In a land where floods, fires and drought are relatively regular occurrences, it is inevitable that national parks – sitting as they do in largely untamed country – are commonly forced to close.
And the battle to build in greater resilience, and to rejuvenate and renovate damaged facilities, is pretty much an endless one.
In South Australia, further sections of Deep Creek National Park – including campsites, several walking tracks and picnic tables – have reopened after a bushfire burnt more than 4,500 hectares.
National Parks and Wildlife Service Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Region Manager, Tony Magor, said hard work continued with on-ground assessments, clean-up and remediation.
More sections of Deep Creek National Park are open. PIC: NPWS SA
About 40% of Deep Creek National Park and almost all of Talisker Conservation Park was burnt in the blaze, which destroyed large areas of native species habitat.
“Some unburnt sections of Deep Creek National Park have already reopened, including Stringybark CG, Stringybark loop walk and Forest Circuit walk, Boat Harbor Beach 4WD track and all but one Southern Ocean Retreat accommodations,” Mr Magor said. “I’m pleased to say that from today, Marrano Creek Hike, Blowhole Beach Hike, Deep Creek Cove Hike from Cobbler Hill Picnic Area, Spring Wildflower Walk, Pages Lookout, Tapanappa Lookout and the Cobbler Hill Picnic Area will reopen.”
Campgrounds at Tapanappa, Cobbler Hill, Trig and at the hiker-only Yapri Ngawanthi (Cliffs) are also open again and ready to welcome visitors.
SA’s National Parks and Wildlife Service says Goondooloo Ridge Walk, Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tapanappa Lookout, Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tent Rock Road, Deep Creek Circuit Hike, Aaron Creek Hike, and Aaron Creek Circuit, as well as the Blowhole Beach 4WD track, remain closed until further notice.
Talisker Conservation Park, including the Talisker Silver Lead Mine Hike, also remains closed.
Deep Creek National Park is home to an array of native wildlife, including western grey kangaroos, short beaked echidnas and 100 species of birds.
The latest information about Deep Creek National Park can be accessed here.
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