This information has been supplied by the Department of Environment and Heritage For Access Conditions, times and permits (08) 8204 1910 ~ website

'South Australia’s Mallee Parks are hidden from the major highways in the area. However, for those wishing to experience a uniquely Australian environment, the mallee is well worth a visit.'

This unique and very special part of our state has a network of more than a dozen stunning parks. These protected areas range in size from the huge 270 000 hectare Ngarkat Conservation Park to smaller areas such as the 3500 hectare Karte Conservation Park. This network combines with numerous privately owned patches of natural bushland to help conserve the ecologically rich mallee ecosystems.

South Australia’s mallee region has a diverse range of fascinating and unique wildlife, from the secretive pygmy-possums living in the banksia heaths to the rare Malleefowl. Ngarkat is home to more than thirty rare and endangered plant species. These plants help to produce a magnificent display of native wildflowers, particularly in spring.

The mallee region is steeped in history. The Ngarkat (pronounced Narr-kat) Aboriginal people originally inhabited the area, and evidence of their occupation still exists. The remnants of early attempts to graze stock in Ngarkat can also be found throughout the park. Among the intriguing historical sites are several ruins such as Box Flat and Bucks Camp. The restored wood-lined Nanam Well highlights the difficulties of obtaining water in this area. Opportunities to explore this region are endless. Those who take the time to experience the sights and sounds of this special place will discover ‘the secrets of the mallee’.

What is Mallee?

The term ‘mallee’ has several meanings. ‘The mallee’ can either be used to define a plant community or an area in south-eastern South Australia. Mallee is also used to describe a tree. This is a multi-stemmed eucalypt tree that grows from a bulbous root called a lignotuber. There are approximately twelve different species of mallee in Ngarkat.

Parks of the Mallee and bush code

The mallee is one of South Australia's most characteristic landscapes. Vast gently undulating plains, intersprersed with dunes, and covered with a 'sea' of the slender truks and spreading canopies of mallee eucalypts, were what the early European explorers and settlers found here.

To protect this area please follow the Australian Bush Country Code:

• Drive carefully : keep to roads and tracks
• Consider local people : respect their property and stock
• Leave no litter : take your rubbish home
• Think of other : avoid being noisy
• Respect the past : leave old things as you find them
• Care for our native plants and animals : respect their habitat
• Safeguard water : don't waste it, keep it clean
• Take care with fire : wildfires destroy
• Firearms : are not permitted in the parks
• Think safety : take care of yourself and others

Conservation Parks

Billiatt

Billiatt Conservation Park contains 59,148 ha within its perimeter. It is situated on the dunefields in the centre of the Murray Mallee.The park is 18 kilometres south of Alawoona and 37 kilometres north of Lameroo.

Scenic views can be scene from Trig Point, a kilometre walk from the road. (It is not signposted.)

Karte

'Karte' is an aboriginal word meaning 'thick low scrub' and as such is an excellent place for bird watching. This type of scrub covers sand dunes up to 40 metres above small claypans.

The highest point in the park gives good views of the surrounding farmland. The park is 30 kilometres north-west of Pinnaroo and consists of 3,565 ha of land. Well placed signs are visible from Pinnaroo to guide you there.

Peebinga

Peebinga Conservation Park is made up of 3,371 ha. The park is reserved to conserve habitats for the rare western whipbird and also the mallee fowl.

Other mammals that are found within the park are the western grey kangaroo and the short-beaked echidna. The park is located 37 kilometres north of Pinnaroo.

Ngarkat

Ngarkat Conservation Park covers a total of 270 152 ha. The park consists of Mount Rescue, Mount Shaugh and Scorpion Springs, which join on to Ngarkat. In the park 22 kinds of reptiles have been recorded, 120 bird species, many types of mammals and plants are also contained within the park.

Locations of the various parks making up Ngarkat are:

Main Ngarkat

• 24 kilometres south of Lameroo
• 34 kilometres south-west of Pinnaroo
• 30 kilometres south of Parrakie
• Mount Rescue - 18 kms east of Tintinara
• Mount Shaugh - 69 kms north of Bordertown (access very limited)
• Scorpion Springs - 20 kms south of Pinnaroo

Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for the park due to the many sandhills. It is also recommended that you visit during the cooler months and that you carry ample fuel and water supplies. Click for more.

Baan Hill

Signposted on Mallee Highway and is accessed by dirt road but 2WD accessible. Big trees and large shaded area with ample car parking. Large sheltered shed with fireplace. Toilets and rain water available.

Adjacent entrace to Ngarkat Conservation Park.

Walking trails into the sand hills which is very pretty in spring time. Explore Mrs Monru's home site.

For Access Conditions, times and permits

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

The National Parks Code

Help protect your national parks by following these guidelines:

• leave your pets at home
• take your rubbish with you
• observe fire restrictions, usually 1 November to 30 April.
  Check CFS hotline 1300 362 361. Gas fires only during this period except on days of declared Total Fire Ban. The parks are covered by the Riverland, Murraylands and Upper South East fire ban districts.
• conserve native habitat by using liquid fuel or gas stoves
• camp only in designated areas
• respect geological and heritage sites
• keep our wildlife wild - do not feed or disturb animals, or remove native plants
• keep to defined vehicle tracks and walking trails
• be considerate of other park users
• generators and firearms are not permitted
• maximum speed limit in parks is 40 km per hour.

Thank you for leaving the bush in its natural state for the enjoyment of others.