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 Lodgeā€™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. Iā€™ll give you 100 dollars if your kids donā€™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 favouriteā€¦ 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

Find them on or

If seemingly endless holiday park facilities and entertainment for the kids are top of your holiday park list, then is hands down South Australia’s best ever option for families. It’s kind of epic, and it’s very easy to see why anyone with kids would love staying here. This place is basically a full-blown family entertainment destination on the river, packed with things to do from sunrise to beautiful Riverland sunset. If youā€™re after a holiday where the kids are constantly on the go and you can keep up with them, this is the one. It books out fast on weekends and school holidays because itā€™s just that good. Wise advice, itā€™s never too early to start planning your visit.

The pool is next-level: a huge resort-style pool, heated spa, and even a waterfall you can stand under (one of our kids just lived here). Add in the water park with several waterslides and youā€™ve got hours of fun before youā€™ve even considered all of the other things!

Indoors, right next to the pool, youā€™ll find a fantastic tiny tots quiet play room with soft play equipment and even a big red Wiggles car to ride in which is just thoughtful and perfect for little ones who need a breather from the elements or the action. Thereā€™s also an indoor movie room and this park has a sensory room, giving families calm, comfortable spaces to unwind. Fitness important to you? Yep thereā€™s even a gym for those who like to keep their fitness regime on track while away (can’t say we used it, but it looked clean and very modern and we appreciate its existence, honestly!) We chose to keep active by taking the short walk into the town centre.

The fun continues to be served up further across the park, with a tennis court, a cute playground, pedal karts, buggies and tandem bikes for hire. (We’ve really never laughed so hard and surprisingly didn’t mow any one down or end up in the drink riding tandem.) Get the whole crew involved on the massive jumping pillow, it makes for a fun family photo and you actually won’t believe how impressive the huge outdoor cinema set up is. For water lovers, canoe hire lets you explore the Murray at your own pace, paddling at sunrise or sunset is pure Riverland magic. Smaller kids are well placed in the front seat of a double canoe. Lastly, one of our favourite moments? A riverbank BBQ breakfast with the kids running around between bites and trying their luck with a lure and fishing line.

Accommodation-wise, thereā€™s something for every family and every budget. Choose from waterfront villas, family cabins, ensuite sites, shady powered sites and spacious unpowered camping areas. Whether you’re after comfort or a traditional camping experience, everything feels clean, beautifully maintained and thoughtfully laid out. The camp kitchen is excellent too. It’s huge, well-equipped and complete with fridges so cooking and storing food is a breeze, even if you don’t have all of the fancy gear or room to pack it.

Donā€™t miss the kiosk, where you can grab a coffee, ice creams and a few basic supplies, as well as hire equipment for all your adventures around the park.

Be warned, this is one of those holidays where one night is never enough, youā€™ll want at least a few days to fit everything in. Discovery Parks – Renmark Riverfront is jam-packed, joy-filled, and guaranteed to give your family the kind of holiday memories theyā€™ll talk about all year long. Pack the bathers, pack the scooters, and get ready for an action filled Riverland escape!

**Want 15% off stays at this park, or a select handful of other Discovery Parks in South Australia? Look and book via and use code KIDSINADL25 at checkout. Valid for stays now to Nov 2026, t&c apply,minimum two night stays, black out dates may apply for school holidays and long weekends**

Location: 1 Patey Dr, Renmark SA 5341
Find them on or 

This content was created in partnership with Discovery Parks

If youā€™re looking for a place where the kids drag you out of bed and straight into a kayak, in Barmera is exactly that kind of family getaway. What an absolute Riverland icon for kids. Iā€™d heard all the chatter before; ā€œLake Bonney thisā€ and ā€œLake Bonney thatā€ but now I honestly understand what all the fuss is about. Trust me, you’ll want to keep reading and add this awesome holiday and caravan park to your summer plans!

Thereā€™s accommodation to suit every budget at Discovery Parks – Lake Bonney. We stayed in a Deluxe 2 Bedroom Lakeview Cabin – sleeps 6. Yes, a little luxurious, but it still had that classic caravan park feel. Bunk beds for the kids, a queen bed that felt like sleeping on a cloud, and all linen and towels supplied, no need to lug it all from home. The shower was one of the best Iā€™ve had anywhere, hot with strong pressure, almost like a back massageā€¦ and in a caravan park, no less. There was a TV in the lounge for a little wind-down time, but honestly, most of our time was spent outside, and rightly so.

The water activities here are next-level. Weā€™re talking water bikes (I didnā€™t even know these existed), canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, pedal boats, and floating trampolines/ pontoon things for the kids to bounce on… we loved it all. I even had a go at 42 and can confirm itā€™s ridiculously fun. Hiring is straightforward but thereā€™s a $20 cash bond, and each activity has time limits, so itā€™s worth asking the kids what they want to try first. Paddle boats go for $20 an hour, single canoes $18, double canoes $25, and water bikes $30. The first hire starts at 9:15 in the morning and the last one is 3:45 in the afternoon, and donā€™t forget life jackets. Safety first, always!

My top tip? Grab a pedal boat for two adults and two kids and head straight for the trampolines, you could happily spend hours out there.

Thereā€™s plenty of other fun to keep everyone entertained too. An epic splash park, a sparkling heated swimming pool (with another brand-new one being built while we were there), a playground, pedal carts, a bouncing pillow, a pump track, and a games room. Seriously, the list goes on.

Although our gorgeous cabin had everything we needed, we made the most of the camp kitchen, cooking a BBQ dinner and kicking off the next day with bacon and egg muffins for breakfast. Simple, easy, and totally family-friendly, and we even met some lovely people doing the exact same thing.

The park itself is huge, with heaps of powered sites for caravans and lakeside views that make it easy to see why it books out fast, especially in summer. Even on a slightly overcast day (we had a bit of rain while we were there), thereā€™s still plenty of space to relax by the lake and enjoy a bit of calm while keeping an eye on the kids as they explore. Fishing is another draw, though we didnā€™t get a chance this trip. Staff were super friendly and helpful, giving great tips on everything from water sports to family-friendly spots to visit around the Riverland.

If you can tear yourself away (though why would you?), there are plenty of nearby options. Mallee Fowl Restaurant is just 15 minutes away and an absolute must for dinner, while Barmera has a handful of closer spots too. For a bit of adventure, there are walking trails, Loveday 4×4 Park, and Monash Adventure Park all within easy reach. Reception stocks basics like ice cream, sunscreen and snacks. If youā€™re self-catering, thereā€™s a Foodland two minutes down the road, or come prepared. Please note: certain fruit and vegetables canā€™t be brought into the Riverland, check the SA Government website for current restrictions.

Whether youā€™re staying for a weekend or a week, Discovery Parks – Lake Bonney is fun, easy, and impossible not to love. We can’t wait to go again! The easy drive from 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ will take you around two and a half hours.

(Use code KIDSINADL25 for 15% discount until Nov 2026 t&c apply)

Location: Lakeside Dr, Barmera SA 5345
Find them on or

Tucked away on the Sturt Highway in Monash just near Berri, this Riverland icon is one of those places you honestly have to see to believe. Thereā€™s old farm gear tucked between rusty signs, walls covered in Australiana, and a collection of curiosities that somehow all work together. Itā€™s rustic, charming, a little chaotic and somehow completely perfect. A little overstimulating, but in the best possible way.

As soon as we pulled into the driveway and spotted the sign that read ā€œFree Beer Tomorrowā€, we knew this place was going to be a good time. The kids didnā€™t know where to look first because thereā€™s so much happening before youā€™ve even parked the car. The entrance alone is a whole experience with old tractors, tin sheds and quirky signs. When the sunā€™s out, the outdoor dining area looks like something straight out of a movie scene, with fairy lights, plenty of tables and a big outdoor stage that would be perfect for weddings, parties or live music nights. Unfortunately, it was raining when we visited, so we couldnā€™t make the most of it, but trust me, weā€™ll be back on a sunny day to soak it all in.

And hereā€™s something we love. Mallee Fowl runs completely off the grid. Itā€™s solar powered, self-sufficient, and still manages to serve up some of the best country meals around. It just adds to that feeling of being somewhere special and a bit removed from the everyday.

There are animals wandering the property too, including chooks, geese, roaming peacocks, alpacas, emus and even a friendly donkey who will probably try to photobomb your family pics. The kids will love it! In case you havenā€™t figured it out yet, Mallee Fowl is *so* much more than a restaurant.

The menu is good old Aussie comfort food, the kind you actually want after a day exploring the Riverland. Big, hearty serves, loads of local produce and plenty of options for both grown-ups and kids. Our meals were honestly so good. The kidsā€™ menu has all the favourites… nuggets and chips for my six year old, which disappeared in about three minutes flat. My eight year old went for the chicken schnitzel with mushroom sauce and reckons it was the best heā€™s ever had. My partner had the Reef and Beef, I went with the Chicken Bianco, and we were both super happy with our choices. The serves are huge, so definitely bring your stretchy pants. And if you can fit it in, order dessert. The menu changes each week and everything we saw heading out of the kitchen looked ridiculously good.

Families are welcome here. There are highchairs, loads of space, a relaxed, chatty vibe, and no one bats an eyelid if your toddler drops a chip or decides to have a moment. Service was excellent, warm and genuine, the kind that makes you feel like a local even if youā€™ve just rolled in off the highway. It really is the kind of place where you stay a little longer, laugh a little louder and leave already planning your next visit.

Whether youā€™re road tripping through the Riverland, chasing somewhere memorable for dinner or just love a bit of good old Aussie quirk, Mallee Fowl Restaurant is a must-stop.

Location: Lot, 19042 Sturt Hwy, Monash SA 5342
Opening times: Wednesday – Saturday 5:30pm – 11:00pm and Sunday:12pm – 3pm
Find them on

Katarapko is also divided into three sections Lock 4 section, Eckertā€™s Creek section and Katarapko Creek section (not far from Berri). Each section has a separate entrance so youā€™ll need to make sure you know which section you want to visit before you enter.

Katarapko Creek flows through the park and is a great spot for a waterfront camping holiday. Swimming, great canoeing and kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, bushwalking and birdwatching are some some of the activities you can do together as a family.

The campsites themselves are huge but make sure you read the description of each camp site before you book online as some have steep banks leading to the water. There is a good write up for each site on the Parks SA website to help you make the right choice. There are around 40 unpowered sites you can book for as little at very reasonable prices.

Thereā€™s a few great playgrounds to check out while youā€™re in the area too. Monash and Loxton are under an hour and Karoonda is a good one to stop at if youā€™re coming from 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½.

For more information from the National Park site check .

We absolutely love those unique experiences that only come with exploring our fantastic state, whether it be a brilliant playground (Check out all the best regional playgrounds here), drool worthy country bakery, some sort of giant novelty thing (looking at you big lobster!) or how about a ferry trip!

Have a guess how many ferries service our mighty Murray River here in SA? If you guessed 7, you would be wrong. So wrong. In fact there are 12 scattered up the river to help get your road trip moving across the river. We reckon bridges are boring so why not schedule in that detour to give the kids a little ferry ride, because lets be honest, parking the car on the ferry for a few minutes and soaking in the scenery of the Murray is a bloody great way to spice up a road trip. Our kids love the ferry rides, and don’t forget they can walk on too.

The Ferry service is free, runs 24/7 and you can find them at the locations listed below;

• Lyrup
• Waikerie
• Cadell
• Morgan
• Swan Reach
• Wellington
• Narrung
• Tailem Bend
• Walker Flat
• Purnong
• Mannum #1
• Mannum #2

For up to date info about ferry outages, click or contact 08 08260 0063 during business hours.

This park was built in 2015 and has been a firm Riverland favourite for kids of all ages ever since. Little kids will love the toddler play area, numerous swings and smaller slides and older kids will have a great time climbing all over the giant rope tower and the 15m paddle steamer climbing feature (the PS Jolly Miller), zipping down the fast slide, spinning around on the mousewheel, riding the double flying fox. One of the unique features of this park is the Neos electronic game.

There’s also water and nature play elements and accessible carousel for inclusive play. The park has a road safety bike track so bring your bikes and scooters.

Picnic benches and tables, BBQs and toilets mean you can stay all day! Make sure you take a stroll down by the river and check out the “Tree of Knowledge”

Most of us oldies will remember Monash Playground from when we were kids. Back in the 80s and 90s it looked a bit like this.. It was EPIC! (and also terrifying)

It isn’t as terrifying anymore but it’s still one of S.A’s best playgrounds and definitely worth a visit if you’re staying in the Riverland or passing through. It’s about 3 hours drive from 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ between Barmera and Renmark.

There’s something for all ages at this park. Toddlers will love the and older kids will go crazy for the adventure equipment including big leaning towers, rope bridge, wave bridge, flying fox, see saws, slides, mega swings and even a maze! There’s also some accessible equipment including a liberty swing.

And if that’s not enough, in late 2019 they went and added even more equipment including a new Tree House, inclusive Swing Set and get giddy on the Merry-Go-Round!

The grounds are beautifully well maintained (well done Berri/Barmera council) and there are onsite toilets, free BBQs, picnic areas and plenty of nice grassy spots for a picnic. It’s one of those places you can easily spend a day. Please note: there is also a creek that runs through the park so watch your little ones around that area.

The Welcome Centre serves as the heart of The Bend, featuring an auto gallery that will captivate young minds with its collection of unique cars and motorbikes. Families can enjoy a meal together at the Apex Bar x Dining, which offers panoramic views of Pit Lane.

While car enthusiasts will certainly feel at home, The Bend has something for everyone. Families can try karting, with specially designed family and junior karts, on tracks that are safe and fun for children. For those seeking more thrills, Hot Laps (14+ years of age) and Driver Experiences (adults only) provide unforgettable moments that are likely to ignite the passion for motorsport in almost everyone. Young racing fans can let their imaginations run wild as they explore various motorsport disciplines, all conveniently located in one place.

Throughout the year, The Bend hosts an array of events, including circuit and drag racing, complemented by a rich program of family-friendly entertainment. Parents will appreciate that children 15 and under enjoy free entry to all events, making The Bend an accessible option for families with different budgets.

The Bend truly offers a unique blend of high-octane excitement and family-friendly fun, making it an ideal destination for parents looking to create lasting memories with their children.

Kids in 91¹ū¶³“«Ć½ Review

We recently had the opportunity to take the family and spend the weekend exploring and experiencing many of the activities, events and facilities within the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend, and WOW, it’s a weekend with the kids that we will always remember.

They have a busy events calendar well worth checking out and planning around in advance for the motor enthusiasts. We decided to book our stay around ‘Off Street Drags’ at The Dragway, and also jagged a motorbike ride day that we were able to watch on the main track. The view across the entire precinct from the Level 4 viewing deck is not to be missed! You can find their upcoming events We are pretty keen to go back and watch a ‘burnout’ competition, because how fun would the kids think that was!

An absolute highlight was the Shell V-Power Motor Sport Park Dragway. What an impressive facility! We spent our Saturday morning watching motorbikes and cars of all kinds run the quick drag strip. Every one in our family loved this so much, we left for some other activities and came back, all wanting more, for the late arvo / early evening. It was action packed fast fun and we were glued! Not too loud either, although our nine year old chose to wear ear defenders, I didn’t think it was entirely necessary. Check for next events

Eating

Famished after a huge day, we had dinner booked in APEX Bar and Restaurant. It’s a spectacular outlook over the race track, comfortable and with an easy modern menu that’s a little bit fancy, but not overcomplicated. The staff were friendly and the kids meals with colouring pack, drink and ice cream were welcomed. Open seven days a week for breakfast lunch and dinner – it pays to book. You can also just grab a coffee or drink here – the kids will love the balcony views. Find the menu and info

Go Karts

Our Sunday morning was spent on the track at The Bend Kartdrome. The track is outdoors and can work in three configurations. So impressive! Located just a very short drive from the main arena. Much to our youngest daughters delight, they have tandem karts, so while she couldn’t drive her own, she was able to ride with Dad and actually could chose to have steering. The exciting news is, Junior Karts for 8yo + are arriving these July school holidays! For the standard karts, kids need to be minimum 14yo and 138cm tall. This was so fun, ‘those things fly’ according to our fourteen year old daughter who is no stranger to a kart. Don’t miss this experience, prices currently start from as little as $30pp and you can find all of the info Well worth a day trip! This would make an epic teenagers birthday activity, a couple of car loads of kids, a warm up and a race!

Welcome Centre

The Shell V-Power Motorsport Welcome Centre is FREE to enter and view an eclectic collection of impressive cars and motorbikes on display. It’s open seven days a week and shouldn’t be missed. You can snap photos in here and read information about the ever changing line up. We loved the powder blue Lambo. Worth noting there is fabulous coffee and light snacks available. Read more about what to expect

Hot Laps

Perhaps the pinnacle of our visit – finding out that kids from age fourteen years can do a hot lap of the circuit. What a wild thrill! Can we just say one of our teens was a little more reluctant than the other, and the staff and drivers were beyond kind, accommodating and earnt her trust and she had the absolute time of her life. This one is an epic special gift or experience. Our speedy laps were in Ford Mustangs. What a thrill and what a way to end an incredible world class weekend experience. We will be back. Many times. Check out all of the driver experiences and prices

Honestly, we were blown away with the quality of everything here, all underpinned by staff who seemingly love their jobs, take pride in what they are doing and just can’t do enough for you. We have always known this facility existed the past few years, but it’s an actual credit to South Australia to have something of this calibre in our state and accessible to everyone. I knew we would like our time spent here, but we actually loved it and strongly believe more families need to experience a visit or a stay! Teenagers are hard to motivate and impress…. this was a massive win.

BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park

For those wishing to extend their stay, the on-site BIG4 The Bend Holiday Park is a paradise for children. It boasts an array of kid-friendly amenities, including a Mini Golf course, BMX Pump Track, Jumping Pillow, Swimming Pool, and Playground. The recreation room is packed with entertainment options such as arcades, movies, board games, and table tennis, ensuring that young visitors will never have a dull moment. Read more here.

Find out more and book your stay!

|

Upcoming Events at The Bend

Opened in December 2018 the Waikerie Water and Nature Play Park was the idea of local couple Clive and Donna Mathews who received a $150,000 Fund My Neighbourhood grant from the SA Government and also raised a further $100,000+ from the local Rotary Club, Council and Go Fund me campaign. (how good is that!). The playground also now includes an accessible roundabout for wheelchairs and an accessible swing.

The park is in a beautiful location right on the riverfront. There’s plenty of natural shade from the big trees surrounding the area and lots of space to run around, kick a ball or set up a picnic spot for the day.

One of the most popular area of the park is the water play area which is great on a hot day, but remember to bring a change of clothes!

The other equipment blends in beautifully with the surroundings and includes big rocks and wooden planks to balance on, a big wooden climbing tower, tunnels to hide in, sensory play zones, a variety of swings, slides, climbing nets, and a flying fox! Kids will also love climbing in and on the old beautifully painted boat. It’s such a lovely spot.

There’s also bench seating, undercover picnic areas, toilets and BBQs. Just across the road is also some more “traditional” play equipment in a fenced area.