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Permits for South Australia

The following information is provided to assist you in gaining the right permits to lawfully travel through or access specified regional and outback areas. It is very important to gain the right permit and follow the conditions imposed on it because they are in place to help protect the Aboriginal lands, National Parks, deserts and beaches as well as private and pastoral areas. This article by John Greig discusses most of the popular areas that four wheel drive tourists tend to visit within South Australia.
Article By: ExplorOz and John Greig (TLCC)   Updated: 8 Apr 2009
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 Aboriginal Lands - Northern Areas

Aboriginal flag
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 For travel over aboriginal lands in the northern part of South Australia, which includes for example, the Giles-Mulga Park Road from Mulga Park Station to Wingellina, contact the Anangu Pitjantjatjara/Yankunyjatjara Land Council.


Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Council

Address: PMB 227 Umuwa via Alice springs NT 0872
General Office Phone: (08) 8954 8111
Permits Office Phone: (08) 8954 8104
Fax: (08) 8954 8110
Website: http://www.waru.org/resources (Click the Permit link on the left hand side)

Please bear in mind that currently the Land Council does not normally issue transit permits for that part of the Giles-Mulga Park Road, nor for any of the other tracks in the area. However, if you simply wish to visit any of the very worthwhile art galleries located on AP-Y lands at Indulkana, Fregon, Nyapari, Amata and Papulankutja, then it is strongly suggested that you simply contact the Manager of the particular art gallery concerned. The web site for Amata is www.minymakuarts.com.au and information on a number of other art galleries in the area is available on www.marshallarts.com.au. If you do manage to gain a permit to visit any of those areas you will find that it is the most beautiful document you will ever have been issued. The permits are a work of aboriginal art in themselves. There is a per person charge of $22 for the issue of a Permit.

AP-Y do have a website where some further information about Permits is available, but bear in mind the general principle that AP-Y do not normally simply issue transit permits.

If you go to their website (see below) and have a look at the pdf download Permit Application Form on page 2, there is a prominent note that states: "No Transit Permits will be issued for tourists/travelers wishing to pass through any part of the AP-Y Lands".

To gain a permit you must have a need to travel to conduct proper and appropriate business in a community or to visit someone in a community. Their website is www.waru.org/organisations/ap and click on "Permits". A pdf download application form for a permit is available on the site. Application forms must then either be faxed or posted to: The Permits Officer, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara.

Surveyor-Generals Corner

To visit Surveyor-General’s Corner, the normal access is from Warakurna on the Great Central Road down to Wingellina (where you pick up an escort/guide) and then out to the Corner. The turn off from the Great Central Road onto the Giles-Mulga Park Road to access Wingellina is 29 k’s east of the Warakurna Roadhouse. Applications for permits are made to the Ngaanyatjarra Land Council – see Permits for Western Australia.

Mulga Park Road
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Warburton Kalgoorlie sign
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 Aboriginal Lands - Central Areas

For travel over aboriginal lands in the central part of South Australia, for example to traverse the Anne Beadell Highway, contact the Maralinga Lands Council at Maralinga Tjarutja Inc.

Maralinga Lands Council at Maralinga Tjarutja

Postal Address: Att. Permits Officer, P.O. Box 435, Ceduna, SA 5690
Phone: (08) 8625 2946
Fax: (08) 8625 3076

Also bear in mind that a range of other permits are also required to travel the Anne Beadell Highway, including a Desert Parks Pass (see below), or at least a permit to access and camp in the Tallaringa Conservation Reserve and one for the (now named – see below) Unnamed Conservation Park. And very importantly, you will need a pass for the Woomera Prohibited Area (also see below). As the Desert Parks Pass does not include in its coverage the Unnamed Conservation Park (now named – see below), you will still need a permit for there even if you have a Desert Parks Pass. For Tallaringa Regional Reserve contact the Department for Environment and Heritage, Outback Region, P.O. Box 78, Port Augusta, SA 5700.
Please phone: (08) 8648 5300 and fax: (08) 8648 5301. Costs in March, 2009 are $8.00 per vehicle Entry Fee and $5.00 per vehicle per night Camping Fees.

Unnamed Conservation Park (now Munangari CP)

The area previously known as the Unnamed Conservation Park now has a name: it is now the Munangari Conservation Park. For permit and camping applications for Munangari please contact the Ceduna Office of the Department for Environment and Heritage (for contact details see below under Googs Track). Entry and Camping Fee costs (2009) are the same as Tallaringa, i.e.: $8.00 per vehicle Entry Fee and $5.00 per night per vehicle Camping Fee.

Mt Davies Track

Permits to travel the Mt Davies Track, which most maps show as running from Anne’s Corner on the Anne Beadell Highway north west to Iltur, are also NOT being issued by the Land Council. Apparently the track has never been used since it was first put in by Len Beadell in the 1960’s and in the main simply no longer exists.
Ann Beadell Highway
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Ann Beadell Highway
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 Woomera Prohibited Area

Woomera Defence Support sign
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 You must also have a permit to traverse and visit locations within the Woomera Prohibited Area. Please Contact the Defence Support Centre.

Defence Support Centre

Postal Address: Att. Wally Broome, PO Box 157, Woomera, SA 5270
Phone: (08) 8674 3370 (which is a 24 hour number)
Fax: (08) 8674 3308

The permits are free. And, when traveling through Mabel Downs Station which is located at the Coober Pedy end of the Anne Beadell Highway, ensure you observe the signs and leave all gates exactly as you find them.

 SA Department for Environment & Heritage

Department for Environment and Heritage
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 South Australia is also very similar to WA in that many of their parks require the payment of an entry fee. Camping fees can also apply. The SA Department for Environment and Heritage offers a range of Passes for entry into their parks.

The Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH) Information Line provides a central contact point dedicated to answering general public enquiries on DEH matters.

Phone: (08) 8204 1910
Website: SA Department for Environment and Heritage

Another useful site is the DEH Parks website, with lots of visitor information on all the major National Parks in South Australia.

Much of the northern area of South Australia is protected by the SA Desert Parks. To travel throughout these areas you'll need to obtain a Desert Parks Pass issued by DEH. Annual pass and renewals are also available from ExplorOz and is shown below. Just click on the little yellow shopping cart to purchase the one you need. Contact the Desert Parks Tollfree Hotline for current information on: 1800 816 078 or Transport SA on: 1300 361 033 to find out more.

Desert Parks Pass

From a four wheel driver’s perspective the best pass is the Desert Parks Pass. The Desert Parks Pass is more than just a fee and a sticker - you will receive 12 months access to the SA Desert Parks, a complete pack of maps relevant for the region, information on native plants and animals you may encounter, as well as first aid and outback survival tips. One pass per vehicle.

Desert Parks Pass $107 (per vehicle)
Desert Parks Pass Renewal $65 (per vehicle)

Money generated from the sales of the DPP and permits assists in the funding of park management.

It is an offence under the NPW Act to be in a Park without an appropriate permit, penalties apply. Failure to comply may result in a minimum fine of $170 plus the purchase of the required permit. Depending on the nature of the circumstance other fines may apply.

The SA Desert Parks Pass is valid for all vehicles, including motorcycles, and is available here:
Desert Parks Pass Desert Parks Pass
The Desert Park Pass is more than a permit and a windscreen sticker. This is a pack of valuable information and maps that will ensure you get the most from your visit to the SA outback. The pack contains: your annual permit (windscreen sticker), the Desert Parks Handbook and 3 maps covering Western, Eastern and Outback South Australia.
$107.00 [Add to Cart]
Desert Parks Pass Renewal Desert Parks Pass Renewal
A Desert Parks Pass can be renewed for three (3) consecutive one year terms after the initial year of purchase. You will be sent new information and a new windscreen sticker but you must retain your original pass booklet.
This pass covers both entry fees and camping (where permitted) in the following parks: Simpson Desert Conservation Park; Simpson Desert Regional Reserve; Witjira National Park; Innamincka Regional Reserve; Coongie Lakes National Park; Strzelecki Regional Reserve; Lake Eyre National Park; Tallaringa Conservation Park and Wabma Kadarbu Mound Springs Conservation Park, (camping where permitted). But again note that the Desert Parks Pass does not include the (now named) Unnamed Conservation Park (see above under Central Areas). The current cost (January, 2009) of a Desert Parks Pass is $107 for 12 months. However, when you renew the next year, the cost is then only $65, and renewals remain at a cheap rate for the next following 2 years. (N.B.: These rates could increase in April, 2009).

Entry and Camping Permits

Entry/Camping Permits are unfortunately not available through ExplorOz. Contact the Desert Parks Tollfree Hotline for current information on: 1800 816 078 or Transport SA on: 1300 361 033 to find out more.It is recommended that those who wish to camp longer or wish to visit other areas within the Desert Parks Region purchase a Desert Parks Pass both for ease of use, as well as the comprehensive travel and safety information, hints, tips and maps it contains.

Simpson Desert Areas

For travel through any part of the Simpson Desert in South Australia, each vehicle MUST have a Desert Parks Pass. Remember also that the Simpson Desert is now closed to visitation over the period of each summer. The closure period is December 1 to March 15 and covers the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and the Simpson Desert Regional Reserve and the Simpson Desert area in Queensland. Fines of up to $1,000 can apply to transgressors. Note though that Witjira National Park and the camping area at Dalhousie Springs will remain open during the closure period.

Simpson Desert National Park
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French Line in the Simpson Desert
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 Googs Track

To access Googs Track you will need a Camping Permit issued by the SA Department for Environment and Heritage. Camping Permits (in 2009) cost $5 per night per vehicle. So a 3 night stay will only cost you $15. There is no entry fee. Most of Googs Track is now located within the Yumbarra Conservation Park and the Yellabinna Regional Reserve. Best camping areas are at Googs Lake and at Mount Finke. You will get a small information package and mud map with your permit.

SA DEH - Ceduna Office

Postal Address: PO Box 569, Ceduna, SA 5690
Address: SA Department for Environment and Heritage, 11 McKenzie Street, Ceduna, SA 5690
Phone: (08) 8625 3144
Fax: (08) 8625 3123

 Trans Continental Railway

In South Australia you are permitted to travel the few kilometres along the rail line past Tarcoola to pick up Googs Track. In WA you can now only follow the rail line from Kalgoorlie to Rawlinna. It is illegal to travel east of Rawlinna and absolutely no permits are being issued. The track beside the rail line is now on private property. This was a result of the corporatisation of Australian National Railways. Regrettably, there had been far too many instances of travelers breaking down, or needing help, and they were, incredibly, flagging down the trains! Management have now simply barred access and will have transgressors dealt with as trespassers. The fine can be quite hefty. You have been warned!

 Bore Track

To traverse the Bore Track which runs south from a point about 19 k’s east of Innamincka on the Adventure Highway to Bollards Lagoon near Cameron Corner, a $10 per vehicle fee is payable at Bollards Lagoon Homestead on your arrival. It’s an "Honesty Box" system which is clearly signposted. But please, give them a call on (08) 8091 3873 before traversing the Track as it is on their private property.

 Yalata Indigenous Protected Area

The Yalata lands are located in the extreme south west of South Australia. Essentially they straddle the Eyre Highway from a point commencing at about the Nullarbor Motel in the west to a point in the east about 20k’s east of the Nundroo Hotel/Motel. The Yalata Roadhouse (which is now closed) lies at about the mid point of the east/west extent of the lands. In a north/south direction the lands extend from the coast on the Bight to about 30 k’s north of the Eyre Highway. The "Head of the Bight" whale watching tourist attraction is a part of the Yalata Lands.

The Community allow camping (by Permit only) at about 7 locations right on the coast, east of the "Head of The Bight", giving access to some absolutely fabulous white sand dunes and to some of the best beach fishing to be found anywhere on the Bight. Each location has a limited number of camp sites, and camping fees apply. Access is via the Red Gate Track or the Coombra Track.

Due to the extremely good Mulloway fishing the (summer) period from November to about Easter can see all of the sites booked out. During winter however, (May to about October), sites are generally readily available, but it can be very windy and uncomfortable. Most of the camp sites are nestled in the lee of dunes which does give some protection.

There is a very informative web site at www.yalata.org; the web site also contains a camp site bookings monitor that tells you at a glance which sites are booked on any date/s you care to nominate.

For bookings please telephone 0407 832 297
Or you can call into Yalata itself which is located about 3 k’s in on a bitumen road just east of the Roadhouse. When you get into Yalata turn right at the big boomerang and then left to access the Administrative Office.

 Public Access Routes

South Australia also operates what they refer to as Public Access Routes. These are mainly old stock routes, most of which traverse private property or leasehold land. They have now been upgraded to the status of tracks, and vehicular access is provided. No specific permits are required to traverse these tracks, however where they are within, or give access to, a National Park or Reserve, then a permit may be required to both access and/or camp in the Park or Reserve. Examples of these tracks include both the Level Post Bay and Halligan Bay Track within Lake Eyre National Park. A permit is required to access and camp in the Park. The most recently opened Public Access Route that I am aware of is the Walker Crossing Track which runs from the Birdsville Track some 122 k’s south of Birdsville through to Innamincka.

TIP

 For road reports including closures and seasonal closures - check ExplorOz Road Conditions, visit the SA Transport website: www.transport.sa.gov.au, or phone: 1300 361 033.
Birdsville and Surrounds
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Birdsville and Surrounds
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Lake Eyre
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 Final Word from the Author

Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this information, no responsibility can be accepted for either the accuracy of the contents or for any errors or omissions.

With your assistance we might also endeavour to maintain this information in an updated form. So if you wish to amend, or add to any of the information contained in this section or in any of the relevant State’s information, please type in the article feedback box below. You could also contact the undersigned on (02) 9523 9266 or email john.greig@bigpond.com

This article has been extracted from a document supplied by the contributing author and the Toyota Land Cruiser Club Of Australia Sydney.

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