Witjira National Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Witjira National ParkSouth Australia |
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IUCN Category VI (Managed Resource Protected Area)
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Dalhousie Springs in Witjira National Park
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 Witjira National Park
Location in South Australia
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| Nearest town or city | Finke |
| Established | 21 November 1985 |
| Area | 7,726.73 km2 (2,983.3 sq mi) |
| Visitation | 15,000 (in 2009) |
| Managing authorities | Department for Environment and Water Witjira Co-management Board |
| Website | Witjira National Park |
| See also | Protected areas of South Australia |
Witjira National Park is a special protected area in South Australia, a state in Australia. It's about 987 kilometers (about 613 miles) north of Adelaide, the capital city. This park is very important because it protects the largest group of artesian springs in Australia. These springs are called the Dalhousie Mound Springs complex.
Contents
History of Witjira National Park
When the Park Was Created
Witjira National Park was officially created on November 21, 1985. The main reason for its creation was to protect the amazing Dalhousie Mound Springs complex. These springs are a very important natural feature in Australia.
Working Together: Joint Management
In 2007, Witjira National Park became the first protected area in South Australia to be managed in a special way. This is called "joint management." It means that the Government of South Australia works together with the park's traditional owners. The traditional owners are the Aboriginal people who have lived on and cared for this land for thousands of years.
Naming the Area
In April 2013, the land that makes up the national park was officially named "Witjira" as a locality. A locality is like a small, named area on a map.
Protecting Dalhousie Springs from Mining
On November 26, 2021, the government made an important decision. They changed the rules for the park to make sure that mining can never happen in the Dalhousie Springs National Heritage Area. This helps protect the springs forever.
What Makes Witjira National Park Special?
Size of the Park
As of 2018, Witjira National Park covers a very large area. It is about 7,726.73 square kilometers (about 2,983 square miles). That's a huge space dedicated to protecting nature!
Why It's a Protected Area
The park is classified as an IUCN Category VI protected area. This means it's a protected area where people can use natural resources in a way that is sustainable and doesn't harm the environment. It was also listed on the now-closed Register of the National Estate, which was a list of important natural and cultural places in Australia.
Historic Dalhousie Homestead Ruins
Inside the national park, you can find the historic Dalhousie Homestead Ruins. These are the remains of an old homestead from a place called Dalhousie Station. This site is very important for its history and is listed on the South Australian Heritage Register. This register helps protect places that have special historical value.
