Wildlife & Environment

Extensive Bird Life

The Murraylands offers some of the best birdwatching experiences in South Australia. The Mallee plains that extend for as far as the eye can see are a haven for bird life. At Ngarkat and Karte conservation parks, you can see everything from ring-necked parrots, honeyeaters and white-winged choughs, to Australian bustards, yellow-tailed black cockatoos and sometimes even a rare Mallee emu-wren or the Mallee ningaui.

The river's waters are, of course, the best locations for waterfowl and waders. There's a large population of native species including pelicans, cormorants, herons and grebes.

The Murraylands also has several wetlands areas including Swanport Wetlands, Rocky Gully Wetlands and the Hermann L Gass Bird Sanctuary.

Flora and Fauna

The Murraylands is widely known for its mallee, including varieties such as the ridge-fruited mallee and narrow-leaf red mallee. Large horizons of banksia heath lands can be seen in Ngarkat Conservation Park, and are a magnet for birds that collect the nectar they produce.

Stay alert, as there's a possibility you may spot a malleefowl, an intriguing but rare ground-dwelling bird somewhat larger than a domestic hen. Other animals to spot include the nocturnal western pygmy possum if you're in the park overnight, and western grey kangaroos, emus, echidnas, goannas and the recently- discovered swamp wallabies.

A Network of Walking Trails

Choose from one of many trails to explore the vast landscape in Ngarkat Conservation Park. You'll discover natural and historic sites including the Pine Hut Soak, a natural clearing among eucalypt bushland and native pine which, at the turn of the nineteenth century, was used as a saw pit for native pine logging.

Visit Scorpion Springs, Cox's Windmill, Fishponds Pertendi Flora Trail and the Mount Rodney Orchid Hike, which provides a panoramic view of the mallee.

Responsible Four-Wheel Driving

The safest way to gain access to the Mallee's best kept secrets is by four-wheel drive.
The Ngarkat, Mount Rescue and Big Desert track loops let you get up close to the region's abundant and diverse wildlife. Enjoy the views from Mount Rescue, Mount Shaugh and the photographic platform at Hensley's Trig Point.

Please drive responsibly by staying on the clearly marked four-wheel drive tracks and respect the natural environment for future generations to enjoy.

A Fascinating History

Ngarkat Conservation Park is not only know for its flora and fauna. If you look closely enough, you'll notice that it also has a lot of history to share.

There are several European heritage sites in Ngarkat Conservation Park, providing a unique reminder of the area's history. In the northwest you can see the remaining walls and chimney of a three-roomed, local stone hut that was once an outstation of Garra Station, later named Box Flat. It provides an interesting insight into the life of sheep graziers at the station between 1871 and 1894. In the north-east section of the park you'll discover Nanam Well, a restored timber-lined well shaft that is the last surviving well of this type in the Pinnaroo district.

There is also a reminder of the area's Indigenous inhabitants. The natural water soak in this section of the park was used by the Ngarkat Aboriginal people as they travelled through the area.

Ngarkat Conservation Park

Experience a conservation area that spans 270,000 hectares of native vegetation. Ngarkat has a strong cultural history and an excellent network of walking trails. It is a lovely place to relax with family and friends. Bring a picnic lunch and make use of the barbecue and picnic facilities available. Camping grounds are also available.

Ngarkat Conservation Park can sometimes be closed due to weather conditions and fire restrictions it is essential that visitors contact the Lameroo District Office on (08) 8595 2111 prior to visiting this park.

Karte Conservation Park

Come to Karte to experience a spectacular sunset. This park's vast Mallee plains are electric against a red sunset. The lookout provides the best views, while a series of walking trails through the mallee allow you to experience this landscape up close.

The park provides habitat for the threatened malleefowl, the endangered western whipbird and a number of rare orchids.

Karte Conservation Park is 3,565 hectares in area, with steep sand-dunes that rise to 40 metres. Explore the park's landscape, go birdwatching, camp under the stars or enjoy a picnic in peaceful surrounds.

Fire Information

All wood fires or solid fuel fires are usually prohibited from 15 November to 15 April. Gas fires are permitted, except on days of total fire bans.

Contact the Country Fire Service (CFS) hotline on 1300 362 361 for further information.

Safety and Conservation Tips

Carry sufficient water and wear sturdy shoes, a hat and sunblock when bushwalking
Keep to the defined walking trails and follow the markers
Ensure you have appropriate wet weather clothing as weather can change quickly
Help protect the environment when four-wheel driving by engaging four-wheel drive and reducing tyre pressure. Remember to re-inflate tyres prior to leaving
Take your rubbish with you

Further Information

Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH)
Information Line: (08) 8204 1910
Website: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/
To obtain a copy of Tracks of the Mallee or for more information, contact the DEH (above), or Mallee District Office (08) 8576 3690.