Safety
South Australia’s national parks are great places to connect with nature.
Enjoy your time in parks by understanding that the natural environment can be unpredictable and by preparing ahead to stay safe.
You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
Do your research on the places you’ll be visiting so you can be best prepared – and always take direction from our park rangers as they have the greatest knowledge of local conditions.
How can I check current conditions in parks?
- Check the Bureau of Meteorology at bom.gov.au for weather forecasts and warnings.
- Sometimes parks or parts of parks such as trails are closed because of weather damage or for park management reasons. Find out if the park you want to visit is open by checking the list of parks closures and alerts.
- Check Alert SA for the latest updates from South Australia’s emergency services. For fire updates tune to your local emergency broadcast radio station.
- Check the desert parks bulletin for for information about access, closures, campgrounds and roads in the Flinders Ranges and Outback region.
What should I take with me to a park?
- Keep well hydrated. Aim to drink one litre of water per hour of exercise. Make sure you carry enough drinking water as not all of our parks have this resource. We cannot guarantee the quality and availability of drinking water in our reserves.
- Be sun smart. Sunburn strikes fast. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen.
- Choose the right gear for your parks experience. If bushwalking, wear protective clothing and footwear and prepare for weather changes. Carry insect repellent and first aid supplies.
How can I stay safe when walking in parks?
- Stick to defined walking trails and avoid closed sections. Areas are closed for safety reasons such as unstable surfaces, flood or fire risk.
- If you’re planning to do some remote trekking it’s a good idea to speak to the local park office. You may need to complete a trip intentions form in advance of your visit and let a responsible person know before you go. Tell them where you’ll be travelling and your expected return time.
- Be aware that mobile phone coverage is not reliable in all of our parks, particularly in remote areas and where there is steep terrain.
- Service your vehicle and check road conditions. Ensure your vehicle is in excellent condition before hitting unsealed roads.
- Native wildlife often becomes more active at dusk and dawn. This makes animals more vulnerable to injury caused by oncoming traffic. If you must drive at these times, please reduce your speed and keep watch for wildlife.
- For boating safety information check Marine Safety SA.
- Check the desert parks bulletin for for information about access, closures, campgrounds and roads in the Flinders Ranges and Outback region.
- Check the Aussie Travel Code for insider knowledge on how to enjoy your trip, stay safe, and be the kind of traveller you would want to meet in your own hometown.
Who can I contact in an emergency in parks?
- In emergencies, dial 000 for police/fire/ambulance.
- Regional Duty Officers are on duty to respond to emergency situations in parks, which may include:
- Visitor fatality or significant injury;
- Vehicle related incidents in parks;
- Lost visitors requiring search and rescue operations;
- Matters requiring a compliance or enforcement response;
- Marine mammal rescue;
- Injured wildlife and fauna rescue;
- Park asset maintenance / building security;
- Online campsite booking queries for parks (after hours only).
How can I enjoy a campfire safely in parks?
Find out whether a campfire is permitted in the park you’re visiting and how to build and put out a campfire safely.
How can I stay safe from mosquitoes in parks?
Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and some can spread serious disease when they bite.
The most common disease spread by mosquitoes in South Australia is Ross River virus, followed by Barmah Forest virus.
There is currently no cure and no vaccine for these viruses.
The only way to protect yourself and your family is to avoid being bitten.
It is recommended that people use mosquito repellents containing either DEET, Picaridin, or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (PMD), that have been approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).