Accessibility
Parks are for all to enjoy, we would love to hear from you about your experience in nature. You can share your comments, pictures and videos with us and others by using the hashtag #AccessNPSA on Facebook, Instagram or email us.
What does ‘accessible’ mean?
In this information, ‘accessible’ means that a feature or facility met the Australian Standards for Accessibility when it was installed.
Where we have not used the word ‘accessible’ it means the feature or facility does not necessarily meet these standards. Instead, we’ve included details which we hope will help you to decide if this is suitable for you.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are permitted in most public places and are therefore welcome in South Australia’s parks and reserves. Assistance dogs must be appropriately restrained on a lead and remain under your effective control at all times while in a park or reserve.
Equipment Hire
TrialRider all-terrain wheelchair
The District Council of Yankalilla have a TrailRider wheelchair available for free hire for up to three days that can be used in Deep Creek National Park. TrailRider all-terrain wheelchairs allows people with limited mobility to explore the diverse trails. The one-wheeled chair is a cross between a wheelbarrow and sedan chair. The TrailRider requires a minimum of two reasonably fit people (one at each end of the chair). Contact Fleurieu Coast Visitor Information Centre to book.
Sandcruiser beach wheelchair
Sandcruiser and Sandpiper wheelchairs are available for hire to use on Normanville Beach in Encounter Marine Park courtesy of a partnership between District Council of Yankalilla and Normanville Surf Life Saving Club. These wheelchairs have large balloon-like tyres which make for easy access on soft sand and in shallow water. Available in adult and child size, the wheelchairs are available free of charge. While there is no hire cost, Normanville SLSC suggest a donation of $20 to assist them to continue providing this valuable service. To book the beach wheelchair, please email info@normanvilleslsc.org.au
Accessibility Trike
Belair National Park is pleased to offer visitors free use of the MT Push, courtesy of a partnership between the District Council of Yankalilla and the City of Mitcham Council. This all-terrain assisted wheelchair will provide inclusive access to a wide variety of terrain, mud, gravel, grass and uneven pathways.
The MT Push is a perfect partnership for both the rider and the assisting person pushing – offering comfort, safety and ease of use. The push handle located behind the rider is where the steering and braking takes place by the rider’s buddy. Mountain bike-style tyres and air suspension provides a comfy ride and hydraulic disc brakes give excellent all-weather control.
Book now (collection available from the Belair National Park Information Office).
Accessible Parks
- Anstey Hill Recreation Park
- Belair National Park
- Bool Lagoon Game Reserve
- Cleland National Park
- Cobbler Creek Conservation Park
- Coorong National Park
- Deep Creek National Park
- Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta
- Granite Island Recreation Park
- Hallett Cove Conservation Park
- Marino Conservation Park
- Morialta Conservation Park
- Mount Remarkable National Park
- Naracoorte Caves National Park
- Newland Head Conservation Park
- Onkaparinga River Recreation Park
- Onkaparinga River National Park
- Para Wirra Conservation Park
- Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park
Anstey Hill Recreation Park
Parking
At gate 1, next to the toilet, near Ellis Cottage.
Toilets
At gate 1, near Ellis Cottage. One is accessible (right hand) and the other is an ambulant toilet.
Trails
The Little Quarry Loop (650m)
Features a hard packed gravel surface which is mostly level. The trail begins near the main car park in the former quarry.
Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Picnic area
There are three accessible picnic areas around the Little Quarry Loop.
Belair National Park
Parking
There are many accessible parking spaces in Belair National Park. We are currently working on getting accessible facilities added to all of our park maps for Belair National Park. See the Belair National Park — Accessibility map for locations of facilities in the main entrance area. For information about facilities in other areas of the park, please ask for facility locations at the visitor information center at the entrance to the park.
Accessible car parks are available at following locations (number available)
- Belair National Park Information Office (1)
- Corner of entry and exit road — near information centre (1)
- Main tennis court area — near country club (1)
- Gums Oval — western side (1)
- Pines Picnic Area 1 (1)
- Government Farm Picnic Area 1 (1)
- Government Farm Picnic Area 2
- Gold Escort Picnic Ground — provides access to Adventure Playground (1)
- Walnut Paddock — provides access to Adventure Playground (1)
- Joseph Fisher Picnic Area (2)
- Karka Pavilion (2)
Toilets
There are many accessible toilets in Belair National Park. We are currently working on getting accessible facilities added to all of our park maps for Belair National Park. See the Belair National Park — Accessibility map for locations of facilities in the main entrance area. For information about facilities in other areas of the park, please ask for facility locations at the visitor information center at the entrance to the park.
Accessible toilets are available at following locations (number available)
- Main Oval (1)
- Main tennis court area — near country club (1)
- Gums Oval — western side (1)
- Pines Picnic Area 1 (1)
- Government Farm Picnic Area 2
- Adventure Playground (2)
- Willows Picnic Area (1)
- Joseph Fisher Picnic Area (2)
- Karka Pavilion (1 — right hand opening)
- Playford Lake (1)
- Old Government House and State Flora Nursery (1)
Trails
Wood Duck Walk (1km)
The trail starts at the car park and picnic area at Playford Lake. The majority of the trail is bitumen with a few short sections of hard packed gravel. In places the edge of the bitumen path has broken away and there are occasional ripples in the surface due to tree roots under the surface. Between the lake and the car park area the trail has a short section of broken bitumen with a small lip that may require assistance. The trail is best to be completed in a clockwise direction.
Lorikeet Loop Walk (3km)
It is recommended to start the walk from Old Government House and travel in an anti-clockwise direction. Surface is a mix of hard packed gravel surface and bitumen. You might need some assistance on the climb back to Old Government House from the adventure playground.
Picnic areas
Enjoy an open-air lunch at the accessible picnic ground at Playford Lake. Pine Picnic Area One is also accessible with an accessible car parking space and a disabled toilet (left hand).
Tennis courts
Tennis courts 1, 2, 32 and 33 are accessible. Book and pay for your tennis court online before you arrive.
Bool Lagoon Game Reserve
Trails
Tea-Tree Boardwalk (1km)
A wheelchair accessible boardwalk through the wetlands, a great spot to enjoy the bird life. Note there are no bathroom facilities here.
Cleland National Park
Parking
There are two accessible parking spaces located at the Waterfall Gully carpark.
Toilets
There are two toilets located at the Waterfall Gully carpark. One is an accessible toilet (left hand) and the other is an ambulant toilet.
Waterfall Gully trails
Take the bitumen trail (300m) which climbs from the car park to the first falls pool and back. You might need some assistance may because of the gradient.
Steub Trail
The Steub trail is an excellent alternative to the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit hike. The trail is 7km return. Allow about 3 – 5 hours if in a wheelchair. You can start the walk from either the bottom at Cleland Wildlife Park or at the top at Mount Lofty Summit. The track surface is a hard base with a recycled product (Bitumate) on the top which makes for a nice smooth ride. The trail is a class 3 trail so assistance will be required. The trail has inclines and several berms which have pitches difficult navigate independently in a wheelchair.
Accessing Waterfall Gully:
Cleland Wildlife Park
There are many accessible facilities, activities and an access map: please visit Cleland Wildlife Park.
Accessing Cleland Wildlife Park:Mount Lofty Summit
The Mount Lofty summit lookout is accessible. There are accessible parking spaces and accessible toilets
Accessing Mt Lofty Summit:Accessing the Heysen trail at Cleland National Park:
Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
Parking and toilets
At the main park entrance (gate 1), at the corner of Bridge and Smith Roads, Salisbury East:
there are two accessible parking spaces There is one accessible toilet (right hand) and one ambulant toilet.
Picnic area
The picnic area, located next to the Kites and Kestrels adventure playground, is accessible. Shelters, seating, and a barbecue are available.
Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Coorong National Park
Accessible toilets
- Long Point
- Parnka Point
- Loop Road (Lakes Nature Trail car park)
- 42 Mile Crossing Campground
- 28 Mile Crossing Campground
Accessible car parking
- Long Point
- Parnka Point
- Loop Road (Lakes Nature Trail car park)
Deep Creek National Park
Parking
There is an accessible parking space at Cobbler Hill picnic area and two accessible parking spaces at Goondooloo picnic area.
Toilets
There is an accessible toilet at Stringybark campground and Goondooloo Picnic Area.
Camping
There are accessible campsites at Stringybark campground. For more information please get in touch with the Deep Creek National Park Headquarters on (+61 8) 8598 0263.
Trails
The 4.2 km return Goondooloo Ridge Walk has a hard packed surface, about 1 metre wide, and slopes gently down towards the Goondooloo Lookout. The lookout offers spectacular views across Backstairs Passage to Kangaroo Island. The walk is a class 2 trail so some people may require assistance. The trail is suitable for prams.
Accommodation
Southern Ocean Retreats offers fully compliant wheelchair friendly accommodation at one of their Ridgetop Retreats.
Accessibility in Deep Creek National Park
Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta
Parking
There are 9 accessible parking spaces scattered around the main visitor hub near the nature play space.
Toilets
There is one is accessible toilet (left hand) in the nature play space area.
Trails
Footprints from the past (1.3km)
This trail unlocks the history of the former Glenthorne Farm through the stories of six characters from Glenthorne’s past. The trail takes you through the main visitor hub, past a 1960s glasshouse laboratory and 1850s vigneron’s barn, then towards a lookout with panorama views over the park and distant hills. To get the most out of the trail, listen to the audio narratives and bring the featured characters to life through augmented reality in the‘Footprints from the Past’ tour on the SA National Parks Tours app. The trail surface is hard packed gravel, there is a reasonable gradient just past the glasshouse to go down so assistance may be required. This is a grade 2 trail so there are sections in which assistance may be required. For manual wheelchair users it is recommended to do the trail with a freewheel attached (if you have one) as this will make the trail easier to navigate.
Walking with Winaityinaityi Trail (1.5km)
This trail introduces you to 10 winaityinaityi (birds) that visit Glenthorne-Tyamaiitpinna Yarta. Hear from Kaurna educator Jack Buckskin in the‘Walking with Winaityinaityi’ tour on the SA National Parks Tours app. The trail follows the creek line to the two dams, before returning back to the visitor hub. Log seats are located along the trail for those that want to stop and rest but also so you can take your time looking and listening for winaityinaityi. The trail surface is hard packed gravel. There is a steep section approximately 100m after the first dam in which assistance will be required to go down for those that choose to go this way, to avoid this it recommended to turn right along the path just after the first dam. This is a grade 2 trail with some sections of reasonable gradients in which assistance will be required. For manual wheelchair users it is recommended to do the trail with a freewheel attached (if you have one) as this will make the trail easier to navigate. Sections of this trail may be harder to navigate in a power chair due to some of the gradients but worth having a look and seeing if it works for you.
Grow with me Trail (2.2km)
This trail takes you to some of the best vantage points in the park. See just how much Glenthorne-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta has grown since it was proclaimed as a national park in May 2020. Keep an eye out for the‘Grow with me’ photo points along the way where you can take photos to add to citizen science records and track your own growth along with the park’s each time you visit. The trail surface is hard packed gravel. It follows along part of the Footprints from the past and Walking with Winaityinaityi trails which meander past the nature play space and first dam and then heads up the hill to a look out that overlooks the visitor hub. The trail up the hill has a reasonable slope so some people may require assistance but the view at the top is worth it. Depending on the time of the year you can experience some wonderful smells coming from the plants along parts of the trail. For manual wheelchair users it is recommended to do the trail with a freewheel attached (if you have one) as this will make the trail easier to navigate.
Granite Island Recreation Park
Parking
There is council owned accessible parking at the end of the Granite Island causeway in Victor Harbor. The causeway has a rubber track suitable for wheels. The privately run horse drawn tram can accommodate a manual wheelchair or book a peninsula taxi or Orcas Taxis to cross to Granite Island.
Toilets
There is an accessible (right hand) toilet on the island.
Trails
Check out Push Adventures — Views for miles from Granite Island blog for accessible trail descriptions and photos.
Hallett Cove Conservation Park
Parking
There is a council owned car park, with 2 accessible parks at the south end of Hallett Cove Conservation Park.
Toilets
There is an accessible (left hand) toilet next to the Boatshed Café at the car park.
Trails
A bitumen path leads from the café towards Black Cliff Lookout where the trail steepens considerably (up to 12%). Assistance will be required in this section to the lookout. The trail beyond the lookout is not an accessible trail. Check out our video of the access trails at Hallett Cove Conservation Park.
Check out Push Adventures – Hallett Cove to Black Point Coastal Trail blog for accessible trail descriptions and photos.
Beach
There is no wheelchair access available to the beach.
Marino Conservation Park
Botanical Trail
The entrance to the car park is at the end of Nimboya Road in Marino. There is one accessible car park available however there are no toilets in this park. The trail is 1.4km return and is a mix of hard packed surface and loose dirt. It is recommended to do the trail on a dry day as parts of the trail will become very muddy when wet. There is an accessible picnic spot along the way. The walk offers some of Adelaide’s best views of the coast and city skyline.
Morialta Conservation Park
Parking
There is accessible parking located at these locations within the park:
- Five accessible car parks at the Natural Resource Centre car park.
- Three accessible car parks at the Stradbroke Road car park (Mukanthi Playspace and picnic area).
- Three accessible car parks at the First Falls car park.
Toilets
There are accessible toilets located at the first falls car park and at the Stradbroke Road car park (Mukanthi Playspace and picnic area)..
- Two accessible (right hand and left habd) toilets at Mukanthi Playspace.
- One accessible toilet (left hand) at the First Falls car park.
See and do
Trails
Morialta Falls Valley Walk (1.6km)
The trail rises gently on a wide hard packed gravel trail to just below the first falls. Sections of the walk have short inclines. The last section is on a boardwalk to below the falls. The walk is a class 2 trail so some people may require assistance.
Fourth Creek Trail
The first half of the trail is compacted gravel, and the second half is bitumen, both about 1 meter wide. The trail is suitable for prams, although there is a short incline near the start, just beyond the Morialta Playground and after the footbridge.
Playground and picnic area
Watch the kids explore the Mukanthi playspace whilst you enjoy an open-air picnic. The playspace is located near accessible parking, toilets and barbecue areas.
Mount Remarkable National Park
Mambray Creek
Parking
There are no dedicated accessible parking spaces at Mambray Creek but there is generally enough parking space near trailheads and campsites
Toilets
There is one accessible toilet at the campground and is a left hand toilet. The paths to the toilet are compact gravel and dolomite.
There is one accessible shower at the campgrounds with a flip down seat however it has a fixed shower head (an adjustable head will be installed in the future).
Camping
The Mambray Creek campground, has 54 campsites with some suitable for caravans.
Most of the campsites are wheelchair accessible. They are on flat ground with a compacted gravel or dirt surface. Campsites 13, 15, 16, 18, 30 and 34 are closest to the toilet and shower blocks.
Trails
Wirra Water Loop Track (1.6km)
An interpretive section of the Mambray Creek Walk explains the importance of water in the area as you explore rocky river beds.
The trail is compacted gravel, it is an undulating path with short steep sections throughout so some people may require assistance. The walk can be extended by incorporating the Mambray Creek Walk , which starts at the day visitor car park.
Alligator Gorge
Parking
There is one dedicated accessible parking space at Alligator Gorge.
Toilets
There are 2 pit toilets which are accessible, one is a left hand toilet and one is a right hand toilet. The path to the toilet is compact gravel.
Picnic area
The picnic tables are accessible for unpowered (smaller) wheelchairs
Trails
There are unfortunately no trails that are accessible to those in wheelchairs or severe mobility impairments however the views on the drive in to Alligator Gorge are spectacular and worth the visit.
Naracoorte Caves National Park
Check out the Naracoorte Caves website for up to date information on accessibility.
Newland Head Conservation Park
Toilets
There is an accessible toilet at the Waitpinga Beach carpark.
Onkaparinga River Recreation Park
Parking
There is a council owned car park located at Perrys Bend with one dedicated accessible space.
Toilets
There is a council owned, accessible toilet (right hand) located at Perrys Bend carpark and picnic area.
Picnics
There is a council owned, picnic area with a BBQ and picnic tables located at Perrys Bend.
Trails
Wetlands Loop Trail (3km)
The flat trail is a mixture of boardwalk, and some gravel paths. The trail isn’t considered wheelchair accessible, however, a blog post by Push Adventures describes how it can be accessed by wheelchair users. This identifies some of the issues for wheelchairs accessing this walking trail, including a short grassed section between the picnic shelter and the start of the trail, and that the gravel paths may be muddy in winter.
Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Onkaparinga River National Park
Parking
There is one accessible parking bay at the Sundews car park on Piggott Range Road.
Toilets
- An accessible toilet (right hand) at the Sundews car park on Piggott Range Road.
- An accessible toilet (right hand) at Pink Gum campground but this is only available to campers.
Trails
Punchbowl Lookout Trail (2km)
Descend the wide hard packed trail to the lookout where there are a number of picnic benches. Return via the same trail which climbs 50m over 1km.
Camping
Pink Gum campground at the eastern end of the park, has 11 campsites, including three that are suitable for caravans. It has an accessible toilet, washing-up facilities and fire pits for use outside the fire ban season.
Most of the campsites are wheelchair accessible. They are on flat ground with a compacted gravel surface.
Campsites 1, 2, 10 and 11 are closest to the toilets. The road slopes down to the toilets but is accessible by car. The toilet facilities are wheelchair accessible, with a 900mm door width and a fixed handrail alongside the toilet. Book and pay online where there are campsite descriptions and pictures to help you choose your site.
Check out your guide to camping at Onkaparinga River National Park on the Good Living blog for useful insider tips and inspiration.
Para Wirra Conservation Park
Toilets
There are accessible toilets at:
- Gawler View Picnic Area
- Wirra Picnic area
- Hissey Picnic Area 1 accessible toilet (left hand) at the rear of the toilet block and accessed from the right-hand side path
Lake Discovery Loop Trail (1km) – It is recommended to start from the East Lake carpark and follow the well-signposted trail in a clockwise direction. The trail loops around the lake on a hard packed gravel trail with a few slight rises that may require some assistance.
Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Social Scripts
National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia have created social scripts to help people on the Autism Spectrum visit parks. These social scripts may be able to assist with lessening anxiety and stress when individuals are visiting a new place. The scripts include specific and illustrated information about what an autistic person can expect when visiting one of South Australia’s national parks.
Visiting Para Wirra Conservation Park
Walking at Para Wirra Conservation Park
Camping at Para Wirra Conservation Park
Tantanoola Caves Conservation Park
Caves
Tantanoola Caves is one of Australia’s few wheelchair accessible caves. Enjoy a special hosted experience as a knowledgeable guide introduces you to the history and geology of the caves and explains how its spectacular array of formations has developed over thousands of years. You are then free to explore the large cavern at your leisure and take photographs.
Check out Push Adventures blog – Add this to your bucket list for a description of great accessible spots to visit in the Limestone Coast region.
Useful links
- 9 national parks in Adelaide with accessible facilities from Good Living
- 7 regional parks with accessible features from Good Living
- Your guide to accessible features in some of KI’s national parks from Good Living
- 10 pram-friendly walks in Adelaide’s national parks from Good Living
- Push adventures – inclusive tourism
- Walking SA – 50 pram and wheelchair accessible walks and hikes