The South Australian Naturalist. 
lOf) 
WILSON S PROMONTORY, A NATIONAL PARK. 
It may be of interest to our members who have been active 
in securing Flinders Chase, on Kangaroo Island, as a reserve for 
our native fauna aiid liora to read of the success of similar 
efforts in Victoria. The extracts are from an article published 
in the '' Argus of February 9: — 
The idea of reserving Wilson's Promontory as a suitable 
place for a national park seems to have arisen about 
forty years ago. The Field Naturalists’ Club of Victoria, 
with kindred societies, took action, urging its reserva- 
tion. It was not until after much agitation and in- 
sistence on the pro])osition that in 1905 the promontory 
was permanently reserved as a national park. The park was 
constituted under trustees, representing interested societies, 
and the Lands Department. Now, a wire fence with ])arallel 
rows of barbed wire to a height of about 8 ft. has been built 
across the head of the promontory for about seven miles; 
native fauna introduced, wild dogs and dingoes destroyed, and 
every effort made to make the National Park a place of protec- 
tion for our animals and plants, a source of pleasure and in- 
struction to nature lovers, and a suitable resort for those v^ho 
amid primitive surroundings seek health and exercise. 
Kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, koalas, emus, opossums 
are among some of the fauna of the park. The lyrebird has 
been introduced, the eastern valleys being an ideal place for 
its habitat. Tbifortunately foxes and rabbits have gained 
access, with what results it remains to be seen. At different 
times camping parties have visited the park, and visitors have 
been brought down by the meml)ers of the board controlling the 
ppk, a house having been built for the convenience, and at the 
disposal of the latter. 
A new departure has now been made. The house has been 
transformed into a chalet for the accommodation of tourists, 
and for the first time this holiday season provision has been 
made to receive visitors at the chalet. It was fitting that the 
first orgaiiised party to avail themselves of such accommodation 
wms a detachment of the members of the Field N’atiiralists’ Club 
to the number of 16, the club in the past having effectively and 
continuously Avorked to secure the reservation of the area as a 
jiational park. Accommodation is necessarily limited, but very 
satisfactory. Bathing facilities in sea or stream are good. 
Walking exercise is abundant and varied, and riding horses 
obtainable if required. For a place w^here the ''call of the 
wild’’ is insistently heard, where the bird-lover will have ample 
scope for obserA'ation, and nature-lovers may \Amnder intent 
on the study of \Auld life or native flora, the National Park can 
be commended. 
