Famous Parks Of Adelaide

Belair National Park

Phone No: (08) 8278 5477
Train Routes: from Adelaide
Official Timings: 8am-4:30pm
Official Holidays: 25 Dec.

Established in 1891, Belair is the eighth-oldest national park in the world. Only 9 km (5 miles) from Adelaide, it is one of the most popular parks in South Australia. Tennis courts and pavilions are available for hire and there are picnic facilities throughout the park. Visitors can meander through the tall eucalypt forests and cool valleys, and see kangaroos, emus, echidnas and other native wildlife. In spring, many native plants bloom. The park is closed occasionally in summer on days of extreme fire danger. Within the park lie Old Government House, Built in 1859 as the governor's summer residence, it offers a glimpse of the lifestyle enjoyed by the colonial gentry.

Warrawong Sanctuary

Phone No: (08) 8370 9197
Bus Routes: Aldgate
Official Timings: 6:30am-10pm daily.
Official Holidays: 25 Dec.

Warrawong Sanctuary attempts to reverse the disastrous trends of recent years which have seen the extinction of 32 mammal species from South Australia. Only 20 km (13 miles) from Adelaide, via the town of Stirling, the 32 ha (80 acres) of privately owned native bushland is surrounded by a vermin-proof fence. Into this environment Warrawong's owners have introduced some 15 mammal species, many of which are endangered. These include bettongs, potoroos and quolls. Warrawong Sanctuary is also the location of Australia's only successful platypus breeding program. Guided walks are conducted throughout the day, but should be booked in advance. Accommodation and meals are also available.

Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park

Phone No: (08) 8762 2340.
Train Routes: from Adelaide
Official Timings: 9am-5pm daily
Official Holidays: 25 Dec.

Located 12 km (7 miles) south of Naracoorte is the Naracoorte Caves Conservation Park. Within this 600-ha (1,500- acre) park, there are 60 known caves, most notably Victoria Cave, which has been placed on the World Heritage List as a result of the remarkable fossil deposits discovered here in 1969. Guided tours of this and three other caves are available. From November to February thousands of bent wing bats come to breed in the Maternity Cave. They can be seen leaving the cave en masse at dusk to feed. Entrance to this cave is forbidden, but visitors can view the inside via infra-red cameras in the park.