Join us each month as we showcase our amazing national parks with our Park of the Month program.
Park of the Month is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of our special natural places and to find new ways to enjoy them.
Each month there will be variety of events for everyone to enjoy, many of them are free. You can learn more about a park direct from the park ranger, have an adventure and explore a park in a different way with activities such as rock climbing, kayaking and mountain biking, chill out in nature with yoga and forest bathing, hear about the cultural history and join in conservation efforts to protect and conserve national parks for future generations.
August - Encounter Marine Park and Granite Island Recreation Park
In August we are celebrating Encounter Marine Park and Granite Island Recreation Park as our Park of the Month. Stretching from Adelaide’s southern beaches to the northern coast of Kangaroo Island and the Murray Mouth, Encounter Marine Park is home to a diverse range of significant marine environments and species including southern right whales who visit the park in winter as part of the annual migration.
Events
Pop-up Ranger Stations
Meet our marine park rangers and get insider tips on what to do in this park. The rangers will even have spare binoculars on hand to help you spot a whale or two while you’re there.
- Tuesday 4 August – Olivers Parade, Hayborough
- Saturday 8 August – Olivers Parade, Hayborough
- Tuesday 18 August – Basham Beach Carpark
- Saturday 22 August – Basham Beach Carpark
- Sunday 23 August – Chapman Road Carpark, Middleton Beach
Location of Pop-up Ranger Station may change depending on location of whales on the day.
Aldinga Reef Ramble
Join our friends from Reef Watch SA for a guided tour of an intertidal reef! A great opportunity for all ages to learn about our amazing marine life.
Sunday 9 August, 11:00AM – 12:30PM and 1:00PM to 2:30PM
Meet at carpark corner of Morgan Street and The Esplanade, Aldinga Beach.
This event is free, however bookings are essential.
Beach Guardians Beach Clean up
Sunday 9 August, 9:00am – 12:00pm.
Victor Harbor Causeway
This event is free. Click for further details and to register your interest.
Guided ranger walk of Granite Island
Join our Volunteer Rangers for a 1-hour walk. Take in the spectacular views of Encounter Bay and learn about the island’s history, wildlife and sculptures.
- Saturday 15, 22 & 29 August, 11:00am and 1:00pm
- Sunday 16, 23 & 30 August, 11:00am and 1:00pm
This event is free, however bookings are essential.
SA Whale Centre Science Night
Wednesday 19 August, 5:30pm – 7:30pm
2 Railway Tce, Victor Harbor
This event is free, however all tickets have been booked.
Learn to Surf
Sunday 23 August, 10:00 – 12:00pm
Middleton Beach
$19 per person, bookings are required. Use Promo Code ‘PARKS20’ when completing checkout to receive the special discount price.
*Special discount price only applies to 10am session, Sunday 23 August
Introduction to Hooded Plovers
Saturday 29 August, 9:30am – 11:30am, followed by a 30 minute beach walk
Maslin Beach Community Hall, 7 Parkway Drive, Maslin Beach
This event is free, however bookings are essential.
*Bookings for this event close on Monday 24 August.
Cosmic Whale Song
Victor Harbor to life through the projecting of digital art works “Cosmic Whale Song” onto the exterior Facade of the Victa Cinema.
Every night after dusk.
Special offers
Cruise departs 10:30 am every Monday, Thursday and Saturday Main Wharf, Goolwa.
Receive 20% discount during August when you use the promo code ‘PARKS-SA’.
Cruise departs 1:00 pm every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday Victor Harbor-Granite Island Causeway, Victor Harbor.
Receive 20% discount during August when you use the promo code ‘PARKS-SA’.
Get inspired with Insider Tips blogs
Ranger tips: Encounter Marine Park
How to spend a day in Encounter Marine Park
6 great surf breaks in SA’s Encounter Marine Park
Where to dive in SA to see blue devil fish
Everything you need to know about Granite Island’s little penguins
5 things to do on South Australia’s Granite Island
Your guide to Granite Island’s new sculpture trail
What's coming up in 2020
Events and activities for each month are not released until close to the month, check back on the website or on the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia Facebook page to keep in the loop.
Host an event
We encourage community groups, schools, local business and tour operators to host engaging, fun and family-friendly events in parks as part of Park of the Month. Find out how you can host an event.
