Lets start at the beginning Traditional Cache

Let’s start at the beginning

McKee Clan’s first cache

A simple hide to start your journey into the Para wirra recreation Park. To collect this cache is free as you only pay when you go past this point. If you have logged all caches in the park then it is an easy drive by, If not then make a day of it and this is your starting point.

The cache contains a certificate and a unique FTF path tag for the first to find. They are not swapped or given out so the first to find pathtag is a unique item that no one else will have. We have also put in some of our Gecko key rings. Good luck Happy Geocaching.

Tester Hoochi81 - A huge thanks

FTF Adrian Mc STF TiedyeSmileys TTF DennisC52    

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Some information about Para Wirra –

Para Wirra Recreational Park

Para Wirra is one of the major recreation parks of the greater Adelaide metropolitan area taking its name from an Aboriginal phrase meaning river with scrub. Situated in bushland some 40 kms north-east of the City centre, the park has a Rangers Office as well as an extensive network of picnic shelters, oval, walking trails, gas barbecues and public toilets. Para Wirra is open every day from 8 am to sunset except Christmas Day. The park

may be closed on Total Fire Ban days for public safety. A vehicle entrance fee applies. Fees collected are used for conservation and to maintain and improve park facilities for your ongoing enjoyment.

Fee’s

Category                           Price

Park Vehicle Entry

Car                                   $8.00

Car (concession)                 $6.50

Motorcycle                         $5.00

Motorcycle (concession)       $4.00

Bus (per passanger)             $3.00

Facilities Hire

Resource Centre Hire (day)               $36.00

Mack Creek Hut – phone (08) 8280 7048 or (08) 8336 0901

        Sleeps 8                 $30.00 per Night

Visiting

Para Wirra Recreation Park is located in the Mount Lofty Ranges. The cities of Elizabeth and Salisbury are to the west, Gawler and the Barossa Valley to the north and Golden Grove to the south. The closest townships are One Tree Hill to the south and Williamstown to the east.

 Water and food

The nearest shops are at One Tree Hill, Kersbrook and Williamstown. While untreated rainwater is available from tanks next to some shelters and near the park office, visitors should not rely on these sources. The toilets are serviced by dam water and although heavily discoloured by tannins, it is safe for washing and flushing. Ensure you bring sufficient water and food for your activities.

Natural Attractions

Most of this 1,409 ha park is covered with eucalypts, predominantly Long-leafed Box, Pink Gums, Blue Gums together with scattered native pines. Beneath the trees lies a mosaic of plants such as yaccas and heaths. Golden Wattles mark the arrival of spring when the bush comes alive with a profusion of colourful wildflowers.

The park supports more than 100 species of native birds, including Emus which often wander about the picnic areas. The flowering tree canopies attract flocks of noisy galahs, rosellas and lorikeets while smaller birds like fantails, thornbills and wrens are busy amongst the understorey shrub layer.

The most visible mammal is the Western Grey Kangaroo, frequently seen grazing at dawn and dusk. As evening falls, the quiet observer may occasionally see the Short-beaked Echidna. Forest litter, rocks and trees provide homes for the park’s reptiles which include Bearded Dragons, Sleepy Lizards and Striped Skink Lizards.

History

Para Wirra means ‘river with a scrub’ in the language of the Kaurna Aboriginal people. The area was also part of the territory of the neighbouring Peramangk tribe.

Para Wirra was first proposed for reservation in 1950 but it was not until 1962 that the area was named Para Wirra National Park, South Australia’s second national park following Belair National Park in the south. It was renamed as a Recreation Park in 1972.

The Friends of Para Wirra volunteer group, formed in 1989, can be contacted at PO Box 110, Cockatoo Valley South Australia 5351.

Facilities

The park provides a wide range of facilities including a Rangers Office, gas barbecues, picnic tables, playground, toilets, parking areas, oval for cricket or football and walking trails ranging from 800 metres to

7.5 kms in length. Accommodation at Mack Creek Hut can be arranged through the Department for Environment and Heritage’s Para Wirra Office on (61 8) 8280 7048.  

Walk safely

Be prepared when bushwalking:

• Wear sturdy shoes, hat and sunscreen.

• Carry sufficient food and drinking water. Do not rely on tanks and creeks in the park for drinking water.

• Keep to the defined walking trail.

• Inform a responsible person of your proposed route and expected time of return.

• Weather conditions can change quickly. Ensure you have appropriate wet-weather clothing.

Walking trails

Walking is one of the best ways to discover the beauty of Para Wirra. Good preparation will ensure a safer, more enjoyable walk. Further trail information is available from the park office.

Trail classification

Victoria Hill Walk

1.4 km loop *45 min loop

The Knob Lookout Hike

1.6 km return *1 hour return ( or 1.5 hour loop via the Scenic Drive)

Quarry Hike

8.4 km return *4 hours return

Devils Nose Hike

4.4 km return *1.5 hours return or alternatively:

Mack Creek Hike

7.5 km loop *4 hour loop

Park Management

Phytophthora Management

Phytophthora (fy-TOFF-thora) is present in this park and is killing our plants and threatens the survival of animals. Phytophthora is a water mould carried in plant roots, soil and water and is not native to Australia. 

We can't eradicate Phytophthora from an area, but we can control its spread. People spread Phytophthora faster and more widely than any other means of spread.

We have implemented on-ground management strategies to ensure that Phytophthora infestations remain localized and are not spread to un-infested areas. For example, tracks may be closed, re-routed or upgraded with a hard surface. Our staff, contractors and volunteers working in Phytophthora infested areas have adopted hygiene procedures. We have installed boot-cleaning stations at the exit of the Phytophthora infested area for cleaning your footwear. Signs have been erected at the entrance and near infestations to make you aware of the presence of Phytophthora infestations in the park and how you can help to minimise its spread. Please obey these signs.

You can also help stop the spread by finding out where Phytophthora has been discovered in your area and informing others about it, parking your car in designated car parks or on sealed surfaces, cleaning your footwear before and at the end of each bushwalk and staying on designated roads and trails.

Further information on Phytophthora can be found on: http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/biodiversity/plantsand.html#dieback