Friends of Para Wirra Conservation Park

A warm welcome awaits just north of Adelaide at Para Wirra Conservation Park — a peaceful bushland haven filled with native plants, wildlife and plenty of fresh air. It is easy to see why the Friendsof Para Wirra love spending time here and giving back to this special place. We would love you to join us as we care for the park throughongoing conservation and maintenance projects. New members are always very welcome.

Set among 2,000 hectares of largely intact native vegetation, Para Wirra is a beautiful place to slow down, explore and enjoy nature. Just 40 minutes from Adelaide and 20 minutes from Elizabeth, Gawler and Golden Grove, it is an easy and rewarding day trip for locals, visitors from interstate and travellers from around the world. The park opens at 8 am and closes at sunset, and is closed on Christmas Day.

Originally dedicated as a National Park in 1962, Para Wirra offers shady trees, scenic drives and well-loved walking trails, including The Knob, Lizard Rock, Devil’s Nose and Hissey Loop. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, two ovals, a playground and free gas barbecues in relaxed natural settings, including by the lake. While swimming is not permitted to help protect breeding native wildlife, you can still wander around the lake, take in the views and enjoy a picnic or barbecue by the water.

Take a quiet walk along the tracks and you may be lucky enough to spot kangaroos, koalas, emus and many smaller birds. Curious native ducks may also visit the lake shore while you picnic. With its wildlife, wildflowers and peaceful bushland scenery, Para Wirra is a favourite place for photographers, bushwalkers, school groups, Scouts and orienteers.

Pack a picnic, bring your family or friends, and enjoy a refreshing day surrounded by fresh air, natural beauty and stunning scenery at Para Wirra.

About Us

The Friends of Para Wirra began in 1989 after a public meeting at One Tree Hill. In those early days, members met regularly with the Ranger at Tipperary Lodge, just inside the park gates. A small native plant nursery was established there, and members learned about seed collection, plant propagation and planting, helping to grow and place local native trees and shrubs where they were needed.

Since then, the Friends of Para Wirra have continued to learn, contributeand support the park in many practical and meaningful ways. We meet at the Ted & Molly Hughes Conference Center (Resource centre on Google Maps) in the central Park Office building on the first Thursday of each month for a morning working bee, and again on the third Saturday of each month. We also hold regular meetings after bush care sessions throughout the year.

There are many ways to get involved, and everyone brings something valuable. Members help with weed control, including boneseed, olive and bridal creeper; wildlife and flora research and monitoring; revegetation; information and fundraising stalls; guiding school groups; checking and designing trails; education; historical research; and supporting park staff, with whom we enjoy a strong and positive working relationship.