Walking Safety

Summer can be very hot!

Be prepared when bushwalking:

• wear sturdy shoes, hat and sunscreen
• carry sufficient drinking water. Allow four litres of water per person per day. Do not rely on tanks or creeks in the park for drinking water.
• keep to the defined walking trails and follow the markers
• inform a responsible person of your proposed route and expected time of return
• weather conditions can change quickly, ensure you have appropriate wet weather clothing.

Stepping Out

The closer you look...

As you travel around South Australia’s great mallee parks you will notice subtle changes in the environment. However, the closer you look, the more you will discover. Don’t leave the mallee until you have experienced one or more of the great walks or hikes available. By getting out of your vehicle and walking through this unique environment you will discover the intricate beauty of the area.

Watch for small lizards darting along the trails, or sit quietly and listen to the multitude of birdlife that calls the mallee home. Also enjoy the delicate wildflowers that are on display during winter and spring. Take a look at the chart on page 12 to choose the walking trail that suits your abilities and interests.

Walking Tracks

Summer can be very hot!

Trail Time* Distance Highlights Trial notes Box Flat Walk 20 min return 1 km return Historic ruins of Garra outstation A glimpse of the hard life experienced by early settlers

Trail Time* Distance Highlights Trial notes Pertendi Hike 45 min return 2 km return A fascinating insight into mallee vegetation Take time to read the signs along the way           Orchid Hike 40 min return 2 km return Walk through native pine woodland that shelters delicate native orchids Located 13 km south of Pine Hut Soak along the Centre Track Mount Rescue Hike 20 min return 1 km return Panoramic views over the park to capture the view Take your camera           Gosse Hill Hike 20 min return 1 km return Magnificent views Located in SW corner of park, Remember to take your binoculars           Pine Hut Soak Lookout Hike 45 min return 2 km return Views over the surrounding native pine covered hills

Trail Time* Distance Highlights Trial notes Tyms Lookout Hike 2 hour 30 min return 5 km return Birdwatching, view and wildflowers especially in spring Be well prepared. Take water, food, and wear sturdy shoes.           Mount Shaugh Hike 1 hr 15 min return 3 km return Views to east and Victoria A challenging walk to the top of Mount Shaugh           Pine Hut Soak to Nanam Well Hike 2 hr return 5 km return A historic well restored with native pine             Karte Conservation Park Hike 45 min return 1.5 km return Spectacular views over the district A short but strenuous walk involving steep hills.           Pine Hut Soak to Fishponds Hike 4 hr return 11 km return An area of claypans locked between sand dunes. Fills with water throughout winter An extended bushwalk. Be well prepared with water, a hat and sturdy shoes. Cool weather only.           Pine Hut Soak to Scorpion Springs Hike 7 hr return 17 km Peaceful trek through stringybark mallee and native pines An extended bushwalk. Be well prepared with water, a hat and sturdy shoes. Cool weather only.           * Return time is generously estimated for an average bushwalking speed of 3 km/hr - allow extra time for resting and sightseeing.

Tyms Lookout Walking Track

Keep this guide handy as you walk along Tyms Lookout Hike. As you come to each numbered post, on page 13, look for the corresponding explanation below...more

Scorpion Springs Walking Trail Network

This network of walking trails was established between 1992 and 1995 by Friends of Southern Mallee Parks. From the Pine Hut Soak car park choose one of the various routes to help you explore some of the park’s natural and historic sites. In dry weather, Pine Hut Soak is accessible by 2WD from Pinnaroo along Rosy Pine Road. See page 16 for map.

Pine Hut Soak

A natural clearing among open eucalypt forest and native pine. When the area was under pastoral lease around the turn of the century, it was a sawpit site for native pine logs. This timber was used for building wells as it was rot and termite resistant.

Pine Hut Soak Lookout

For a panoramic view over the mallee take a hike from Pine Hut Soak, 1 km along the Fishponds trail to the lookout.

Nanam Well

A timber-lined well shaft originally over 58 metres (200 feet) deep. This is a relic of pastoral history. Important as the last surviving well in the Pinnaroo district. A 2.5 km walking trail links Pine Hut Soak and Nanam Well.

Cox’s Windmill

Built by Tom Cox to water sheep. It is a relic of Scorpion Springs pastoral lease days (till 1960s). An ideal picnic spot. Return to Pine Hut Soak from the Fishponds via Cox’s Windmill. An easy 400 metre walk south from the Fishponds brings you to the parking area on the 4WD track. From here Cox’s Windmill is 1.5 km to the west.

Fishponds

An area of interconnecting claypans between two sandy ridges. The claypans fill with water during the winter months. Surface water is rare in the mallee, so wildlife is attracted to this oasis. Look for the tadpoles in the ponds, or sit quietly and listen to the many birds calling from the surrounding woodland.

Scorpion Springs

A natural sandy blow-out. Visited by the Ngarkat Aboriginal people as they travelled through the area. Important waterhole for wildlife. Day visitors only.

For Access Conditions, times and permits

Department of Environment and Heritage Information
(08) 8204 1910 ~ website