Hikers are being warned to take Adelaide's peri-urban parks seriously after a string of rescue operations, highlighting the dangers of underestimating these seemingly idyllic outdoor spaces. The Walking SA director, Rod Quintrell, emphasizes the potential for these parks to quickly become treacherous, citing the Onkaparinga River National Park as a prime example. This park, adjacent to Adelaide's southern suburbs, has been the site of multiple search and rescue missions, including a recent incident where three teenagers got lost on the Sundew Track after dark.
The park's beauty and accessibility can be deceptive, as it boasts a flat, river-lined recreation area, but also a steep gorge with rock climbing and other challenging features. Similarly, the Morialta Conservation Park, located east of Adelaide, has seen its fair share of accidents, including fatal falls and hypothermia cases. The park's initial child-friendly playground and easy falls can quickly give way to high drop-offs, slippery conditions, and big waterfalls, making it a more challenging and dangerous environment.
Deep Creek Conservation Park, located further south, presents its own set of challenges. With some of the state's steepest and most inaccessible terrain, it also boasts dense scrub and has been the site of a seven-hour rescue mission for a hiker with an injured ankle. The park's remote location and demanding terrain are a stark contrast to the park's initial, more welcoming appearance.
The trend of hikers getting lost or stuck is not limited to Adelaide. Rod Quintrell notes a national spike in such incidents, including the use of AI-powered drones to rescue hikers in Kosciuszko National Park. He attributes this to a renewed interest in bushwalking during COVID-19 lockdowns, when trails were flooded with people, and social media's influence in promoting these activities.
However, the surge in bushwalking popularity has also led to a rise in incidents where hikers' abilities and skills don't match their ambition. Social media photos often portray hikers in picturesque locations, but these images are often taken shortly after arrival, when hikers are no longer red-faced from exertion or crying. This highlights the importance of taking stock of one's physical limitations and being prepared for the challenges of outdoor activities.
SA Police and the Department for Environment and Water emphasize the need for hikers to understand their personal limitations, carry essential safety equipment, and be aware of weather conditions and park alerts. They recommend checking weather forecasts, installing emergency apps, and carrying backup GPS or paper maps. Additionally, hikers should inform friends or relatives of their intended destinations and arrival times, especially when venturing into unfamiliar territory.
Despite the risks, bushwalking remains a popular and beloved recreational activity in Australia. Rod Quintrell considers it the 'number one recreation activity' and applauds the South Australian government's initiative to offer free three-night school camps focused on outdoor activities. By promoting preventative health and the accessibility of nature, the government aims to encourage more people to explore the outdoors while ensuring they are adequately prepared and informed about the potential risks.
