The South Aussie Easter hot spots NOT fully booked out this year

Left your family’s camping planning to the last minute? It might not be too late as one favourite destination reopens to the public after a long wait.

South Australia’s most popular campsites are already at 80 to 100 per cent capacity over the Easter long weekend, however receding floodwaters along the Murray mean that there will still be opportunities for families hoping to spend the break in the great outdoors.

It’s expected that up to 72 campsites will reopen and be available for Easter at Chowilla Game Reserve, Danggali Conservation Park, Murray River National Park and Loch Luna and Moorook Game Reserve.

Koby Bates of Plympton Park snorkelling off the Eyre Peninsula. Picture: Robert Lang

Visitors to the parks are asked to make sure they observe and follow marked roads to the campgrounds. They are also reminded to watch out for fallen trees and limbs and to be careful while in and around the river, as many sandbars have shifted and moved after the recent floods.

And in good news for families hoping to roast a marshmallow or two, small campfires will be allowed in National Parks and Wildlife parks from 12.01am on Thursday, April 6 – however campers are reminded that they’ll need to bring their own wood as collecting firewood in parks is prohibited.

Lincoln National Park, Eyre Peninsula. Picture: SATC

Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close said South Australia had, “an amazing network of unique and world class national parks”.

“It’s great to see people enjoying them in such numbers,” Ms Close said.

“We want people to enjoy our parks and reserves, but to also make sure they help to preserve their natural beauty so future generations can enjoy them as well.”

NPWS District Ranger Benita Dillion said she was pleased that many River Murray campsites were reopening in time for Easter.

Katarapko Creek, Murray River National Park. Picture: SATC

“However, we ask visitors to make sure to be careful on tracks and while camping,” Ms Dillion said.

“The parks are looking different now the floodwaters have receded, and there are some fallen trees and limbs, many of which will become great native fish and reptile habitat.

“Make sure you also ‘fight the bite’ and cover up and use lots of mossie repellent while you’re here.”

Parks that have received large numbers of bookings include Lincoln National Park, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Mount Remarkable National Park, Little Dip National Park, Onkaparinga River National Park and Deep Creek Conservation Park.

To book a spot for Easter go to www.parks.sa.gov.au from Monday