Barunga Range Conservation Park offers rugged natural landscapes and native wildlife habitat within the Barunga Range of South Australia, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature exploration.
Barunga Range Conservation Park safeguards a significant portion of the Barunga Range, located in the Mid North region of South Australia. The park encompasses diverse natural environments including dry sclerophyll forests, open woodlands, and rocky outcrops. Its geography is defined by rolling hills and ridges characteristic of the Barunga Range, which gently rise and offer sweeping views across surrounding farmland and native bushland. The park provides essential habitat for local fauna, including western grey kangaroos, echidnas, and several native bird species such as the malleefowl and various parrots. The vegetation is dominated by native species like Eucalyptus and Acacia, supporting a healthy ecosystem representative of the region’s temperate climate.
Historically, the area has been home to the Indigenous Nukunu people, who maintain cultural ties with the land. European settlement introduced grazing which affected parts of the ecosystems, but the park's protected status now helps preserve and restore native habitats. Barunga Range Conservation Park is a lower-profile destination appealing to outdoor enthusiasts seeking quiet bushwalks, birdwatching, and photography away from more crowded sites. While no formal campgrounds exist within the park, nearby towns provide access for day trips. Visitors can explore assorted walking tracks that weave through woodlands and past scenic vantage points. The park’s natural beauty and tranquil environment make it a rewarding spot for those interested in South Australia’s native flora and fauna.
Views from Barunga Lookout offering panoramic vistas over the Mid North agricultural plains
Habitat for rare and threatened bird species including the malleefowl
Native flora communities dominated by Eucalyptus and Acacia species
Quiet walking trails providing peaceful wildlife observation opportunities
A prominent vantage point providing scenic views across the Barunga Range and surrounding farmland.
Areas within the park support this shy and endangered ground-dwelling bird known for its distinctive nesting mounds.
The park protects significant stands of white gum and other native eucalypt species critical to local biodiversity.