The Desert Park region includes nine
National Parks and Wildlife Reserves covering over 12
million hectares of red desert dunes.
Discover a vast and ancient land filled with startling
colours, amazing wildlife and stories as spellbinding
as the location itself. A place where the power of the
Aboriginal dreamtime is strong, where precious opal
gems lie hidden in a moonscape of red rock, and where
the word 'adventure' has real meaning.
For those seeking an escape from life's noise and
stress, the silence, space and sheer beauty of the outback
will surprise and seduce you.
When to visit? Anytime!
But best would be late autumn, winter and early spring.
The climate is excellent with very little rain - but
if rain comes, it comes in torrents, so wise outback
travelers check the weather every day.
You are in desert country - so the heat is dry, not
humid. The days are usually sunny and warm but the nights
are always cold, so bring nightwear. It's a good idea
to wear layers of clothing and add/subtract to your
own comfort.
Climate
Daytime temperatures vary greatly in different parts of
the region and these are averages. Outback
- Between April and October, most days are warm and
beautifully clear, but at sunset the temperature can
fall sharply. Daily temperatures are usually in the
average of 16-20°c while during the hotter months
of November through March, the days often go above 40°c
and on extreme days in outback areas, above 50°c.
- Spring (Sep - Nov)
and Autumn (Mar - May) 14-28°c. (57-82°F)
- Winter (Jun - Aug)
6-22°c. (43-72°F)
- Summer (Dec - Feb)
28-40°c. (82-104°F)
Flinders Ranges -
It's seldom humid so the dry heat can still be bearable.
Rainfall may be low but when it comes, it can be torrential
and flooding occurs quickly. The winter and early spring
rains are the source of the wildflower season across
the Flinders Ranges and Desert Parks.
- Spring (Sep - Nov)
and Autumn (Mar - May) 13-25°c. (55-77°F)
- Winter (Jun - Aug)
8-18°c. (46-64°F)
- Summer (Dec - Feb)
26-38°c. (79-100°F)
Desert Park Passes & Permits
Much of the South Australian outback is
protected by the SA Desert Parks. For camping and day
visits these areas, you will require either an
annual Desert Parks Pass or a day/short stay pass for
the area you wish to visit.
It is an offence to be in a Park without the appropriate
permit. Failure to comply may result in a minimum fine
of $160 plus the purchase of the required permit...
Depending on the circumstance, other fines may apply.
Day and short stay passes
- Desert Parks 24 hour permits are available for
day visiting camping at Dalhousie Springs, Witjira
National Park, Innamincka Regional
Reserve
and Lake Eyre National Park. Available in Innamincka,
Maree, William Creek Hotel and onsite at Dalhousie...
$20 per vehicle per night at each location.
- A Lake Eyre Day Entry
Pass is also required. Day and Camping
permits for Lake Eyre can be obtained from the
William Creek Store and Marree General
Store... $11 per vehicle.
- A Coongie Short Stay Pass
is available for people staying no longer than two
nights. Available in Innamincka... $38 per vehicle.
- A permit is required
for camping at the Tallaringa Conservation Reserve
on the Anne Beadell Track... $6.50 per vehicle per
night.
Those who wish to camp longer or wish to visit other
areas within the Desert Parks Region need to purchase
a Desert Parks Annual Pass.
Desert Parks Annual Pass
 The
Desert Parks Pass is a comprehensive information pack
and access permit which contains a detailed travel
information handbook, information brochures and colour
travel maps.
It provides 12 months of access and camping in over
12 million ha of Desert Parks, including the Simpson
Desert
, Witjira , Innamincka and Coongie Lakes and Lake Eyre
reserves. $95 per vehicle. Buy
online through SA Government website...
People
wishing to travel through the following areas MUST
have a Desert Parks Pass:
- Simpson Desert Conservation Park
- Simpson Desert Regional Reserve
The pass will also cover entry and camping for the
following areas:
- IInnamincka Regional Reserve
- Coongie Lakes National Park
- Lake Eyre National Park
- Witjira National Park
- Tallaringa Conservation Park
- Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park
Where a permit is not required
On some main roads in parks, a permit is not required.
This is only if you are NOT driving off of the main road
or camping in the park. These areas are:
- Strzelecki Track (Lyndhurst to Innamincka)
- Cordillo Road (Innamincka to Birdsville via Cordillo
Downs)
- Innamincka to Nappa Merrie
- Innamincka Town Common
- Eringa to Fink via Mount Dare
- Eringa to Andado via Mount Dare
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