A new lookout, upgraded campgrounds and improved visitor facilities will be delivered at three sites in a $3 million investment at the ever-popular Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park on the Yorke Peninsula.
The new lookout will be constructed at Chinaman's Hill to give visitors a dedicated place to take in the amazing views of Investigator Strait and the Althorpe Island group, as well as Kangaroo Island in the distance.
Improvements will also be made at Stenhouse Bay and Shell Beach, including constructing additional facilities picnic areas, toilet facilities and carparks at the day-visitor areas and campgrounds.
Minister for Environment and Water David Speirs said the $3 million upgrades at Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park are part of the Marshall Liberal Government's Parks 2025 initiative which is delivering record amounts of funding to the environment.
"Parks 2025 is a once in a generation investment in more than 30 parks across the state to improve the visitor experience and boost conservation," Minister Speirs said.
"Dhilba Gurranda-Innes National Park is a spectacular part of our state with its beautiful coastline and beaches and these upgrades will further enhance its reputation as a must-visit destination.
"The upgrades will be at three key sites within the park and include a stunning new lookout at Chinaman's Hill as well as improved visitor facilities at Stenhouse Bay and Shell Beach.
"Our national parks are more popular than ever with visitor numbers at record levels as many South Australians look to holiday in their home state. This continues to provide a significant economic boost to our regions and support local jobs at a time when it is needed most as we continue recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I am proud to be part of a government which is delivering record amounts of funding to our national parks to improve visitor facilities, enhance nature-based tourism offerings and boost conservation of our natural landscapes and wildlife.
"We are also significantly expanding areas of land across the state protected as national parks including the creation of Glenthorne – Adelaide's second metropolitan national park – as well as our proposal to create Australia's biggest national park – Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert.
"Once all of these changes take effect the Marshall Liberal Government will have seen the area protected by national parks more than double from 3.90 million hectares to 7.86 million hectares since coming into government."
The Department for Environment and Water is working with the park's Traditional Owners and Friends of Parks volunteer groups to ensure the best outcome in creating new visitor facilities at this iconic park.
The three sites to be upgraded are:
Chinaman's Hill Lookout
Chinaman's Hill, on the southern edge of the park offers unrivalled views of the sweeping coastline below.
The new lookout will give visitors an even better viewing experience, with 360 degree views of Southern Yorke Peninsula, multiple viewing platforms and interpretative signage.
Works will also include the construction of sealed, two-way access roads, a new carpark for up to 25 vehicles, and minor infrastructure and signage updates.
Stenhouse Bay
Stenhouse Bay, at the entry to Dhilba Gurranda-Innes National Park, is home to the heritage-listed jetty which is popular for fishing and diving.
Facilities at the day visitor area will also be boosted with the construction of new toilet blocks, a new picnic shelter with two barbeques and picnic tables, stone fencing and an upgrade to the visitor car park.
The large Stenhouse Bay Campground, which services visitors in tents, caravans, campervans and camper trailers, will have a new toilet blocks and barbeques.
Shell Beach
Upgrades at Shell Beach, on the western side of the park, will benefit swimmers at the popular nearby Blue Pool, along with campers staying at Shell Beach Campground.
Works will include the construction of new toilet facilities, improved day visitor parking, new signage and a redesign the campground including construction of new campsites.
Construction is expected to commence at all sites in September.
Find out more www.parks.sa.gov.au
