Glamping plan for Lincoln National Park among new eco-tourism projects flagged across South Australia

Love SA’s national parks but don’t love roughing it? You could be in luck — glamping tents may soon be coming to draw more people to the great outdoors.

One of Kata & Belle's glamping tents. Picture: Supplied

• Lake Eyre’s flood water boost brings tourist flocks to Far North
• Push to capitalise on Southern Flinders’ food tourism potential
• Hopes mine attraction will boost Andamooka’s tourist trade
• KI residents protest plans for accommodation in Flinders Chase

Glamping tents could soon be on the way to Lincoln National Park as part of a string of new business projects designed to draw more people to our parks.

Port Lincoln-based Kata & Belle wants to set up two glamping tents at the September Beach campground, and another two or three at Donington Beach, and also take over the management of a tourist cottage in the park.

Depending on demand, the business may install more tents down the track.

Owner Georgie Fowler said Kata & Belle, which supplies tents for holidays, weddings and other functions, said she often received inquiries from people who wanted to stay in national parks.

“People are looking for an experience – not just somewhere to sleep for the night,” Ms Fowler said.

“This will offer something down here that we don’t really have at the moment.”

The State Government has called for new eco-tourism ventures to set up at national parks, including Lincoln National Park on the bottom of the Eyre Peninsula. Picture: James Stirling

The State Government is consulting the public on the plans and if supported, the glamping tents could be set up by September.

Ms Fowler, who runs the business with her partner Daniel Geddes, said the pair would offer platters with local produce and aim to link travellers up with activities such as the region’s swim with sharks experiences, and Eyre Peninsula wineries.

The glamping tents would be popular with tourists who did not have their own camping equipment, she said.

“Going out three times a year would probably cost you less than buying all of it yourself.”

Donington Cottage at Lincoln National Park would receive a minor upgrade under Kata & Belle’s plans. Picture: Supplied

The business would spend about $20,000 on upgrading Donington Cottage – a former lighthouse keeper’s house.

Friends of Southern Eyre Peninsula Parks vice president Jim Egan said he was open to the proposals for September Beach, already popular with campers, and the quieter, more exposed campground at Donington Beach.

The project also includes revegetation work and a new carpark and beach access walking trail.

Environment Department economic and sustainable development spokesman Matt Johnson said one of the key tourism drivers in SA was “wild places” and wildlife.

The department in 2017 called for expressions of interest from companies interested in setting up eco-tourism developments in the state’s parks, and of the 44 received, 19 proceeded to provide full proposals.

“This needs to be pursued carefully with proper assessment and management of impacts to ensure we’re not damaging the natural environments that people love and care for,” Mr Johnson said.

Among the proposals planned is a $4 million walking and accommodation project in Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island.

The Australian Walking Company project, which is yet to be approved, has faced criticism from locals worried about environmental damage, with a potential legal challenge on the way.

Public comment on the Lincoln National Park proposal is open until May 24.

Details: parks.sa.gov.au/park-management/nature-based-tourism-proposals

[e-mail]