Belair National Park

Where is it?: This park is the oldest in South Australia and lies between Belair and Upper Sturt. Upper Sturt Road forms the western and southern boundaries and Sheoak Road/Main Adelaide-Melbourne Railway line the northern boundary. The railway line passes through the park from the northern boundary and exits at the eastern end. Car access is via Upper Sturt Road. The easiest public transport to the park is by train to the Belair Railway Station situated at the north-western corner of the park. Access is also available by Bus Route 195 from Adelaide to Blackwood (Stops 25 to 27 along Upper Sturt Road).

Owner: Department for Environment and Water.

Property summary: Total area 835 hectares. Hundred of Adelaide – Sections 599, 675, 701, 1037, Allotment A1.

Landscape Management Region: Green Adelaide

History:  It is South Australia’s first national park. The land having been acquired by the South Australian Government in 1840 and proclaimed (after a long public campaign) as the National Park in December 1891. It is the second oldest National Park in Australia after Royal National Park in New South Wales. Belair National Park is listed on the Register of the National Estate and on the State Heritage Register as a State Heritage Area.The park has not always been known as a national park and was, during 1972, reclassified as a Recreation Park. On the park’s centenary in 1991, the title of National Park was reinstated in recognition of the park’s heritage status.

Habitat: The central and western areas along the roadways have been extensively developed for recreation purposes with open areas, barbecues, tennis courts and ovals. The western sector is predominantly open, gently undulating country accommodating Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa), South Australian Blue Gum (E. leucoxylon) and River Red Gum (E. camaldulensis) woodland with a grassy understorey. The eastern higher hilly sector is dominated by Messmate Stringybark (E. obliqua) with either Brown Stringybark (E. baxteri), Cup Gum (E. cosmophylla) or Pink Gum (E. fasciculosa). Originally the only permanent water in the park was the former Railway Dam. Since the construction of Playford Lake at the western end of the park the number of waterbirds seen has increased.

More information: DEW, Friends of Belair National Park

Total Species Recorded to Date: 139 (non-passerines 75, passerines 64)

Common Species: Adelaide Rosella, Rainbow Lorikeet, Laughing Kookaburra, White-throated Treecreeper, New Holland Honeyeater, Noisy Miner, Yellow-faced Honeyeater, Grey Shrikethrush, Striated Pardalote

Less Common Species: Australasian Darter, Red-rumped Parrot, Crescent Honeyeater, Scarlet Robin

Updated: 9/01/2022