FAQs

The Nilpena Ediacara National Park was proclaimed in 2021, replacing the former Ediacara Conservation Park. This new plan is the first management plan for the larger national park and replaces the former 2012 plan, ensuring that management strategies reflect the expanded area and its new priorities.

This plan provides a long-term vision for how the park will be cared for, balancing conservation, research, cultural values, and visitor access. It ensures that decisions about the park are guided by clear objectives and strategies, while remaining flexible enough to respond to future challenges.

Nilpena Ediacara National Park is internationally significant because it preserves Ediacaran fossils, some of the oldest known complex life on Earth, offering unique insights into the early evolution of life. The park also supports ongoing scientific research, protects Adnyamathanha cultural heritage, conserves rare semi-arid ecosystems, and provides visitors with educational and heritage experiences.

The fossils of Nilpena are a central part of the Flinders Ranges World Heritage nomination. By protecting and managing these fossil sites to the highest standards, the plan strengthens the case for World Heritage listing, which would bring international recognition and further protection under national law.

Based on the zoning approach in the management plan, the park balances public access with fossil protection and scientific research by clearly separating activities between the two zones:

Fossil Protection Zone – This area is managed first and foremost for scientific and conservation purposes. Public access is highly restricted and only allowed under guided tours or with special permits (e.g. for researchers). This ensures the fossils remain protected from damage while still enabling controlled scientific study.

Park Operations and Visitor Precinct – This is the area of the park where public access is concentrated and all development is confined. The area containing the historic blacksmith’s shop, woolshed and shearers' quarters serves as the main launching point for visitors, offering facilities, walking trails and heritage experiences. The zone also accommodates park staff, researchers, volunteers and contractors for operational and scientific activities. Additional infrastructure may be developed to enhance visitor experiences, primarily through upgrades to existing buildings, with any new structures - such as toilet blocks, temporary storage or additions to the shearers' quarters - designed to preserve the precinct’s heritage character. This zone supports both park management and visitor experiences while protecting the park’s natural and cultural values.

Bookings are made through park management and approved tour operators. The public entry point for bookings is via parks.sa.gov.au or by contacting the Department for Environment and Water (DEW) on (08) 8204 1910.

Yes. Park managers will work closely with Adnyamathanha people, as the Traditional Owners and Native Title holders, to ensure they continue to have access to the park for ceremony, cultural activities, and caring for Country practices. Permitting cultural practices maintains the spiritual and cultural value of the park, helps transfer knowledge to younger generations, and supports the continuation of Yura Muda (Adnyamathanha cultural stories and traditions).