Pictured above: Spiller’s wattle is significant because it’s a rare and locally threatened native plant that relies on precisely the kind of habitat protection these park additions provide.
South Australia’s national parks network has grown by nearly 30,000 hectares since March 2022, delivering a major boost to biodiversity protection and nature-based tourism across the state.
The expansion, announced by Lucy Hood MP, Minister for Climate, Environment and Water, spans metropolitan and regional areas and includes new parks, expanded conservation zones and increased visitor infrastructure. The additional land is equivalent to around 18,000 Adelaide Ovals and forms part of South Australia’s contribution to the State and Federal Governments’ 30 by 30 commitment to protect 30 per cent of land and marine areas by 2030.
Among the most significant metropolitan additions is Horsnell Gully Conservation Park, which has grown by 93 hectares after land from the former Stonyfell Quarry was transferred to the Government. The increase, representing an almost 70 per cent expansion, will help secure the future of the endangered southern brown bandicoot, along with diverse bird species, pink gum woodland and other native vegetation.
“Horsnell Gully Conservation Park contains important remnant habitat that supports some of our locally threatened species,” said John Fleming, Acting President of Friends of Black Hill and Morialta. “We are excited that adjacent land has been added to the park as this expands the protection and integrity of the local ecosystem.”
In regional South Australia, the state’s newest national park has been created with the proclamation of Jaki Ina – Worlds End Gorge National Park, co-named with the Ngadjuri people. Located near Burra, the new park absorbs the neighbouring Hopkins Creek Conservation Park, expanding the protected area to about 1,600 hectares. The park is culturally significant and rich in biodiversity, supporting species including brushtail possums, diamond firetails and wedge-tailed eagles.
Jaki Ina – Worlds End Gorge National Park
Wedge-Tailed Eagle photographed by Ashley Miller
“Jaki Ina – Worlds End Gorge is a significant place for the Ngadjuri people, and it is important that it is protected,” said Carlo Sansbury, chairman of the Ngadjuri Nation Aboriginal Corporation. “This is a healing place, and it is a special place where we can really connect to Country.”
Further afield, an additional 26,000 hectares has been formally proclaimed at Nilpena Ediacara National Park, bringing the park’s total area to approximately 86,000 hectares. Located on the western fringes of the Flinders Ranges, Nilpena is internationally recognised for its fossil record of Earth’s earliest complex animal life and is central to the state’s World Heritage bid.
The expansion also includes the recent enlargement of the Seal Bay Sanctuary Zone by 18 square kilometres, strengthening protection for endangered Australian sea lions off Kangaroo Island.
“Our Government continues to deliver on a clear commitment to care for and manage our natural environment by massively expanding our parks network,” said Minister Hood. “From the outset, we have sought opportunities to better protect threatened species, provide vital habitat and ensure our parks remain sustainable. We know seven out of 10 South Australians visit our parks each year, in addition to tourists from all over the world coming here to camp, bushwalk and connect with our state’s incredible nature.”
The expansion is supported by a $30 million State Budget investment to improve visitor experiences and protect wildlife, with new trails and infrastructure already being delivered across the network. The Department for Environment and Water now manages more than 350 national parks and wilderness protection areas, covering around 22 per cent of the state’s land.
“National parks are not just landscapes – they are living spaces that enhance biodiversity, strengthen cultural connections, and improve overall quality of life,” said Jason Irving, Park Planning and Visitor Experience Director.
