough surfaces that can be slippery after rain and steps or tripping hazards.

• Victoria Hill Circuit Hike(45 mins, 1.5km anticlockwise loop)

  Discover the secrets of this historical mining town in the Barossa Valley. Allow time to stop and read the interpretive signs along the route that tell the colourful story of the Barossa Goldfields. Keep to trail at all times as there are dangerous mine shafts in the area.

  Access: car park on Allendale Road near Bowden Cottage.

• Scenic Loop (2 hrs, 4.5km return or 1 hr 30 mins, 3.2km loop)

  Whether you walk or ride to The Knob you’ll find yourself immersed in valleys of bushland surrounded by high hills, miles away from city life. Follow the shared use Knob Lookout Track down to the small rounded hill of the Knob. Return along the same track or Scenic Drive. Alternatively, return along a section of the South Para Grand and Lizard Rock hikes.
  The Scenic Drive section is a shared zone with vehicles.

  Access: Gawler View Picnic Area

• Lizard Rock Hike (45 mins, 1.6km return)

  An enjoyable loop trail with easy grades and picturesque views across Wild Dog Creek valley. Explore the rock formations along the ridge and see if you can spot the Lizard Rock! Great for family groups. For safety, please supervise children near rocky outcrops.

  Access: near the Gawler View Barbecue and Natureplay areas.

  Lizard Rock Hike brochure

• Hissey Hike (1 hour, 2km anticlockwise loop)

  Walk along the shaded valley of Wild Dog Creek and take in the scenery as you meander around the tranquil Lake. Ideal for families or visitors with limited time.

  Access: near the lake access road (east side).

  Hissey Loop Hike brochure

• Tree Creeper Loop (2 hrs, 5km)

  A delightful nature trail, great on its own, or as part of other trails in the Forestry SA network. Look for wildflowers year round and stop by the dam along Blue Gum Track to see the wildlife that comes to visit! The Para Wirra Drive section is a shared zone with vehicles.

  Access: Wild Dog Creek car park, east of Para Wirra Drive and just south of Wirra Road.

• Horseplay Trail (4 hrs, 8.5km)

  Enjoy 8.5 km of track around and through the Mack Creek section of the park that is available for hikers and horse riders.

  Access: Mack Creek car park, Humbug Scrub Road

Hard hikes

Bushwalking experience is recommended. Trails may be long with rough surfaces and very steep. Trail signage may be limited.

• Phoenix Circuit Hike (2 hrs 30 mins, 5km anticlockwise loop)

  Take a walk through time, passing the major mines of the Barossa Goldfields. Follow the pickaxe symbols every 200 metres, reading the stories of early miners on interpretive signs along the way. Discover the old tramway tracks from Menzies Mine, near the Battery. Keep to trail at all times as there are dangerous mine shafts in the area.

  Access: car park on Allendale Road near Bowden Cottage.

• Lady Pearce Circuit Hike (4 hrs, 5km anticlockwise loop)

  A superb walk going down, but a solid climb back up. Hike through the old Barossa Goldfields and down to the Battery site. Take in the serenity of the South Para River before rock-hopping across the river. Climb out of the gorge along a dramatic spur. Keep to trail at all times as there are dangerous mine shafts in the area.

  Access: car park on Allendale Road near Bowden Cottage. 

• Devils Nose Hike (2 hrs, 4.4km)

  Take the ridge top walk to the Devils Nose Lookout. Sweeping views of the Barossa Range, Gawler District, South Para Gorge and Misery Farm will take your breath away. Bring your camera! For safety, please supervise children near rocky outcrops. Trail can be started from either the Lake or Devils Nose car parks.

  Access: car park and trailhead west of the lake.

• South Para Grand Hike (4.5 hrs, 10km clockwise loop)

  See all the scenic highlights of central Para Wirra , this hike is best hiked in a clockwise direction. If you start from Hissey Picnic Area, you’ll first pass the Lake, then onto the Devil’s nose for spectacular views. From there head down into South Para Gorge, before winding back up to the Knob Lookout. Finally, discover the amazing Lizard and Chimney rocks.

  Access: Car park at Hissey Picnic Area

• Mack Creek Hike (4 hrs, 7.5km)

  Follows Mack Creek downstream through a valley of magnificent river red gums. Look out for the beautiful orchids flowering in late winter and spring.
  
  Access: car park on Humbug Scrub Road

Wirra campground 

Situated at the eastern end of the park, amongst the pink gums, grass trees and hop bush this campground has 19 campsites, including six that are suitable for small campervans (RV's) and camper trailers, toilets, a basic camp kitchen, gas barbecues and fire pits in each camp site for use outside the fire ban season.

All of the campsites are wheelchair accessible, they are on flat ground with a compacted gravel surface. The toilet facilities are wheelchair accessible, with a 900mm door width and a fixed handrail alongside the toilet.

Click through to the Wirra Campground booking page for campsite descriptions and pictures.

Check out the Good Living - Guide to camping at Para Wirra Conservation Park.

Group bookings 

Camping is available for larger group bookings at the Helipad Site within the Gawler View Visitor Precinct – see Visitor Precinct map for location. This area is suitable for schools, scout groups, community and recreational organisations or large family groups.  A large open grass area it’s suitable for tent camping and can accommodate up to 60 people.  With a shelter shed nearby and toilets about 100m walk from this site. A small fire pit is located on site, which is available for use outside the fire danger.

The Helipad site can be booked online but if your organisation requires an invoice please contact the Gawler Natural Resources Centre on (+61 8)  8115 4600

Book online

Book online to reserve your campsite up to 12 months in advance.

FAQs about booking online

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.

Accessibility information

Most of the Wirra Campground campsites are wheelchair accessible, they are on flat ground with a compacted gravel surface. The toilet facilities are wheelchair accessible, with a 900mm door width and a fixed handrail alongside the toilet. Toilet facilities at Helipad campsite are not wheelchair accessible.

Important Information:

• Vehicle access to the Wirra Campground during daylight hours is through the main park entrance, these gates shut at sunset and open at sunrise.  For access into the park after hours when a booking is made you will be given a combination lock code for the Eastern Entrance along Humbug Scrub Road.  This entrance is locked to general park visitors.
• Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. In order to use the fire pits at Wirra Campground you will need to bring your own wood. A number of the local shops may have fire wood for purchase – try the One Tree Hill Fodder Store, Kersbrook General Store and Cockatoo Valley Store.
• Water at the campground and park is all non-potable, so campers are advised to bring along their own drinking water.
• Campers need to take all their rubbish out with them as there are no bins provided within the park.
• If you have a large group please call the Natural Resources Centre - Gawler on (+61 8) 8115 4600 or email DEWPWOnlineBookings@sa.gov.au.
• Community and recreation organisations, school groups and scouts can arrange special 'camp-over' activities at one of the open spaces by appointment with a ranger (conditions apply).

Come along and experience Adelaide’s only Natureplay Forest at the Gawler View Picnic Area, in Para Wirra Conservation Park. There is plenty to explore including, climbing trees, the dry creek bed, rope and sand play, a tunnel run and rocky amphitheatre as well as a very popular and long flying fox.

Our new Natureplay Forest blends into the trees so well that the real secrets are only revealed once you get inside and start exploring.  It is sure to inspire a new generation of park visitors with its focus on natural materials and experiences to challenge a range of ages. Climb giant fallen logs, build an Aboriginal Wudli along the tunnel run, use the grinding stones to make wattle seed flour, soar through the air like a falcon on the flying fox, challenge yourself on the rope climb or take some time out and listen to the sounds of the wind and birds while you sit in our wooden carved seats.

The feedback we have received so far from our Bush Kindy classes and families are calling the new Natureplay Forest “wonderful, really well designed” and "our kids are lovin’ it."

Why not download the Nature Play ’40 things to do’ in Para Wirra for some cool ideas and what to do and look out for.

New shared-use trails in Para Wirra Conservation Park now allow you to explore the blue gum, long-leaf box woodlands and shining grass tree communities of Para Wirra by bike and on foot.

Specially designated shared-use trails in the main Central area of the park allow families to explore the park at an easy pace. They also provide links to the most popular features of the park, including the lake, nature play forest, Gawler view picnic area, The Knob Lookout and Wirra Campground.

Please obey signs, including sections where bike riding is not permitted. Bike riding is only permitted on designated trails and tracks and riders are reminded that bike riding is not permitted north of the South Para River in the Barossa Goldfields area of the park or south of Humbug Scrub Road in the Mack Creek area of the park. 

The trails listed below are popular suggested routes. In addition you may also ride on the sealed park roads and some fire tracks (Pink Gum Track and Wild Dog Track only). Check the shared-use trails maps under the map tab above for all the trails. Knowing the classification system will help ensure you select trails suitable to your ability.

Easy trails 

Most suitable for children, families or novices with a basic level of skill and fitness. Fire tracks or wide single tracks with a gentle grade and a relatively obstacle free, hardened surface.

• Gawler View Nature Loop - (1km loop)

  Slowly ride along paths around the Gawler View picnic area. A trail for junior riders. Don’t forget to hop off your bike and jump puddles, climb a tree or look for animal tracks.

• Lake Discovery Loop - (1km loop)

  This short loop is a slow riding zone, suitable for young riders and beginners. A popular trail that is great for families. Soak up the tranquil setting of Para Wirra’s lake. You’re sure to see many waterbirds and bush birds along the way,so bring your binoculars. Great in the morning and late afternoon. This trail is for slow riding only and please supervise children near the lake.

Intermediate trails

Most suitable for riders with a moderate level of skill and fitness. A combination of public roads and/or management tracks with obstacles (such as fallen branches), variable surface, and a moderate slope.

• Scenic Loop - (4.5km loop)

  Whether you ride or drive to The Knob you’ll find yourself immersed in valleys of bushland surrounded by high hills, milesaway from city life. You can also access the steep Quarry Track before you get to the top of The Knob, which you can ride all the way to the South Para River. 

• Tree Creeper Loop - (5km loop)

  A delightful nature trail, great on its own, or as part of other trails in the Forestry SA network. Look for wildflowers year round and stop by the dam along Blue Gum Track to see the wildlife that comes to visit!

• Pink Gum Track - (1.5km return)

  This track passes through pink gum woodland and links Wirra Road, Wirra Campground and Humbug Scrub Road.

• Wild Dog Track - (700m return)

  This is a short spur track that heads down to Wild Dog Dam. Sit quietly and you are likely to spot plenty of wildlife at this local waterhole.

Take your horse for a ride along unspoiled bush tracks in the southern end of the park at Mack Creek. There are two entry points off Humbug Scrub Road, one with a car park area large enough to turn a horse float around. The Horseplay trail detailed below incorporates the boundary track of the Mack Creek area as well as the ruins track that crosses Mack Creek. This section of the park is part of the shared use trails for horses and walkers only.

Please note that horses are not allowed on the walking trail along Mack Creek.

• Horseplay Trail - (8.5km loop)

• Enjoy 8.5km of track around and through the Mack Creek section of the park this is available for hikers and horse riders

Phytophthora cinnamomi disease

Phytophthora dieback is killing many native plant species, and threatens the survival of animals depending on plants for food and shelter. Horses and riders can spread the disease through plant material that sticks to hooves, boots, bandages or boot covers.

• Horse riding guidelines

Gold was discovered here in the 1860s and although a number of mining syndicates invested heavily, they did not make their fortunes. Small scale mining continued in the area until the mid-1930s and many remains of mining activity can be seen throughout the northern end of the park. 

Interpretative walks of the Barossa goldfields take you past many points of interest, and you can visit Bowden Cottage, a museum run by the Barossa Goldfields Historical Society dedicated to the goldmining days. 

Please note that fossicking is not permitted in Para Wirra Conservation Park.

Para Wirra Conservation Park can be a noisy place. You'll hear the raucous cries of wattlebirds when the gums and wattles are flowering and see families of white winged choughs digging for roots and grubs. You’ll hear the strange and unique drumming sound emus make as they wander through the picnic grounds (watch out for your food or they will try to steal it from you, and please do not feed them). The smaller birds, like the scarlet robin, blue wren and eastern spine bill, make their busy rustling noises as they go about their business closer to the ground.

Para Wirra Conservation Park is a perfect spot for group and family gatherings, with accessible facilities in a natural bushland setting. The lake is one of the park’s most popular areas, there’s a barbecue area and picnic tables with a view out over the water. On a calm day you’ll see the surrounding bushland reflected in the water with mirror-like perfection. 

The Gawler View picnic area is a large, open recreation space with an oval and a flat grassy area near the barbeques. There are shelters, accessible toilets and Nature Play Forest for kids of all ages. The Wirra campground area has free barbecues and accessible toilets.

Important for children’s well-being and development!

Our new bush kindy program in Para Wirra Conservation Park is a unique experience on the doorstep of Adelaide’s northern suburbs.

Bush kindy exposes children to new experiences and self-directed play that is led by their curiosity. They are free to explore, practice new skills and learn new information through their exploration.

The activities and space also give children a renewed connection and appreciation of the natural environment.  

They learn to lead their own play, away from a formal setting, establishing new skills in collaborative, imaginative and creative play.

Families introduced to the park through their children’s involvement in bush kindy, have then been motivated to explore camping, bush walking and bike riding in parks too.

Creating a bush kindy

Adams Road Children’s Centre, Craigmore

The kids are so excited to be outside! They are exploring, touching, smelling and feeling elements in nature. The kids are curious about the environment and are learning about bugs that live in the lake, and different animals and plants. They are exposed to the weather and are seeing the changing of the seasons. The kids collaborate to create and explore. They are happy in the outdoors and are able to learn real-life experiences that you just can’t replicate at the kindy.

Read the full case study here.

Further information

If any schools are interested in attending a bush kindy session, contact the Para Wirra Conservation Park office on (08) 8115 4619 to discuss.

Alternatively, email the Gawler Natural Resources Centre or phone (08) 8115 4600.

Want to help?

To find out how you can help in this park or nearby, please visit Natural Resources Adelaide and Mt Lofty Ranges – Volunteering.

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.

• Keep to defined tracks and trails – this is particularly important in the northern area of the park where there may be unfenced goldmine shafts. 
• Always leave yourself plenty of time, particularly when walking down from the Goldfields area into the main body of the park. The return walk is very steep.
• Pay attention to the weather. Be extra careful in wet or extreme weather conditions, particularly when crossing the South Para River ford.
• Wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunscreen. Make sure you have appropriate wet weather clothing.
• Carry enough food and drinking water to be self-sufficient. The hotter the conditions, the more water you will need.
• Do not rely on tanks or creeks in the park for drinking water.
• Carry a map of the park and the walks at all times.
• If you’re planning a long walk, you should inform an emergency contact person who will know if you don’t return at the designated time.

 This park is situated in a CFS Bushfire Prone Area. 

Can I  have a fire or barbecue?

• Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited between 1 November 2019 to 30 April 2020. 
• Campfires are only permitted (outside of fire danger season) in designated fire pits in the Wirra Campground.
• Gas fires are permitted in designated areas only (other than on days of total fire ban).
• A number of gas barbecues are available throughout the park, or you may bring your own gas barbecue.
• On some total fire ban days the park may remain open, but the use of all barbecues is prohibited.

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.

Please do not swim or bathe in the lake, there are submerged objects just under the water and it can be unsafe.

Please note that water in the park is not treated, please ensure you bring enough drinking and washing up water with you for your visit.

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.

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:

• keep your dog on a lead at all times and check if there are areas of the park where dogs are not allowed
• 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.

Why does my dog need to be on a lead?

If your dog is off lead, it is more likely to impact on native wildlife and other visitors in a park and be at risk itself.

Risks to wildlife:

• Dogs off tracks will leave a scent in the bush that will keep wildlife away.
• Uncontrolled dogs may frighten wildlife and disrupt their natural behaviour.
• Some dogs will kill or injure wildlife.

Risks to other park visitors

• Dogs may be aggressive to other park visitors.
• Even friendly dogs can knock people over causing injury.
• Some people want to enjoy parks without dogs.

Risks to your dog

• Poison baits may be laid to control foxes. Baits can be fatal to dogs.
• Even if your dog is friendly, other dogs may not be.
• Your dog can catch parasites (such as fleas and ticks) from wildlife.
• Snake bites are a real risk in natural areas such as parks.
• Wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas will defend themselves if threatened by a dog and can cause significant injury to or the death of your dog.

Please pay your vehicle entry fee prior to arrival as self-registration stations are no longer available in this park.

Fees collected are used for conservation and to maintain and improve park facilities.

• Book before you go

• FAQs about booking online

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:

DEW.AMLRGawlerOffice@sa.gov.au

Camping

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.

FAQs about booking online

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:

DEWPWOnlineBookings@sa.gov.au

Large group bookings 

Community and recreation organisations, school groups and Scouts can arrange special 'camp-over' activities at one of the open spaces by appointment with a ranger (conditions apply). Contact the Natural Resources Centre - Gawler for more information on (+61 8) 8115 4600.

If you intend to visit often, you may like to purchase any of the below park passes.

12 month vehicle entry for a single park

Is this your favourite park? If you visit more than five times a year, it's more economical to purchase a 12 month vehicle entry for a single park pass.

• Buy a 12 month vehicle entry for single park pass now
• Buy in person at a Park Pass outlet
• Park Passes FAQs

2 and 12 month vehicle entry for multiple parks pass

Are you wanting to explore a number of SA’s national parks? Purchasing a 2 or 12 month vehicle entry for multiple parks pass can offer you value for money and convenience.

The 2 and 12 month vehicle entry for multiple parks pass entitle you to vehicle entry for not just this park, but up to an additional 10 parks as well!

• Buy a Park Pass now 
• Buy a park pass in person
• Park Passes FAQs

Para Wirra Resource Centre

Full day hire: $50.00

For bookings and enquiries please call the Gawler Natural Resources Centre (+61 8) 8115 4600

Group Visits

If you are planning to visit the park with a large group please call in advance. With notice, we can make sure the park is sufficiently staffed for your visit.

Phone: (+61 8) 88115 4600