Mount Remarkable National Park

Mount Remarkable National Park, in the Southern Flinders Ranges, offers visitors a true wilderness experience within easy reach of Adelaide and the more populated areas of South Australia. Dramatic mountain scenery and natural diversity of the park make it a great location for camping, bushwalking and a wide range of recreational activities. The 16,000 ha park stretches from the coastal plain on the western side of the Flinders Ranges to the foothills above Wilmington. Its geographical location, where South Australia's arid north and wetter southern regions overlap, makes it a key conservation area with an intriguing mix of flora and fauna from both environments. History: Mount Remarkable National Park lies within the region occupied by the Nukunu people of the Southern Flinders Ranges and coastal plains. They called Mount Remarkable Wangyarra, "arra" meaning running water. Edward John Eyre named Mount Remarkable in June 1840. Aboriginal people were hostile to European occupation but sheep and cattle runs were nevertheless established in 1844 and 1845 which sadly and typically led to the displacement and demise of many of the Nukunu people, descendants of whom still have a strong affiliation with the park. The Baroota, Stony Creek and Beautiful Valley pastoral runs represented the first European land use of parts of what is now Mount Remarkable National Park. Pastoral runs were resumed and subdivided in the 1870s. There followed a succession of leaseholders, many of whom still live in the area and retain an interest in the park. Areas at Alligator Gorge and Mambray Creek were dedicated as National Pleasure resorts in 1952. From that time these areas were added to, and came under the control of the National Parks Commission in the 1960s. With the passage of the National Parks and Wildlife Act in 1972, 3 areas comprised of Alligator Gorge, Mambray Creek and Mount Remarkable were proclaimed under one title as Mount Remarkable National Park. From then there have been a number of additions to the present total of more than 16,000 ha, the most recent being the Warren Bonython Link in 1998 which joined the eastern and western sections of the park. Contacts: For further information and bookings for Mount Remarkable National Park, or information on other Southern Flinders parks including Mount Brown Conservation Park, The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park, Telowie Gorge Conservation Park and Winninowie Conservation Park, contact: Mount Remarkable National Park PMB 7 Mambray Creek via Port Pirie SA 5540 Phone: (61 8) 8634 7068 Fax: (61 8) 8634 7085 How To Get There: Vehicle access to Mount Remarkable National Park is from Highway 1, approximately 45 km north of Port Pirie, to park headquarters at Mambray Creek (5 km), or via a picturesque drive commencing 1 km south of Wilmington on Main North Road to Alligator Gorge (13 km). Walking access is provided within the park from these locations and from Melrose, which lies at the foot of Mt Remarkable itself. Is There A Best Season: Autumn to spring is the best time to visit Mount Remarkable National Park when the weather is mild and vegetation and wildlife thriving. Summer visits can be rewarding, too, provided your activities are tailored to weather conditions and extra care is taken in preparation. Exploring the Park: Day Visitors Day visitor areas are located at Mambray Creek on the western side of the park and at BlueGum Flat near Alligator Gorge on the eastern side. Car parking, bins, toilets, picnic tables, gas barbeques and walk trailheads are provided. Camping Vehicle based camping is provided at Mambray Creek campground. There are fifty-three level unpowered sites, flushing toilets, solar heated showers, water supply, firewood supply (in season), rubbish disposal and communal fireplaces. Facilities provided are suitable for disabled access. Two group camping areas located adjacent to the main campground are also available. These are ideal for school, community and large family groups, with a capacity of 60 people in Redgums Group Campsite and 40 in Native Pines Group Campsite. Each group camping area consists of communal areas, with running water, kitchen site with table and a fire pit surrounded by benches. Tent sites radiate from these central areas. The group sites share an amenities block. Advance bookings for individual campsites are essential for Easter, April and September school holidays and long weekends during the visitor season from March to November, and for group sites throughout the year. Bush Camping: Bush camping in Mount Remarkable National Park means a walk-in with your pack, low impact activity. You may camp overnight in any of the eleven designated sites from 1 May to 31 October only. Please keep to these sites when camping within the park. This minimises environmental impact and enables staff to monitor and manage sites. Organised groups should be limited to a maximum of twelve people. A Trip Intentions form (200Kb PDF) should be lodged with the park office well in advance.