PAR - Public Access Routes
What is a PAR?
These are public routes that cross private property to an area of public interest (eg historical sites). Do not assume they are accessible either by 2WD or 4WD - permission is not required per se, but note that PARs can be closed for a variety of reasons (eg stock movement or weather). Assume that pets not allowed. Allow roads to dry out after rain before traversing them.
Camping rules
The following is a general guide. Please refer to the pdf available via www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands/about-us/pastoral-board/pastoral-unit for conditions of use and requirements. Also www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands/news/publications-archive/exploring-the-outback has some brochures on the Oodnadatta, Birdsville and Strzelecki tracks (also available as Apple and Android apps).
Camping is permitted anywhere within 50 metres of the track along all routes except the Copper King Mine route and the Tallaringa Route. On the Copper King route camping is only allowed along the gum creek. No camping is allowed on the Tallaringa PAR while traversing Mabel Creek Station.
On other routes, camping is not permitted within one kilometre of any house or occupied dwelling, or within 500 metres of a constructed stock watering point. Please ensure that only dead wood is used for campfires, and do not use fires during the fire-ban season. All rubbish is to be taken out, not buried.
If the PAR terminates at an historic or natural feature of interest, camp only where indicated.
Do not pollute waterways with soap etc. Do not bath in troughs, tanks. Do not interfere with stock. Carry out your rubbish.
PARS in the Flinders
These include Nuccaleena, Artimore, Mount Hack, Hannigans Gap, and Patawarta.
- Nuccaleena Mine
- 42km north east of Parachilna, on Moolooloo Station. 14km length, slow.
- Artimore Ruins
- 28km north east of Blinman, on Oratunga Station
- Patawartha Gap
- 42km north east of Blinman, on Moolooloo Station
- Copper King Mine
- Puttapa Station (Beltana area)
PARS elsewhere
As at early 2013, there are 24 PARs (many as a result of the focus created in 2002 by the Year of The Outback). The following are amongst the earliest created:
- Lake Eyre
- Muloorina Station
- Tallaringa
- Mabel Creek Station
- Curdimurka
- Stuarts Creek Station
- Pedirka
- Eringa Station
PAR tracks are signposted as such. Unless otherwise specified a PAR is a corridor 100m in width; and with the track as a centre line camping is allowed only within this corridoor.(1)
How is a PAR created?
The Pastoral Board identifies and formally delineates public access to points of interest on and through land held under pastoral lease (as needs and resources permit). The process of identification involves consultation with lessees, conservation interests, tourism, operators, 4WD vehicle clubs, and other interested groups. Tracks are signposted before being formally gazetted.(1)
How to find out more about PARS
Visit www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/aridlands/about-us/pastoral-board/pastoral-unit where you will find details on the 24 PARs via a pdf document.. Due to their occasional website redesign the link may no longer be current.