Mamungari Conservation Park About

Home , Anne Beadell Highway, Eyre Highway, Maralinga, Maralinga Tjarutja, Outback (region)

Mamungari Conservation Park

About

Mamungari Conservation Park is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve containing arid zone wilderness. The park, which features red sand dunes covered with desert karrajong, acacias, desert gums and salt lakes, is of cultural significance to the Maralinga Tjarutja Peoples, who are its traditional owners.

While discovering the park by foot, look out for the wildlife that inhabit the area's harsh conditions, including the princess parrots, scarlet-chested parrots and the Australian bustards.

Several permits are required to travel through this area. Due to the park's remoteness, visitors must be well- equipped and experienced in outback 4WD travel.

Opening hours

Open daily.

Head of Bight Visitors Centre opening hours (http://headofbight.com.au/about-head-of-bight/visitor-information) Closures and safety

This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.

You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map (https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/bans_and_ratings.jsp) on the CFS website.

Check the CFS website (https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/home.jsp) or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:

Information on fire bans and current fire conditions (https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/bans_and_ratings.jsp) Current CFS warnings and incidents (https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/warnings_and_incidents.jsp) Information on what to do in the event of a fire (https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/prepare_for_a_fire.jsp).

Listen to your local area radio station (https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/public/download.jsp?id=104478) for the latest updates and information on fire safety.

Contact details

Office: Maralinga Tjarutja Administration Office Phone: (+61 8) 8625 2946 Fax: (+61 8) 8625 3076 Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Getting there

Mamungari Conservation Park is located 450km north west of Ceduna. Access is via the Eyre Highway.

Park map (#maps)

Permits are required to travel through the following areas:

Mamungari Conservation Park Maralinga Tjarutja Lands (4-6 weeks notice is required) Woomera Prohibited Area Mabel Creek Station

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.

As per the dogs in parks and reserves policy, if the dog is not an accredited assistance dog, they must be trained to assist a person with a disability to alleviate that disability and meet standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for a dog in a public place. However, refusal may be given if the person with the disability is unable to produce evidence the dog is an assistance dog with the appropriate training.

Before taking your assistance dog into a park that does not normally allow dogs, it is highly recommended that you contact us so we can provide you with the latest information on any potential hazards within specific parks that may affect your dog. Please contact the park via the contact details provided under the contact tab or contact the visitor service centre via email (https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/contact-us/get-in-touch-online) or on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NPWSSA), or you can live chat with a customer service representative on the website Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Dogs not allowed

Dogs are not permitted in this park.

Discover which parks you can walk your dog in on our find a park (https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/find-a-park) tool or read 12 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide Parks (http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2017/12/dogs-part- 2) by Good Living for inspiration.

Facilities

There are very limited facilities in the park. Please ensure you carry sufficient water, food and supplies for your entire visit. It is also a good idea to let a responsible person know of your intended movements and when you expect to return.

Plants and animals

Plants

The park supports an array of unique plant species including the majestic marble gum, desert kurrajong and the ooldea mallee. Animals

Mamungari Conservation Park is home to the princess parrot, the scarlet-chested parrot and the bustard.

Flora and fauna species lists

To download flora (plants) and fauna (animals) species lists for this park, use the 'Create Simple Species List' tab under 'Flora Tools' or 'Fauna Tools' in NatureMaps (https://data.environment.sa.gov.au/NatureMaps/Pages/default.aspx).

Useful information

Please ensure that you understand and arrange relevant permits before travelling to Mamungari Conservation Park.

There is no mobile phone coverage in the park.

Parks of the Far West brochure (https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/docs/mamungari-conservation- park/brochure_farwest_parks.pdf)

Camping safety (#safety) Parks management plans (https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/topics/park-management/state-wide-park- strategies/park-management-plans) Trails SA (http://www.southaustraliantrails.com/) SA Marine Parks (https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/marineparks/home)

Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.

Traditional owners

Mamungari Conservation Park is managed in partnership with the Maralinga Tjarutja Peoples (the traditional owners) and DEWNR.

Words from the Mamungari Co-Management Board

We are made up of people from Maralinga Tjarutja in South Australia and Pila Nguru in Western Australia, as well as representatives of the government. We are proud that Maralinga Tjarutja owns the land. Anangu association with this land stretches back for thousands of generations. Our rights as traditional owners have taken decades to be recognised - co-management is an important part of this recognition and a step towards reconciliation.

We all work together to look after our land - we have a cultural responsibility to look after visitors to our special country, and need to make sure they respect our sacred sites. We will continue to look after visitors and the country - keeping weeds, like Buffel Grass, away and looking after our important cultural sites.

Also, we will use the park to teach Anangu children how to look after the country and to ensure our connection to this place, our stories, continue to be told into the future.

Aboriginal peoples have occupied, enjoyed and managed the lands and waters of this State for thousands of generations. For Aboriginal first nations, creation ancestors laid down the laws of the Country and bestowed a range of customary rights and obligations to the many Aboriginal Nations across our state.

There are many places across the State that have great spiritual significance to Aboriginal first nations. At some of these places Aboriginal cultural protocols, such as restricted access, are promoted and visitors are asked to respect the wishes of Traditional Owners.

In places where protocols are not promoted visitors are asked to show respect by not touching or removing anything, and make sure you take all your rubbish with you when you leave.

Aboriginal peoples continue to play an active role in caring for their Country, including in parks across South Australia.

DEW Park management (https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/park-management) DEW Aboriginal partnerships (https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/park-management/co-management-of-parks) See and do

Bushwalking

There are no specific bushwalking trails within this park.

Anne Beadell Highway

For a four-wheel driving adventure, travel along the Anne Beadell Highway, a rough bush track linking Coober Pedy to Laverton in Western Australia over 1,300km away. The track was surveyed and built by Len Beadell, Australian surveyor, who named it after his wife.

Prior to travel on the Anne Beadell Highway you will need to obtain the following permits:

Tallaringa Conservation Park (#tallaringa) Woomera Prohibited Area - Tourist Access Permit (#wpa) Mabel Creek Pastoral Station (#mabel-creek) Maralinga Tjarutja Aboriginal Lands and Mamungari Conservation Park (#mta)

Tallaringa Conservation Park

Entry and camping permits for Tallaringa Conservation Park (https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/parks/tallaringa- conservation-park) can be purchased online (/booking#Tallaringa%20Conservation%20Park).

For further information contact:

Natural Resource Centre - Port Augusta Phone: (+61 8) 8648 5300 Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Woomera Prohibited Area - Tourist Access Permit

The Anne Beadell Highway passes through the Woomera Prohibited Area. All tourists are required to obtain a Tourist Access Permit (http://www.defence.gov.au/woomera/permit-tourist.htm), issued by the Woomera Test Range before accessing any part of the Woomera Prohibited Area. Permits are not issued more than 12 months in advance and are required for each vehicle in their party. Tourists must also provide at least 10 business days notice confirming that they will be entering the WTA on the dates stated on their permit.

Woomera Prohibited Area - Tourist Access Permit application form (http://www.defence.gov.au/woomera/forms/W005-Tourist-Access-Application-and-Permit.doc) For further information contact:

Defence Support Centre PO Box 157, WOOMERA SA 5720 Phone: 08 8674 3210 or 8674 3370 Fax: 08 8674 3217 Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) Website: http://www.defence.gov.au/woomera/ (http://www.defence.gov.au/woomera/)

Mabel Creek Station

Permits are not required for Mabel Creek Station. Please observe the signs and remember to leave the gates how you found them, open or closed.

Maralinga Tjarutja Aboriginal Lands and Mamungari Conservation Park

A permit is required from the Maralinga Tjarutja Administration office for travel within the Maralinga Tjarutja Aboriginal Lands (http://maralingatjarutja.com/) and Mamungari Conservation Park. Please allow 4-6 weeks for the processing of permits.

Maralinga Tjarutja - tourist access application form (http://maralingatjarutja.com/documents/MT-Lands-permit- 2018-oct.pdf) Conditions relating to visitors entering the Maralinga Tjarutja Lands (http://maralingatjarutja.com/documents/Conditions-relating-to-visitors-entering-Maralinga-Tjarutja-lands.pdf)

For further information contact:

Maralinga Tjarutja Administration office 43 McKenzie St, CEDUNA SA 5690 Phone: 08 8625 2946 Fax: 08 8625 3076 Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Mountain biking

There are no designated mountain biking trails in this park.

Which parks can you ride in? (https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/mountain-biking)

Stay in the park Self-sufficient bush camping is permitted in this park. Fees apply.

Permits are required to travel through the following areas:

Mamungari Conservation Park Maralinga Tjarutja Lands (4-6 weeks notice is required) Woomera Prohibited Area Mabel Creek Station

Please contact the Maralinga Tjarutja Administrator for further information:

Office: Maralinga Tjarutja Administration Office Phone: (+61 8) 8625 2946 Fax: (+61 8) 8625 3076 Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Volunteering

Want to help?

To find out how you can help in this park or nearby, please contact Natural Resources Alinytjara Wilurara. (https://www.landscape.sa.gov.au/aw/contact-us)

Want to join others and become a Park Friend?

To find out more about Friends of Parks groups please visit Friends of Parks South Australia. (http://www.friendsofparkssa.org.au/members-list)

You could join others to help look after a park. You can take part in working bees, training and other events. Safety

Camping

When camping in a National Park, it's important to remember the following:

Always let someone responsible know your travel plans, especially when travelling in remote areas. It's a good idea to let them know when you expect to return. Check the weather forecast before you leave, including overnight temperatures on the Bureau of Meteorology (http://www.bom.gov.au/sa/). Even during very mild weather, the nights can get very cold. The quality and quantity of water cannot be guaranteed within parks. Please bring plenty of water and food to be self-sufficient. Always camp in designated sites (where applicable) - do not camp beneath trees with overhanging branches, as they can drop without warning. It's also a good idea to check that there are no insect nests nearby. Check to make sure you're not camping in a natural waterway, flash floods can happen anytime. If camp fires are permitted, you must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Extinguish your camp fire with water (not sand or dirt) until the hissing sound stops. Ensure that you are familiar with the fire restrictions (https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/know-before-you-go/fires-and- bbqs) for this park.

Fire

Can I have a fire or barbecue?

Wood fires and solid fuel fires are prohibited between 1 November 2020 to 31 March 2021. You must bring your own firewood, as the collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Gas fires and liquid fuel fires are permitted through the year, other than on days of total fire ban. Ensure you are familiar with the fire restrictions (https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/docs/brownhill-creek- recreation-park/park-fire-restrictions-2018-2019.pdf) for this park.

Closures and safety

This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.

You can determine the current fire danger rating by checking the Fire Ban District map (https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/bans_and_ratings.jsp) on the CFS website. Check the CFS website (https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/site/home.jsp) or call the CFS Bushfire Information Hotline 1800 362 361 for:

Listen to your local area radio station (https://www.cfs.sa.gov.au/public/download.jsp?id=104478) for the latest updates and information on fire safety.

4WD

There are very limited facilities and services available in the Far West, hence it is important that you are self- sufficient and carry adequate supplies of fuel, food and water.

All roads within the parks are unsealed and receive very little maintenance. Please keep to defined vehicle tracks and avoid damaging them. Only experienced and well-equipped travellers should attempt to cross the more remote parks. Take extreme care when driving in the park – be aware of blind corners, crests and narrow tracks. Know what to do if you get bogged and always carry a long-handled shovel. Make sure you have the right tyre pressure for the terrain, as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Observe ‘No Public Access’ signs and do not travel along the maintenance track beside the Dog Fence. Unregistered vehicles, such as quad bikes, are not permitted.

Know before you go

Every national park is different, each has its own unique environment, it is important to be responsible while enjoying all the park has to offer.

Please ensure that you:

leave your pets at home do not feed birds or other animals, it promotes aggressive behaviour and an unbalanced ecology do not bring generators (except where permitted), chainsaws or firearms into the park leave the park as you found it - there are no bins in national parks, please come prepared to take your rubbish with you. abide by the road rules (maintain the speed limit) respect geological and heritage sites do not remove native plants are considerate of other park users. Important: Collection of firewood within National Parks is prohibited. Dead wood plays a vital role in providing shelter for animals and adding nutrients to the soil.

Please ensure that you understand and arrange relevant permits before travelling to Mamungari Conservation Park. Maps Fees

Entry fees

Vehicle entry to this park is free, however fees apply for camping.

Camping and accommodation

Campsite fees (per night)

Vehicle (max 8 people) - $12 Hikers/cyclists/additional vehicle occupant (per person) - $6.50 Group camping (20+ people - per person) - $6

If you are planning a trip for a school group or other large group, please ensure you let the park know of your intentions.

Camping permits are available from Maralinga Tjarutja Administration Office (http://maralingatjarutja.com/).

Maralinga Tjarutja Administration Office 43 McKenzie Street, Ceduna, SA, 5690 Phone: (+61 8) 8625 2946 Fax: (+61 8) 8625 3076 Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Other fees and permits

Permits are required to travel through the following areas:

Mamungari Conservation Park Maralinga Tjarutja Lands (4-6 weeks notice is required) Woomera Prohibited Area Mabel Creek Station

Please contact the Maralinga Tjarutja Administrator for further information:

Office: Maralinga Tjarutja Administration Office Phone: (+61 8) 8625 2946 Fax: (+61 8) 8625 3076 Email: [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])