The park represents remnant mallee woodland and dry heathland of the area pre-colonisation. In the rain shadow of the Southern Mount Lofty Ranges (SMLR) to the west, its average annual rainfall of 343mm is just over half that of Adelaide, the climate of the area referred to as semi-arid.
There is an easy one kilometre loop walk through the park which takes you through dry open heath, mallee woodland, native pines and Broombush thickets. Don't ignore the fantastic flora of the park, there's always something in flower in Monarto throughout the year.
Location
Monarto Conservation Park is approximately 65km (1hr drive) east of Adelaide. Drive down the South Eastern Freeway (M1) from Adelaide towards Murray Bridge. At approximately 60km there is a turn off to the left to Monarto South, take this turn off then turn right onto Ferries-McDonald Road and head south for 3km. The entrance to the park on the right hand side has a Parks and Wildlife sign out the front.
