Sandboarding enthusiasts have even more reason to visit the Eyre Peninsula now with the popular recreational activity officially approved in two national parks in the region with a third to be added soon.
Announcing sandboarding’s approval, the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) said areas within Coffin Bay National Park and Lincoln National Park were now open to sandboarders under strict regulations to protect the landscape.
DEW said similar access for areas within Fowlers Bay Conservation Park was also being finalised.
District Ranger with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Peter Wilkins said sandboarding was a popular recreational activity on the Eyre Peninsula but, until now, there had been limited opportunities.
“By opening certain areas of these parks to sandboarders, we’re hoping to attract more people to the region and connect visitors with our parks through an additional nature-based tourism pursuit,” Mr Wilkins said.
The District Ranger said NPWS staff had identified specific areas within the parks where sandboarding could be undertaken with minimal environmental impact and where there was existing public access.
“Temporary signage has now gone up in these areas, which are easily accessible and within walking distance from existing 4WD vehicle tracks,” he said.
“Off-road driving is not necessary and, in fact, the no off-road driving regulations will remain in place to minimise environmental damage and for sandboarder safety.”
Mr Wilkins said the plan was to make South Australia a world leader in nature-based tourism while supporting the ongoing conservation of the State’s natural and cultural heritage.
DEW said sandboarding, like many adventure activities, carried an inherent risk to those who participated, so clear signage would be erected in designated areas to ensure people took care of themselves and the surrounding landscape.
Further information on Parks activities can be accessed at this PS News link.
