Discovery Excursion:
Any adventure or activity dedicated to discovering biodiversity and recording observations on iNaturalist
Make a selection to see excursion summaries to the locations below.
Constructed in 2013 by the City of Onkaparinga as part of stage 2 of it’s Water Proofing the South initiative, this now established wetland consists of 9 ponds, surrounded by gravel paths with several bridges. The area has been fully revegetated.
Happy Valley Reservoir (Glenthorne National Park)
Opened to the public in December 2022, as part of Glenthorne National Park, the reservoir offers 4 wide gravel walking trails, cycling, kayaking, fishing and facilities. This park is all about suburban recreation.
750 hectares located north of Mount Bold Reservoir consisting of hilly terrain and creeks through stringybark scrub with dense understory, walking tracks and historic mining operations. The Eastern half of the park was burnt out by intense wildfire in January 2021.
Hallett Cove Conservation Park
54 hectares of coastal cliffs, revegetated and remnant vegetation, ancient Aboriginal settlements, exposed glacial pavements from the Permian glaciation and protective boardwalks. In 2021 the park became part of the Glenthorne Precinct with the opening of Glenthorne National Park–Ityamaiitpinna Yarta.
Onkaparinga River Recreation Park
Where the Onkaparinga River reaches the plains. 2.6km2 of flood plains and wetlands, Fish breeding grounds and habitat for migratory Birds. Recreation area for walking, kayaking and fishing. Surrounded on all sides by suburbia.
Onkaparinga River National Park
15.4km2 of steep river valley, remnant Eucalyptus woodland, degraded ex-farmland infested with introduced European Olive, and revegetation sites. Numerous recreational walking tracks and lookouts over the valley and down to the river. Includes Hardy’s Scrub on the the south side of Chapel Hill Road.
An artificial wetland on the North edge of Aldinga Scrub CP, created as part of Onkaparinga Council’s Water Proofing the South project. Three main ponds connected by gravel walking paths and bridges. Historically hosting a male Musk Duck seen displaying from time to time.
Proclaimed in 2022, combining the historic Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park comprising sand dunes, sand blows and remnant coastal vegetation, and the Aldinga Washpool, a rare ephemeral freshwater wetland.
Rocky reef beach extending from Normanville Beach down to Wirrina Cove, HMAS Hobart wreck offshore, and a seashell filled beach south of the lookout.
Spring Mount Conservation Park
2.8km2 of mature Brown and Messmate Stringybark over Beaked Hakea, Large-leaf Bush Pea, Common Heath, Common Flat-pea, Honeypots and Wire Rapier-sedge. Breeding ground for the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo and habitat for the Bassian Thrush. Look out for Hairy Correa, Dwarf Micrantheum, Scrambling Guinea-flower and Yellow-footed Antechinus.
200 hectares of Brown Stringybark, Cup Gum, Manna Gum, and Pink Gum woodland over Heath Tea-tree, Beaked Hakea, Silver Banksia, Flat-leaf Grass-tree, Common Flat-Pea, Austral Bracken and numerous Orchids. Keep an eye out for Wallflower, Rabbit and Hare Orchids, Purple Beard Orchids, Pygmy Sundews, and Bassian Thrush.
55km2 of natural woodland, creeks, and forestry reserves surrounding the largest reservoir in SA, on the Onkaparinga River. Walking trails open to the public from Razorback Road in 2022. Messmate Stringybark, Pink Gum, and Cup Gum mid woodland over Golden Wattle, Large-leaf Bush Pea, Beaked Hakea, Heath Tea-tree, Slaty Oak-bush, Austral Bracken, Wire Rapier-sedge and Native Cranberry. A significant section of the Northern side of the reservoir was burnt out in the 2021 Cherry Gardens bushfire. Look out for more than 30 Orchid and 9 Sundew species, Southern Brown Bandicoots and Yellow-footed Antechinus, and Peregrine Falcons.
A 3.4km2 section of ForestrySA’s Kuitpo Forest consisting of pine, softwood and hardwood plantations, and a small section of native forest, camp grounds and recreation areas.
Native woodland covering historic gold minefield with numerous mine shafts throughout. Landscape sloping down toward a feeder creek for the Echunga Creek system. Includes a section of the Heysen Trail. Messmate Stringybark, Cup Gum and Pink Gum woodland over Beaked Hakea, Heath Tea-tree, Large-leaf Bush Pea, Honeypots and Fire Daisy. Keep an eye out for uncommon Birds down by the creek including Purple-crowned Lorikeets, Crested Shrike-Tits, White-naped Honeyeaters, and Yellow-faced Honeyeaters.
Manmade wetlands along Christie Creek as part of the City of Onkaparinga’s Water Proofing the South project. Home to many water Birds, visiting Black-fronted Dotterels and Pied Stilts.
Limestone platform extending 400 meters out from the coastal cliffs forming part of the Aldinga Reef Sanctuary Zone. Walk to the edge of the platform during low tide. Snorkel off the edge. Keep an eye out for Red-capped Plovers and Red-necked Stints.
Established in 1973 this 244 hectare park protects threatened Greybox grassy woodland. The Sturt River runs through the park and down to the Adelaide Plains. The park contains the Sturt tillite rock formations formed from glacial material dropped from ice floating in the ocean that covered South Australia 800 million years ago. The recent addition of Craigburn Farm has added a large area for revegetation and recreation. The small Sturt Gorge dam can be found within the park. Keep an eye out for Eastern Water Skinks and Rakali along the river.
A 45 hectare patch of remnant open Stringybark woodland, mostly surrounded by agricultural land, supporting over 150 native Plant species. Several wide walking trail loops run through the park. Look out for the 20 Orchid species, including the Great Sun Orchid and Purple Beard Orchid.
More Locations to be Added Soon….
Epistemic Curiosity 