Belair National Park, Nature reserve in Adelaide Hills Council, Australia
Belair National Park covers 835 hectares in the Adelaide Hills, 9 kilometres southeast of Adelaide. It was proclaimed in 1891 as South Australia's first national park and Australia's second. The park holds Old Government House, a heritage-listed summer residence built in 1858 for Governor Richard MacDonnell, and a former nine-hole golf course laid out in 1934.
The park was established in 1891 as South Australia's first protected area and Australia's second national park. This early creation marked an important moment in the country's approach to conservation.
The Kaurna Aboriginal people named this place Pradli, which refers to its bare appearance when seen from the surrounding plains. This name reflects how the landscape looked to those who lived here long before.
The park lies 9 km southeast of Adelaide city centre in the Adelaide Hills, reached by road through Belair; the former National Park railway station nearby closed in 1987, so there is no train stop at the entrance. Carry out all rubbish, as bins are not provided. Old Government House and the brick and stone walls near the entrance are worth locating before setting off on foot.
Within the park sits State Flora, South Australia's oldest plant nursery dedicated entirely to native Australian species. This long-running operation quietly continues its mission alongside the natural surroundings.
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