Para Wirra Recreation Park

The Para Wirra Recreation Park was dedicated as a bushland reserve in 1962. Para Wirra is an Aboriginal name meaning "river with scrub". That's still a pretty accurate name because it comprises of 1409 hectares of rolling hills dominated by gums on the South Para River near Williamstown. It's only a 40 minute drive from the city, or about 20 minutes from Elizabeth, so it makes a great day out for a picnic or a spot of bushwalking. Gas barbecues are dotted around the park, or you can bring your own and make use of the picnic areas provided. You'll need to guard your food though! There's plenty of curious wildlife ready to join your party. After a belly full of barbecue, you'll need to walk it off. There are well sign-posted trails guiding you on easy walks lasting up to an hour, or take the long tracks for a 4 hour return trip. "We've got 3 major areas in the park and all are spectacular for bushwalking and viewing the birdlife in those areas of the park." The Barossa Goldfield Walk is at the northern end of the park, about 10 minutes drive from the kiosk. Gold was discovered here in 1868 and within a week about 2,000 people had rushed to the area. Soon after, that doubled to around 4,000 and the township of Barossa was established. It was named by Colonel Light, after a region in Spain. There was a narrow lane of stores and hotels, and a school and institute were added later. By late 1870 only 100 miners remained, but the township survived until the 1950's. "It's an area where gold appeared to be plentiful but with the passing of time all the miners went broke in the end." More than 100 shafts were sunk on this hill to depths of up to 24 metres, all dug using a pick and shovel - and the occasional gunpowder blast. There are two tracks through the goldfields. The short loop takes about an hour, and interpretative signs along the way keep you informed. No fossicking or rock collecting is permitted, and for safety, stick to the track! Para Wirra Recreation Park is open daily from 8.30am until sunset. It costs $5 per car for entry, pensioner's cars are $4. The kiosk is open from 11am to 5pm on weekends and public holidays. For more information you can phone 8204 9000 or email: info@postcards.sa.com.au