Far North (South Australia)

The Far North is a region that covers about 70 per cent of the Australian state of South Australia. It extends across the entire width of the state – about 1200 km – for approximately the northernmost 750 km. The state government defines the Far North region similarly, although it separately delineates the Maralinga Tjarutja Lands, the Yalata Aboriginal community and other unincorporated crown lands in the state's far west, which are officially considered part of the Eyre and Western region. Colloquially, South Australians regard anywhere north of Port Augusta as the Far North.

The Far North is by far the least populated region of South Australia.

Wilderness and deserts


The landscape comprises mainly rugged outback wilderness and desert, including some of the most arid parts of the continent, with a Köppen climate classification of BWh hot desert. In the north-east are the Simpson Desert, Tirari Desert, Painted Desert and Pedirka Desert. To the north and north-west is the Great Victoria Desert.

The Far North is also known as the Arid Lands as a more descriptive term than "desert".

Governance
The Far North includes the following local government areas: Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY), City of Port Augusta, District Council of Coober Pedy, Flinders Ranges Council and Municipal Council of Roxby Downs. Since most of it lies within what is known as the unincorporated area, municipal services to communities outside of the foregoing local government areas are provided directly by the South Australian Government via the Outback Communities Authority. It is within the extent of the state electoral districts of Giles and Stuart, and at a national level the Division of Grey.

Tourism
The region has abundant national parks and reserves and widely scattered tourist attractions and facilities. Experiences and attractions include farmstays on sheep stations, unique native flora and fauna, a museum and underground accommodation where opal is mined, natural springs, and vast landscapes of salt lakes, sandstone tablelands, and vividly coloured hills.

Permits
Permits are required to enter Aboriginal-owned land. , a National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia Desert Parks Pass was also needed to visit the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve and east of Dalhousie Springs in Witjira National Park. A tourist pass was also required to enter the Woomera Prohibited Area.

Some significant roads in the area include the Stuart Highway from Port Augusta to Alice Springs, the Oodnadatta Track, and both the Birdsville Track and the Strzelecki Track to Queensland.