Summer closures have been extended in Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert and Witjira national parks as a result of heavy rainfall and flooding affecting road access.
District Ranger for the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Travis Gotch said the parks were closed for public safety and expected to reopen in April.
Mr Gotch said repairs were expected to be completed by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, from Hamilton Station to the Northern Territory border by 21 April.
“However, if the roads and tracks are repaired sooner then we will be able to bring forward the opening date,” he said.
“The Pastoral Board has also advised that Public Access Routes (PARs) are being assessed for public safety and damage.”
Mr Gotch said access to Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park via the Halligan Bay PAR was also currently unavailable, with the Halligan Bay PAR closed for assessment.
“Lake Eyre (North)/Kati Thanda has approximately 15 per cent coverage with no water currently visible from the ground at Halligan Bay point and Lake Eyre (South)/Kati Thanda has approximately 80 per cent coverage,” he said.
“Water in the lake is best viewed by air with tour operators who offer scenic flights over the lake.”
The District Ranger said Munga-Thirri-Simpson Desert National Park was closed during the summer months from 2008-2009 in the interests of public safety due to extreme temperatures.
“Crossing the Simpson Desert takes four days on average, depending on the number of stops and weather conditions,” he said.
“In all, it’s about 26 hours of driving, which currently attracts over 10,000 visitors annually.
“Witjira is also a very popular destination, home to the National Heritage-listed Dalhousie Springs with more than 120 mound springs.”
Further information on the availability of national parks can be accessed at this PS News link.
