Description

Around one hours drive from the city of Adelaide you will find the tranquil refuge of Monarto Conservation Park. Situated in the rain shadow of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges to the west, it has just over half the average annual rainfall of Adelaide, and is considered semi-arid a stark contrast to the nearby Hills environment. The River Murray is 15km to the east and Lake Alexandrina is 15km southward. Hinting at the parks geological history, sandy ridges in this area of the Murray Plains reveal that it was once part of the ocean bed. The thickets of mallee woodland and dry heathland provide alluring opportunities for those wishing to escape the hustle and meander amongst the vegetation in the hope of spotting southern scrub-robin and the shy heathwren. If particularly patient, visitors may also be rewarded with a spotted harrier hovering above the adjacent pasture lands. A variety of other species have been recorded in the park including the purple-gaped honey eater, spotted pardoldote, malleefowl, weebill and white-browed babler. This Park is a 'birdos' paradise! Monarto loop walk (45 min, 1.2km) An easy, short, loop walk on flat terrain in the north-eastern corner of the park. The trail is well marked and will take around 45 minutes return depending on how many birds you stop to look at! The Range of orchids found here in Spring is amazing and the flowering shrub display rivals any WA roadside Even as the Spring display finishes there is always something in flower Dogs are not permitted in this park. There is no camping or accommodation available within this park.