The 5 South Australian coastal parks you can visit free this summer!
Fees at these parks are being waived as part of the State Government’s Algal Bloom Summer Plan, an initiative to protect SA’s coastline, back coastal communities and support our summer lifestyle.
Not sure which park to venture to first? We’ve put together a quick and easy guide to exploring these five stunning coastal parks.
Lincoln National Park
Where is it?
Southern Eyre Peninsula, approx. 8 hour drive from Adelaide.
What can I see and do?
Known for its rugged coastal beauty, Coffin Bay National Park offers windswept cliffs, vast dunes, surf beaches and calm sandy bays perfect for boating, fishing and diving. Yangie Bay, accessible by 2WD, is ideal for paddling, picnics and short bushwalks, while Point Avoid and Golden Island offer stunning coastal views. The park’s remote northern beaches are 4WD-accessible only. Learn more about the park here.
Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area, located within Lincoln National Park, is also included in the free vehicle entry promotion.
Top tip
Why not explore the lesser known Taylors Beach, which can be accessed by the Investigator walking trail. Park your car at Taylors Landing and the walk will take about 15 minutes.
Deep Creek National Park
Where is it?
Southern Fleurieu Peninsula, approx. 1.5 hour drive from Adelaide.
What can I see and do?
This park is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway with its close proximity to Adelaide. The park offers the perfect combination of bush and beach, with rolling hills set above the ocean’s edge. There’s plenty of native wildlife to see, including kangaroos, short beaked echidnas and 100 species of birds that can be heard and seen while walking on one of the many trails available in the park, ranging from easy to experienced. Learn more about the park here.
Top tip
Enjoy your lunch at Stringybark Walk or Aaron Creek picnic area.
Dhilba‑Guuranda‑Innes National Park
Where is it?
South-west tip of the Yorke Peninsula, approx. 3.5 hour drive from Adelaide.
What can I see and do?
This park is a favourite for camping, fishing, surfing and simply relaxing. Bushwalking is a great way to discover the park too, with trails ranging from 30-minute strolls to four-hour treks. You’ll spot an abundance of birds and animals while you catch some of the best coastal views in South Australia. All of the park is accessible by 2WD, so it’s perfect for day visits and a paradise for beach lovers. Learn more about the park here.
Top tip
Take a picnic to the West Cape picnic area, where the spectacular coastline will take your breath away.
Coffin Bay National Park
Where is it?
Southern Eyre Peninsula, approx. 7.5 hour drive from Adelaide (30 min drive from Port Lincoln).
What can I see and do?
Explore sweeping sand dunes, rugged limestone cliffs and the contrast of pounding surf beaches with sheltered sandy bays. Visit Yangie Bay for kayaking or paddle-boarding in calm waters, and enjoy the abundant wildlife around you. Drive to Point Avoid and Golden Island for panoramic views across the bay and to explore the quieter, more remote parts of the park. The northern beaches of Coffin Bay National Park are only accessible by high-clearance 4WD. Learn more about the park here.
Top tip
Buy some world famous Coffin Bay oysters in town at the start of your day to add to your picnic lunch. Yangie Bay has great sheltered picnic facilities for your lunch stop.
Flinders Chase National Park
Where is it?
South-western Kangaroo island, approx 90 minutes from Kingscote (and requires the ferry or flight to get to the island first).
What can I see and do?
Flinders Chase National Park is essential for any Kangaroo Island adventure. This expansive wilderness features iconic Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch and a long-nosed fur seal colony. There is plenty of wildlife to see from kangaroos, sea-lions, echidnas and more. You can also check out the self-guided tour at the Cape Borda Lightstation settlement, giving an interesting insight into the early lightkeepers’ living conditions.
Flinders Chase National Park does not have vehicle entry fees, only per-person entry fees, which have been waived (including the 2‑day passes) as part of the promotion. Learn more about the park here.
Top tip
Try your luck at spotting a platypus at the aptly named Platypus Waterholes Walk (approx. 2 hours return), starting your walk from the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre.
Know before you go
- Booking to enter one of the included parks is not essential, however, online booking is recommended (and free) before heading there.
- Standard camping or overnight stays are not included in the free entry – camping fees still apply. Be sure to book your campsite if staying overnight.
- Check each park’s website for camping, track conditions, vehicle access and seasonal alerts.
- Be respectful of nature: stick to marked tracks, take your rubbish home, and leave the place as you found it.
Plan your visit
Whether you’re after rugged cliffs, white sand beaches, or remote wilderness, these five parks offer big nature experiences.
So grab your mates, and head on out for a day trip to remember — and be sure to lock it in before this promotion ends on 6 April 2026 (inclusive).
For more information, and frequently asked questions about this promotion, visit the Free coastal parks entry page on the National Parks and Wildlife Service website.
Main image credit: Tourism Australia
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