South Australia has some really great little water parks and water slides, however a lot of them are hidden in various tourist parks and only available for use of their customers, it can be hard to find one that everyone can use, especially with out paying.

A real family holiday fave hot spot, the water park is able to be used by kids (and adults…well nobody told me off) of all ages and abilities. My youngest was a little shy at first but he was covered by the little slide in the park. The eldest kids (and me) had a ball on the 4 big slides as well as the big water bucket. With plenty of seats and grassed areas to sit and watch the kids, as well as it all being fenced off, this just makes for a superb family arvo.

Once you finish at the water park you can wander the nearby beach and jetty, play in the adjacent enclosed playground or have a BBQ. There is plenty of shelter, public toilets and changing areas as well as coffee shops right across the road. Not hard to see why this place is so popular! as they may vary throughout the year as well.

Moonta Bay is just under two hours drive from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½.

Summer 2025/26 Splash Town Moonta Opening Hours

OPEN DAILY (incl all public holidays) Saturday 26 September 2026 – Sunday 25 April 2027

Where? Moonta Bay. 171 Bay Road, Moonta Bay, South Australia
Open from beginning October School Holidays to end of April School Holidays.  Check or for times as holiday and during school term times differ.
How much? Free!

Hallet Cove Conservation Park is located 22 km south of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ and there is public transport from the city to this park!

When is the best time to visit?

Hallet Cove Conservation Park is stunning all year round. In Summer the coastline nature goes into “survival mode” with many plants exposed to a hot summer. Autumn will see the plants regaining their vigour with many bird species on show. Winter will showcase the storms and the changing the scenery from pure pebbles to sand almost overnight and followed by Spring with the wildflowers in full bloom.

What can I do at Hallet Cove Conservation Park?

Bushwalking – The Coast Park Path boardwalk is the main trail which follows the coastal cliffs through the park. The Glacial Hike takes visitors inland to the geological points of interest, such as the Sugarloaf and Amphitheatre, and offers some beautiful photo opportunities within the park. Interpretive signs along the Glacial Hike tell the Geological, Aboriginal  and European story of the area.

Spot Marine Creatures –   Dont forget your snorkle or googles to spot some marine life like biscuit stars at the base of black cliff.

Discover – Walk up to the first lookout along Glacier Hike, and observe the big scratches on the rocks known as ‘glacial pavement’. The scratches are from the glacier that covered the Park 280 million years ago

Take some photos – Discover the beach or stroll along the boardwalk at sunset and take some photos of the cliffs and ocean as they begin to change colour

Beach Time – Set up for a beach day on Heron Way Reserve and wander along the beach path and read the interpretive signs about Kaurna culture

Sunrise – Rise and Shine in the early morning and choose a short hike and listen out for honeyeaters and wrens and see if you can spot some dolphins or sea lions who occasionally visit the nearby sea.

Explore the bridges – Check out the spectacular coastal boardwalk bridges here.

Things to leave at home ….

Furry Friends, bikes and camping tents are not permitted.

We have them all below, but here are some of our Top Themed Playgrounds;

• Thorndon Reserve (Birds)
• Largs Foreshore (Ice Cream)
• Stanley Street Reserve (Bees)
• Jubilee Playground Port Noarlunga (Pirates)
• Kapunda Playground (Trains)
• Morialta Adventure Playground (Nature)
• Barossa Adventure Station (Trains)
• GT Fisher Victor Harbor (Trains)
• Jack Watkins Reserve Playground (Trains)

Scroll down for all the pics and info you will need to tackle your next adventure.

Animal Themed Playgrounds

Thorndon Reserve, Paradise

Australia’s Best Playground as voted in 2023, the incredible bird themed playground has some of the most unique and wonderful equipment in South Australia. The kids will love climbing through the huge structures and this is one of those play spaces where you can easily spend the day.

Read all about this great spot here!

Cormorant Drive Reserve, Hallett Cove

A giant Diprotodon (pre-historic wombat) is the star attraction at this playground down south, a nod to fossils of the extinct giant that was found in the area. Great fun to learn about and even better fun to climb.

Read all about it here!

Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge

Home to the world (well….SA at least) famous Bunyip, this attraction at Sturt River Reserve has scared kids for generations and delighted parents equally as much. The Bunyip is currently in really good condition and is primed to scare the shite out of anyone under the age of 10 and quite a few older than that. An all round ripper of a playground which is fully fenced, fully shaded and absolutely enormous. Don’t forget the pump tracks, rage cages (its a sport thing…not where you leave angry kids) and a fantastic skate park.

Read more about it here

Sea Turtle Park Playground, Port Noarlunga South

Turtle Park Playground is the latest in Hickinbotham and Land SA’s housing developments vision to create playgrounds as the hub of these new communities. This one is suited for the younger kids under 6.

Read more about it here

Keith Stephenson Reserve, Mount Barker

A wonderfully updated playground (in 2024) which focusses on the local wildlife, this fully fenced playground is great for the under 10s and is highlighted by a giant climbable turtle.

Check it out here!

Stanley Street Reserve, Glengowie

This bee themed playground down south is up there for the cutest playground in 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. Let your little ones explore and learn all about the world of bees, while having some fun on the unbee-lievable equipment.

Check it out here!

Semaphore North Foreshore Playground

This playground features an incredible locally crafted Blue Swimmer Crab – a unique play structure packed with slides, climbing nets and more than 15 interactive features designed to spark curiosity and adventure for children of all ages. Other sea-inspired elements include turtles, pippis and winding seaweed paths.

All the pics and info here

Boat Playgrounds

St Kilda Adventure Playground

* Pirate Ship is currently closed due to maintenance*

One of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s playground icons, the adventure playground is also home to the famous pirate ship which 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ kids have enjoyed for what seems like forever. Every kid has at some point, stood on that ship and looked out to sea and imagined they were sailing the seven seas looking for treasure. The playground itself is probably 91¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s biggest and maybe most famous. A bit of a trek out north but totally worth it and a rite of passage (along with schoolies and doing something stupid to end up on Sh*t91¹û¶³´«Ã½) for all South Aussies.

For more on this fantastic spot click here

Mary Ann Reserve Playground, Mannum

Located on the beautiful riverbanks of Mannum lies this fully fenced playground. Not only does this playground have a boat for your little ones to play on, you are right at the heart of the river bank where house boats dock and boats are at full force during the summer months. Our little ones even loved watching the ferry cross the river while they were playing. With toilets close by and a shade sail, this is the perfect playground to add to your road trip list.

For more on this fantastic spot click here

AA Bailey Reserve, Clarence Gardens

We love this huge plagryound at Clarence Gardens, which has so much to offer kids of all ages, least of all the pirate loving tikes who will gain their sea legs on the really cool pirate ship. The pirate ship here may be a bit smaller, but the playground is an absolute fave. It is basically 2 big playgrounds in one, with nature play, toddler age equipment plus climbing equipment that caters to the older kids

more info here

Jubilee Adventure Playground, Port Noarlunga

One of the biggest and best playgrounds in the deep south, the ‘wooden’ playground at Porties includes a huge wooden fort inspired throughout with boating themes, to give you the impression of being on a massive wooden boat. The kids will love running around and being fully fenced (the fort part….the other nature section isn’t sadly) you can let the kids run around knowing they (probably) can’t get out.

More pics and info here

Moana Seaside Park

A brand new addition to the pirate playground landscape, opening in June 2020 is this ripper of a playground way down south at Moana! The highlight of this playground is the brightly coloured pirate ship with added escape slide for those who don’t want to walk the plank. A very popular new addition for the locals, we loved our recent visit!

Read more here

Angus Neil Reserve, Seacliff

Beaches = Pirates. So it makes sense that one of the best beachside playgrounds along our southern coast has a sweet little nature inspired pirate ship. This is a ripper playground and one of the best party playgrounds going around too, so if you want to book a party for your pirate loving tykes, give this a look.

More info here

Bandon Reserve Marino

With some spectacular views along our southern coast, Bandon Reserve landed a nautical makeover in 2021, which makes for a picture perfect pit stop as you head down for a day at the beach. With great climbing equipment and of course a boat to explore, this is a ripper.

More pics and info here

Train Themed Playgrounds

GT Fisher Playground, Victor Harbor

The OG train playground, with the huge steam train being parked in this playground as long as I can remember (lets just say 30 odd years). Now massively renovated to include one of the best nature playgrounds in the state, the train remains (slightly modified for safety compared to years gone by) for kids to climb all over and imagine being an engineer!

All the pics and info here

Tolley Reserve Playground, Nuriootpa

Tolley Reserve, or Nuriootpa Train Playground is a large open space for kids of all ages and abilities. It makes the perfect stop on a day out at the Barossa Valley so that the kids can play and run off some energy! The full size old train has been there for years and is an icon in the area.

All the pics and info here

Victoria Square, Kadina

One of our fave regional playgrounds, this place is massive and suits all ages. Including a huge fully fenced (and shaded) playground for the younger crew, as well as a very high treetop climbing set up (it is really high!), add to that the Apex Express, a huge train full of space for the kids to climb on the explore.

More on this ripper here

Tailem Bend Playground

Train fans this one is for you! That might even equally apply to the train enthusiast parents as well, because this one is a beauty! A fully fenced, humungous playspace in the heart of Tailem Bend, this one not only caters to train fans but includes a great range of play equipment for all ages. When we popped in for a visit, there were lots of local families enjoying what is obviously THE place to be for families in Tailem Bend.

Plan your day trip here

Jack Watkins Reserve, Kilburn has had a multi million dollar upgrade, and has officially opened in September 2025. Expect to find an incredibly creative TRAIN THEME here, with a lot of inclusive thought across some elements. The smaller kids will adore the train-themed fun, including train, carriages and ticket booths. There are facilities galore! With two sets of toilets, multiple water refill stations, BBQs, and more sheltered seating and tables than we’ve ever seen at a park!

 Find out more here

Barossa Adventure Station

Another brand new playground is this belter up at Angaston, which draws on the old train station land where it was developed. Kids can slide down the huge tube slide from the tower into the train carriage themed area down on the lower level. Great fun! So much more to do, including bike tracks and a skate park. One of our fave day trip playground destinations which will take you through the stunning 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills.

Plan your day here

Crozier Reserve Daw Park

We love a hidden gem and for the little train lovers down south, this one at Daw Park is a fully fenced beauty. Light on equipment but big on peace and serenity, this ideal toddler playground includes a small train which is perfect for imagination play.

Read more here.

Kapunda Lions Park Playground

What a gem of a regional playground this one is! Fully fenced and spacious, with plenty of natural and artificial shade, plus one of the best trains (full sized we might add) we have seen in quite some time. Leo is an old steam engine from the copper mining days of the town, and your train loving kids will be all over this one. 

Read more here.

Kadina Playground

Some people think this is the best playground on the Yorke Peninsula, and we’d have to agree it would certainly be up there! This park also has a FULL SIZE TRAIN with a ramp to jump in the back. All aboard the Apex Express!

 

Read more here.

Croydon Playground

This playground is a little gem with its own little train, perfect for those young train enthusiasts. The kids will love this park as it’s right next to the Croydon Train Station and the kids can view the train coming and going frequently- right up close! Don’t worry- the playground is fully fenced and now has toilets! 

Check it out here.

Dinosaur Playgrounds

Greenglade Playground, Paradise

Do you have a Dinosaur loving kid? Greenslade Playground at Paradise is a lovely little spot with a really cool dinosaur that you (or the kids…but don’t let me stop you!) can climb all over and through a little dino-tunnel! How cool!

All the pics and info here

Hazelwood Park Playground, Burnside

The Womat Waterhole playground also features a dinosaur dig sandpit where you can bring our your inner paleantologist and dig for dinosaur bones.

All the pics and info here

Cormorant Drive Reserve Playground, Hallett Cove

This reserve has an interesting history with a Diprotodon (Giant Wombat) fossil remains found here in 1992. This Australian megafauna was the world’s largest marsupial and lived between 15,000-10,000 years ago.

Check it out here

Naracoorte Caves Fossil Hunters Playground

The Naracoorte Caves are a world famous natural wonder right here on our doorstep, but did you know they also have a (probably) world famous nature playground as well? We visited last year and it is just sensational. Fossil themed naturally, kids will love exploring and digging their way around this sensational facility. On your trip to the caves, allow time to explore this spot.

 More info here.

Adventure/Nature Playgrounds

Morialta Conservation Park Playground

Maybe 91¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s premier nature playground, Morialta is a sensational spot for 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ families located in the eastern suburbs, which forms part of the larger conservation park (stunning family walks…more on those here!), a perfect day out at Morialta will have the kids running around and exploring the magnificent scenery and playing on all the wonderful play equipment which blends seamlessly into the environment….except the 3 storey tube slide…you can’t hide that!

Read more on this 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ fave here

St Kilda Adventure Park

An Adelaie icon for what feels like generations, St Kilda Adventure Playground has had a few upgrades over the years and is still a fabulous spot for a day out with the family. Plenty of space, all the facilities you would want and some incredible play equipment.

Read more on this 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ fave here.

Mitcham Reserve

This has always been a rather spectacular spot due to the beautiful scenery, nearby creeks (and awesome coffee shops around Mitcham), but after a massive redevelopment in about 2018, it is even more special now. Constructed using beautiful wooden materials of different shapes and sizes, the kids will feel like they have been transported to some sort of medieval kingdom with the highlight being the huge tower and tube slide (we know, not many tube slides in ye olde times but a bit of poetic licence here). This is the perfect playground picnic spot too, with so much grass and shade from the trees.

Just love this one and you can find out more here!

Marshmallow Park

If you have a kid that has gone on any excursion to the city with kindy in the past few years, chances are they ate lunch here so the teachers could rest. A fully fenced sandpit with lots of water and play equipment, pack extra clothes for this one. Located on Glen Osmond Road in the city, it really is a fantastic playground and one of our faves for the little kids, with some great natural elements to climb on and interact with, plus some really cool standard playground equipment. If your kid loves to get messy, this is the park for them.

Read more here!

Largs Foreshore

An ice cream themed playground by the beach? How good is this! So unique it really fits in its own category, this 2024 built playspace out at Largs Foreshore is your wildest dreams come true. Full of ice cream themed equipment, your kids will love it!

Read more here

Glenthorne Adventure Playground

Opened in late 2023 in our brand new Glenthorne National Park, the nature playground is absolutely sensational, with several playspaces offering an abundance of nature themed play, as well as some great climbing towers and slides.

Get all the info here.

Lobethal Bushland Park

Set amongst family friendly walking trails, this 2023 built playground offers play areas for little and big kids alike, allowing some fabulous play amongst the beautiful scenery of the nature reserve.

Get all the info here.

Hope Valley Reservoir Playground

A playground set amongst the beauty of one of our largest reservoirs? How good is that! Nature themed play aplenty here and explore the reservoir afterwards.

Get all the info here.

Bowman Park Port Pirie

Located up at Port Pirie (near Crystal Brook to be exact), this is such an incredible playground built by the very talented team at . A short detour off the highway, it is well worth the trip. This was really a local project with materials and talented local trades used to bring this to life!

More info and pics here.

Jervois Street Reserve

One of the best playgrounds in 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, is this ripper at South Plympton. It is fully fenced to lock in those scallywag tearaway little kids, it has an older kids playground with flying fox and other climbing/sporting stuff to do, but it is the nature play which brings us here today. With fantastic wood and stone pieces to climb on, plus every parents favourite playground feature….sand and water play, the little ones will have a blast. So much more to do that hasn’t been listed here.

read more on our review here

Belair Adventure Playground

This is THE quintessential nature playground in 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. Located in Belair National Park (so obviously a bucketload of nature everywhere you look), it is a bit more dated compared to the others listed but some things get better with age…..not saying this has gotten better with age unfortunately (it hasn’t really changed since I first went 30 odd years ago), but it is still a sensational spot. Apart from the playground you get to experience all that the national park has to offer, which is always a perfect family day out (or weekend if you want to camp). The playground has all the classic features you remember from school excursions in the 80s, the huge wooden fort, the cement tunnel network to hide in….bliss. For some reason this playground always reminds me of giant arrowroot bush biscuits, which I think was the school snack of choice for excursions a long, long time ago.

Anyway, more info and pics here!

The first arrivals in Encounter Bay are usually expected in mid-May, and are eagerly awaited by whale watchers who hope to catch a glimpse of the huge beasts from atop the cliffs, beaches and headlands of the area’s stunning coastline.

Thousands of visitors flock to the seaside resort town of Victor Harbor, keeping staff at the SA Whale Centre’s Information Booth very busy fielding their enquiries. In some years, the whales have attracted up to 400,000 people to the area over the winter months.

The SA Whale Centre has an online giving visitors details of when and where the whales are before they get to the area and the best places to sight them. They also have some great tips for where to spot whales, how to identify them and what the different whale behaviours mean.

In 2025 the SA Whale Centre has also released its official whale sighting map, beautifully designed by the fabulous South Australian artist Pip Kruger. Learn how to spot the difference between these gentle giants, plus discover the best vantage points to catch a glimpse — whether you’re a seasoned whale watcher or a first-timer with binoculars in hand.

Grab your free map at the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre or the SA Whale Centre, and start planning your winter whale adventures now!

For example, did you know that a whale breaches for a number of reasons which can be to communicate, dislodge parasites, get a higher view, drive off predators or just play. Humpback whales can actually clear their entire body out of the water! Amazing to see!

One of our KiA families lives down in Victor Harbor and Matty has shared his favourite spots to spot whales below.

The Bluff Encounter Bay

The Bluff at Encounter Bay gives you one of the best vantage points for whale watching. The walk to the top isn’t too strenous and can be easily done by families. At the top you get a 360 degree view over the whole bay which is perfect to spot the migrating Southern Right Whales. Pack your binoculars and walking shoes and if you are lucky you might get to see a Humpback whale as well. No toilets here, but there are cafes on the esplanade just before you reach The Bluff car park.

Nakurami Kondoli (whale lookout) Encounter Bay

This look out is located at the end of Kings Beach Road in Encounter Bay. It’s a newly built platform and has a walking trail back towards the bluff. To the right of the platform is part of the Heysen trail, which takes you to Kings Head which has some stunning cliff views. This one is a great place to stop for some whale watching on the family walk.

Freeman Lookout Port Elliot

Freemans Lookout is definitely one of our favourite spots for whale watching, not only are there frequent sightings the lookout itself has seats, a telescope and information boards. There are also cafes not too far away in Port Elliot so perfect for that before or after whale watching coffee.

Hayward Court McCracken

One of our favourite spots to whale watch is on Hayward Court in McCracken. This spot is stunning and overlooks the Bay in Victor and Olivers Reef (which is one of our favourite spots for rockpools). We also love this spot as the whales are known for coming in close here which makes for some amazing photos.

The SteamRanger passes between the grassed area and the beach so not only is it a great spot for the whales, it’s also awesome for watching the trains. You do need to cross the train tracks to get down to the beach though so kids need to be supervised.

Petrel Cove Encounter Bay

Petrel Cove is one of the most popular hot spots for whale watching in the Victor Harbor region. Not only is this spot great for whale watching, it’s also the start of the encounter bikeway and part of the Victor Harbor Heritage Trail which is a family friendly 1.7km walk from Petrel Cove to Kings Beach Road.

Granite Island

Granite Island is also a great spot to whale watch. You’ll find whale information boards and some of the best unobstructed views across the water.

S.A Whale Centre, Victor Harbor

And of course no whale watching adventure is complete without a trip to the S.A Whale Centre. Visitors can experience the natural wonders of the deep, explore the world heritage listed railway building, and gain further knowledge about Victor Harbor and South Australia’s marine treasures. The centre provides whale sighting information, education and research support services through a range of mediums and brings together a unique collection of historic treasures, marine, cultural, and aboriginal heritage to deliver an inspiring and enjoyable experience for every visitor.

click here to find out more

Information Booth, and Whale Information Hotline on 1900 WHALES or 1900 942 537 all offer the latest updates on sightings in Encounter Bay and across the state. Whale watchers can also collect a free Whale Information Booklet from the Centre during the season, which includes a detailed map of Encounter Bay to help locate the whales quickly.

Or if you’re after something up close and personal check out who offer a 90-minute Southern Ocean Adventure Tour that departs from the Granite Island Causeway.

Looking for a family-friendly walk that DOESN’T involve a waterfall? Check out our Kid Friendly Bush Walks here. Don’t forget to tag Kids In 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ in your photos…

Waterfall Gully

It would be remiss of us not to include Waterfall Gully straight up! Are you even from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ if you haven’t made the trek from Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty on a Sunday morning? This is one of the most reliable waterfall spots in 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ & it’s a two for one! A short walk from the carpark, you’ll find First Falls. This is a great option if you have really young kids who might not cope with too much walking.

If your kids are up for a bit of a challenge however, head up the hill to Second Falls – it’s only a short detour from the main Mount Lofty hike trail, so you can make the choice whether to head back to the car or keep going all the way up to Mount Lofty.

(By the way, did you know there is a pram friendly option to get up Mount Lofty? No waterfalls but a great family-friendly option. Find it here.)Ìý

This is the PERFECT waterfall to visit with young kids. It’s only 500m return, following the creek & has picnic spots along the way.

You’ll find it in the Second Valley Forest Reserve which is around 1.5hrs drive from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. list this trail as ‘flat’ & ‘easy’ which sounds perfect for us & our kids!

Hindmarsh Falls

A short walk is a good walk & the trail to Hindmarsh Falls certainly is that! 

Head to Hindmarsh Valley on the Fleurieu Peninsula to enjoy this one. It’s short & easy with picnic areas adjacent. 

Check out some more info here. You’re only about 15mins from Victor Harbor so why not make a day of it & go whale watching in winter too?

Morialta Falls

Three Falls Grand Hike is a 7.3 km journey that takes in the three waterfalls in Morialta Conservation Park. It’s an epic hike, but if the family is up for it, the rewards are worth it! If you want something a bit (or a lot) shorter however, there are several options in Morialta to suit all fitness levels & ages.Ìý

Kids will love looking for koalas plus you can also visit the Morialta Nature Playground.Ìý

We love this waterfall spot & are sure you will too – see our top tips for Morialta with kids here.Ìý

Deep Creek Waterfall

This one is a permanent waterhole so even if the waterfall isn’t flowing (best to try winter or spring), you’ll at least be guaranteed to see SOME water on this 4km hike. 

This can get steep, with some steps toward the end so not pram friendly & not for young kids or the faint-hearted. But if your family are adventurers up for a challenge, then why not give it a go? 

Even if you don’t want to tackle this one, there are heaps of great walks & camping spots in Deep Creek on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Find out more here.

Mannum Waterfall

Not gonna lie….this one wasn’t flowing when we went to visit. However the scenery is stunning & the kids loved climbing on all the rocks.

It’s 3km return which doesn’t sound like a lot, but for little legs it can be a long way so pack plenty of water & snacks! There ARE toilets about 150m from the lower carpark (you can park at either the upper or lower carpark).

It’s such a pretty spot, but if you are desperate to see the waterfall flowing, we suggest waiting til there has been a fair bit of rain!

Pick Your Own Apples at isn’t just pick and run type of thing – it really is a fun full day out you can have with the whole family in the beautiful 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills.

Lenswood is around 40 minutes drive from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. Not far from other 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills towns like Hahndorf and Woodside. Set on 23 beautiful acres @Lenswood is a 6th generation farm purchased by Emily and Chris Shipway and they have done a brilliant job turning it into a truly family friendly experience.

What’s new @Lenswood Pick Your Own in 2026

There’s even more to do at Lenswood Pick Your Own this season, making it a great day out for families:

• Five vintage tractors for kids to play on
• Thomas the Tank Engine for kids to play on
• A larger sandpit for kids to play in
• New Kid’s Pomology Trail (free!) – a fun scavenger-style trail where children can learn how apples are grown in the orchard. Families can also purchase a Kids Activity Pack for $12, which includes: Free entry on your next visit, Lenswood colouring-in book, Lollypop, Apple juice, Picking stick hire, Certificate of completion and take-home apple-themed crafts

Free Orchard Tours (Weekends)

On weekends, visitors can join one of two free guided orchard tours each day at approximately 10am and 2pm (Please note: tour times may vary slightly from day to day.) The tour covers how apples are grown, how they make their way from the orchard to the supermarket, the history of the farm and Lenswood and an explanation of the farm’s commercial apple trees.

And OH. MY. GOD the apples. If you’ve never crunched into an apple straight off the tree – it’s worth a trip just for that. Doesn’t your mouth just water looking at these photos!

Parking is easy with their large carpark, there are plenty of flat sections of orchard for prams and wheelchairs, there’s onsite facilities including the addition of a family toilet with two toilets in one cubicle and a baby change table, making visits easier for families with young children.

Oh and we haven’t even mentioned the cafe yet! Head in for coffee and treats! They will selling baked goods by the wonderful Lenswood General Store & Post Office. They will also be serving their very own Apple Juice and Paracombe Premium Perry’s sparkling apple juice. Plus, wait for it… they have teamed up with Hokey Pokey Ice Cream selling their newest collaboration – apple themed ice creams, sorbets and some of your other favourites! They will also have a variety of farm themed toys, locally produced items and souvenirs locally made by Busy B’s Embroidery & More! Grab something to eat or drink and sit on the picnic tables under the umbrellas.

2026 Pricing

Entry: Adults (13+ years): $8 | Children (3–12 years): $5 | Children 2 years and under: Free
Apples (pay by weight): 0–8 kg: $5 per kg | 8.1 kg and over: $4 per kg

Opening Days & Hours – 2026

Open 7 days a week, including all public holidays. 9am – 4pm daily (Strictly no entry after 3:30pm)
No bookings required and No time limit on how long you can stay
ANZAC Day, Lenswood Pick Your Own will donate $1 per kilogram of apples sold to the Lobethal RSL.

Find out more on their website

IG | Facebook:
122 Harris Road, Lenswood | P : 0436389578

It’s a great place to spend a day walking the wheelchair accessible and pram friendly trails, riding bikes, having picnic, bird watching or just lazing about in the peaceful environment. We love the different trails available, all very easy and flat, ranging from 15 to 45 minute loops.

There is a designated picnic area with BBQs, tables, benches, shelters, toilets and plenty of seating.

Approximately 150 bird species have been spotted at Laratinga and Interpretive signs have been installed around the walking trails. Each sign along the trail indicates a type of bird species that you could spot at that location. You might even spot a turtle or a frog if you’re lucky. PLEASE don’t feed the ducks though. Bread is unhealthy for birds as it can cause poor nutrition and even make them sick. Feeding birds also encourages unnatural and aggressive behaviour, and favours non-native species.

Mt Barker offers plenty of fab coffee spots in the town centre (occasionally a coffee van will prop in the car park of the wetlands too), with our faves being Sazon and Lady Luck, both on Main Street. Check them out and then head for a walk!

Cherry picking… not as you know it! There is a new 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills spot for pick your own cherries and we couldn’t be more thrilled! @Birdwood PYO Cherries is brought to you by the same family who run @Lenswood PYO Apples and just like they have shaken up the apple picking scene in South Australia, they are bringing their unique twist to cherry picking in December. Let’s go!

You’ll find @Birdwood PYO minutes away from The Big Rocking Horse and National Motor Museum in Birdwood on a flat and shady orchard in the majestic gum country of the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills. So you really can make a day of it! That is if you can tear yourself away from all the fun @Birdwood PYO has onsite – that’s right, it’s not just cherry picking! Just like their apple picking at @Lenswood PYO, when you go cherry picking there is no need to pick and run. Stay and play with the giant games for the kids (and big kids!!) and grab a coffee and ice cream from their onsite cafe. There are also toilets onsite and ample carparking, plus plenty of picturesque places to sit and relax making it a real destination for a family day out this December.

How does it work? There are no bookings required, it’s first come, best dressed at @Birdwood PYO. This means you don’t have to rush to be there on time for your booking, just turn up when it suits your family (cause who likes rushing with kids? NO ONE). They have a unique, pre-paid structure – so there won’t be any cherry picking regrets, you’ll be able to pre-pay for your cherries and not be hit with a nasty surprise at the end! Haven’t we all been there before? The kids just want to pick more and more and more and at end your fruit is weighed and you get a nasty surprise?? There is NONE of that at @Birdwood PYO Cherries – you pay your entry fee, get your punnet and pick away!

PRICING:
Adults 13+ $20
Children 3-12 $16
Entry fee per person includes: approx 700g bag of cherries to take home and eating cherries off the tree as you go!

NEED MORE CHERRIES ON TOP OF WHAT IS INCLUDED IN YOUR ENTRY FEE?

The more you pick the cheaper it is per kg. At the gate, on the day, if you need more cherries on top of your 700g bag included with each person’s entry.. you can pre purchase our 1.5kg bags or an additional 700g bag. The more bags you purchase the cheaper it is per kg. See below:

• 700g bag (700g) – $13 ($18.50/kg)
• x1 1.5kg bag (1.5kg total ) – $25 each bag ($16.60/kg)
• x2 1.5kg bags (3kg total ) – $24 each bag ($16.00/kg)
• x3 1.5kg bags (4.5kg total ) – $23 each bag ($15.30/kg)
• x4 or more 1.5kg bags (6kg total) – $22 each bag ($14.60/kg)

There is no weighing at our orchard. No nasty surprises at the exit.. and the more you pick the cheaper it is per kg.

We all know how fickle cherry growing can be with fluctuations in weather – check the and for the most up to date opening dates and times.

@Birdwood PYO Cherries
111 Angas Creek Road, Birdwood

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Just be sure to check their socials for exact opening times.

Roonka Adventure Park has a place for everyone. Traditional campers can pitch a tent under the stars, families can enjoy a comfy stay in the two-bedroom Lodge, and big groups can take over the bunkhouse rooms or even the whole site for a weekend of adventure. There are powered and unpowered sites for caravans and motorhomes, glamping bell tents set up and ready to go, and cozy bunkhouse rooms perfect for school groups, sports teams, or extended families. No matter where you stay, you will have access to camp kitchens, BBQs, hot showers, and all the facilities you need, plus the billabong, trails, and outdoor fun right on your doorstep. Adventure, comfort, and nature tick all the boxes.

We stayed in the Lodge, a gorgeous two-bedroom retreat that sleeps six. The master bedroom is calm and spacious, with reverse-cycle air conditioning, modern furnishings, a walk-in robe, and two single beds that can be pushed together. The second bedroom features two bunk beds, perfect for kids or teens. The bathroom is bright and modern, and the fully equipped kitchen makes meal prep a breeze. The open-plan living and dining area is ideal for family dinners or games night, with comfy couches, a flat-screen TV, and large windows that bring the outdoors in.

The Lodge’s expansive deck quickly became our favourite spot, whether we were sipping morning coffee, enjoying evening drinks, or just soaking up the view as the campsite came alive. As night falls, the stillness of the river, the calls of kookaburras, and star-filled skies make it impossible not to unwind.

An obvious highlight, especially in summer, is the water activities. The calm billabong at Roonka is perfect for kids learning to kayak or canoe. We really valued how safe it felt, making it ideal for younger kids and beginners. The gentle waters let them try new skills while feeling completely at ease. Life jackets and all the hire gear are ready to go, so you can focus on the important stuff, like having fun!

Speaking of fun, the riverslide is Fun with a capital F and great for the whole family. You have to try it at least once, no matter your age. Just do it! The double flying fox, zipping from one side of the billabong to the other, is a guaranteed hit. I’ll give you 100 dollars if your kids don’t purposely fall off, haha. And if you want to slow the pace a little, there are kayaks and canoes for hire from the boat shed which you can use to explore the peaceful backwaters of the Murray River. Three weeks later, we are still debating which was the favourite… kayaks, riverslide, or flying fox, and honestly, it is a debate that is not going away anytime soon.

Roonka is not just about getting wet. We spent a good hour at the playground with a picnic lunch, and the kids loved every minute. The Echidna Trail totally surprised us; they were glued to it, spotting birds and plants, and unfortunately no echidnas, which would have absolutely made my year. Next time, fingers crossed!

For a bit of adventure, the bouldering wall is perfect for budding rock climbers and adventurous spirits, while GAGA Ball adds fast-paced, high-energy fun for everyone. Orienteering and the Photo Hunt get the kids exploring the property using basic map-reading skills, spotting markers, and matching photos along the way. Wildlife is everywhere, and it is honestly one of the best bits. We saw so many kangaroos, and the walking trails are easy enough for little legs but still fun for bigger kids and adults. There is heaps of space to wander, explore, or just sit and enjoy the quiet, making it a brilliant mix of challenges, teamwork, and just plain fun.

Sometimes the simplest moments are the best. Watching the kids try something new, listening to the sounds of the river, or just soaking in the calm are memories that stick. Even when it is not summer, there is always something to do, see, or explore. iPads…? What’s an iPad?

Roonka River Adventure Park
209B Boy Scout Road
BLANCHETOWN SA

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