The eagle has landed at Morialta Playground… in a 7 metre tall nest – and your kids can climb it! Yep, the Morialta Conservation Park playground is AWESOME! Best suited to kids aged 5-15years, it is great to see a play area perfect for older families. With over 100 car parks and walking trails to guide you, it makes a visit to the park even easier to navigate for families.

The stunningly designed, HUGE and super fun playground has been designed with a Nature Play theme, with elements from Aboriginal culture. This super impressive nature playground features five themed play areas that are built across the Stradbroke Road picnic area. Come ready to explore Frog Island, Eagle’s Perch, Great Snake, Bird Nests and climbing boulders, as well as paths, creeks, rock walls and climbing trees.

Please be aware that the Morialta Playground isn’t fenced, has a nearby creek and road and has plenty of areas where you’ll have to keep a hand &/or close eye on kids with high falls possible etc which makes it less suitable for younger kids but awesome fun for older ones!

Things we love about Morialta Playground:

• The whole playground is all about nature – incorporating natural elements and materials all around,
• The massive snake structure that kids can play in & on (if they are big and brave enough!),
• The GIANT Birds Nests with rope ladders, walkways, and log frames – and a giant metal slide from the biggest one!
• The HUGE expanse – this play area is actually 4 distinct spaces located next to each other in the Morialta Conservation Park,
• The featured wood carving works by local Kaurna Indigenous sculptor Allan Sumner,
• The creek – our kids LOVE to ‘search for creatures’ in the creek – so many hours spent here!,
• The short walk to the Morialta First Falls waterfall – you can even take the pram there and our 2 year old can handle the walk,
• The climb to the Giants Cave – only about 50 steps up and a great view down the valley.
• Koala spotting – we have never visited without spotting at least 1 or 2 koalas!

There are BBQs, toilets, shaded table and bench seats all around the area and solid under cover areas.

** please note that there is unrestricted/unfenced access to the creek that often flows and runs close by the playground area. It is also unfenced to Stradbroke Rd, which is about 50-80m from the Playspace.

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!

Find it at: Majors Road, O’Halloran Hill

Located within Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, this multi-million dollar nature playground has quickly become a favourite for 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ families, and honestly, it’s easy to see why. Opened in 2022, this incredible play space combines adventure, imagination, inclusive design and nature play in one huge family-friendly destination.

What we love most about Glenthorne Nature Play Space is that it truly caters for all ages. While younger kids will adore the swings, sand play and cubby-building opportunities, older kids are absolutely going to love the giant climbing structures, flying foxes and enormous tube slide tower. It’s the kind of playground where you can easily spend hours exploring.

The thoughtfully designed nature play space was created by 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ playground specialists Climbing Tree Creations, alongside TCL and Phillips Pilkington Architects, with a strong focus on open-ended adventure play, accessibility and connection with the natural environment.

Throughout the playground you’ll find salvaged timber, rocks, natural creek beds and climbing elements that encourage kids to explore, create and move freely through the space. The towering slide structures were inspired by the hollow red gums found along South Australian river systems, giving the playground a uniquely local feel.

Families will love the wide pram-friendly paths, accessible play features, shaded seating areas, toilets and BBQ facilities, making it an easy spot to settle in for a full morning or afternoon outdoors.

Some of the standout features include:
• Huge tube slide tower
• Flying foxes
• Multiple swings
• Inclusive in-ground roundabout
• Sand and water-style nature play
• Freestyle cubby and teepee building
• Climbing logs and adventure play elements
• Shaded picnic areas and BBQs
• Accessible pathways throughout

We also love that the playground feels inclusive for a wide range of ages and abilities. It’s not often you find a playground that genuinely keeps both toddlers and older kids entertained, but Glenthorne absolutely delivers.

If you’re looking for an 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ playground worth the drive, this one should be high on your list. Pack a picnic, bring a change of clothes for the sand play, and prepare to stay longer than expected.

Thankfully Mt Lofty-Lite is here, so you can get the fancy insta photo at the top with only half the exercise! Brilliant!

Steub Trail (named after the Cleland Conservation Park benefactor of the same name funnily enough) is a 3.8km trail which winds at a much more gentle incline from Cleland Wildlife Park right to the Mt Lofty Summit itself. We absolutely loved this trail! With a newborn baby in a pram (as well as a terrible level of fitness), the traditional waterfall gully route was not an option, so with pram in tow we took off and it was a dream.

Taking a nudge over an hour to reach the summit, the path is nice and wide, very well made and stable and has no insane steep parts. The bends can be a little steep but they are short and few and far between, so no issues there.

It is very well signed and there is little to no chance of getting lost. We stopped for a coffee and a snack at the summit, then after about half hour we returned back to Cleland. All up it was a 2.5hour adventure and that was really taking it easy and enjoying the day. It is open to running (bleh), mountain bikes and hikers of all ages and abilities this one, so make sure you pop up for a look! We honestly can’t wait to go back, it really is spot on for families and if we can do it with a brand spanking new born in a big old pram, then everyone can achieve insta glory at the top of the Mt Lofty Summit!

For more detailed hiking info, check out Walking SA’s info page .

Belair National Park is a set within beautiful natural bushland and features loads of picnic areas, tennis courts and an range of walking trails. It is an ideal place to get your kids outdoors and active. The park is home to some of the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Hills significant heritage attractions, including Old Government House and the State Flora Nursery. Situated in the Mount Lofty Ranges, it remains one of the few relatively undisturbed areas of native vegetation in the region, making it an important refuge for native animals. Recent upgrades have significantly improved the picnic and visitor facilities. You can walk your dog too, providing it remains under your control on a lead.

Where: 13km south east of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. Access is via Upper Sturt Road, Belair. Public transport from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ CBD is available.

Cost: for information about fees for vehicles, hire or facilities and entry.

Opening Hours:

8am to sunset all year round, except Christmas Day

The park information office is open from 8.30am-4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am-4.30pm on weekends and public holidays.

Old Government House buildings are open from 1pm-4pm on Sunday and public holidays only.

Things to know:

– Sunscreen, hat and picnic gear is recommended

– If it’s a total fire ban in the Mount Lofty Ranges then the park may be closed

– There are tennis courts, oval, picnic grounds and pavilions for hire

– Accessibility trikes are FREE to hire, which are a great way for all to access this beautiful space. You can collect the trikes from the Belair National Park Information Office from 9:30am every day, with returns due by 4pm. Hire info located .

Belair National Park’s much-loved adventure playground is set for a major refresh, with work on stage one of the upgrade expected to begin in late August 2025 and wrap up by November. This initial phase will see updated play equipment designed to enhance the experience for young adventurers, while keeping the playground open and accessible during construction.

Importantly for long-time visitors, the iconic concrete tunnels and the large wooden fort—both favourites for generations—will remain untouched during this stage. However, future upgrades will focus on these much-loved structures. The tunnels, which are aging and no longer meet safety standards, will be completely replaced in a way that retains their nostalgic charm. The wooden fort will also be upgraded to ensure it’s safer and more accessible, while still staying true to its original character.

The revamp is part of a broader effort to make Belair National Park even more family-friendly, ensuring it continues to be a top destination for nature play and outdoor fun. With a strong focus on safety, accessibility, and preserving the park’s natural beauty, this upgrade is one to watch!

So, where is Innes you ask? Innes National Park is located on the Yorke Peninsula, around 3.5 hours from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. You’ll more than likely head North out of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ to Port Wakefield, turn left and drive past Ardrossan, Minlaton, Warooka and then into Marion Bay, the last town before you hit Innes.

Head to the Visitor Centre as you enter to pay your car entry fee (or buy it online before you go) and get a map and information from the friendly Park Rangers.

Who would love it? There is something for everyone at Innes but keen surfers, campers and fisher(wo)men this is your national park paradise! Unfortunately mountain bikers and furry friends are not permitted.

What would my kids love the most?

Beautiful Beaches
If blue water, white sand and not many people is your idea of beach heaven, Innes has them!
Spend hours exploring the crystal clear rock pools at Shell Beach, swim in the bluest of blue waters at Dolphin Beach, drive your car onto the beach at Pondalowie, spend hours at the beautiful calm shallow water at Penguin Point or watch the surfers from the deck at Chinaman’s Hat. Innes is a surfers delight with waves for kids and beginners at places like Pondalowie Bay right up to world class lefts at “Chi’s”

Ahoy! Go Shipwreck Hunting
Over 40 shipwrecks lay off the coast of Innes National Park and you can follow the maritime trail along the coast line to read the stories that go with some of the more famous ones including The Ethel, that came to grief in 1904. When sand conditions are right you can see The Ethel wreck, as well as the partially buried boiler of the Ferret on the same beach.

You can also read about the Pareora at Cape Spencer lighthouse while checking out the sunset! (see below) Check in at the Innes Visitor centre for more info on the Shipwreck Trail.

Go Bush Camping
Innes offers two large campgrounds at Stenhouse Bay and at Pondalowie that are suitable for caravans, trailers and tents as well as five smaller grounds within the park for proper bush style tent camping. Wake up to the sound of the waves, catch your own fish for dinner, and do some incredible star gazing right from your tent. Sites are limited and you need to book them

A spectacular sunset at Cape Spencer Lighthouse
Head to Cape Spencer lighthouse about half an hour before sunset (you can check what time that is ) and do not forget your camera! Even if it’s cloudy the views across the cliffs and out over Investigator Strait are spectacular.

Play spotto for Emus!

Step back in time and explore the Inneston village and the ruins of an abandoned gypsum town along the Inneston Historic walk. It was a fully run town with 500 residents at its peak but by 1970 Inneston had become a ghost town as mining operations ceased. A very interesting walk through history.

When to go

This is a great park to visit all year round. Summer is warm and dry, great for camping and perfect for the beach.  Autumn is cooler and best suited to bushwalking and sightseeing. In spring, you’ll be rewarded with a park in magnificent colour as the wildflowers bloom – Spring is also when we spotted the cute emu chicks in the image above! Winter transforms the park into a fresh green landscape, with wild seas and large surf.

For more info visit the Parks SA website

A 4 hour drive from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, Mount Remarkable National Park is an ideal place to take the family.
There’s lots of diverse wildlife and campgrounds with good facilities. The park is a popular destination for bush walking, with trails for all ages and abilities and camping too!
The mild temperatures from April to October are the most comfortable for walking. It’s also the best time of year to see wildlife and admire the park’s spectacular native flora.
Summers are warm to hot with little rainfall. During the summer months, temperatures range from 30-45°C, making walking more challenging. Make sure you take plenty of water on walks in this area.

Where is Mount Remarkable?

The park is located 45km north of Port Pirie. Access is from National Highway One via Mambray Creek.
Alligator Gorge can be reached via a picturesque – but sometimes challenging – drive commencing 1km south of Wilmington on Main North Road. This road is very steep and is unsuitable for caravans, camper trailers and buses.
You can walk into the park from the adjacent town of Melrose, which lies at the foot of Mount Remarkable.
Please note: There are no public roads that pass through Mount Remarkable National Park. Horrocks Pass and Port Germein Gorge are the nearest public roads to the park where you can pass over the Flinders Ranges in an east-west direction.

What can I do at Mount Remarkable?

Bush walking
These trails cater for all ages and levels of fitness, varying in length and difficulty from challenging overnight treks and the long distance Heysen Trail to the easier and shorter walks at Alligator Gorge and Mambray Creek.

Recommended for kids...

Easy Walks…

• Ali Lookout Walk (15 mins return, 400m) A short and easy walk with spectacular views of Alligator Gorge below. Access: Alligator Gorge.
• Gorge Lookout Walk (20 mins return, 600m) A short and easy walk with spectacular views of the Alligator Basin. Access: Alligator Gorge.
• Mambray Creek Walk (1 hr return, 3km) An easy walk through Red River Gums and native pine forest. The trail links the Day Visitor Area and the Mambray Creek Campground. Access: Mambray Creek.
• Wirra Water Loop (30 mins return, 1.6km) This interpretive section of the Mambray Creek Walk explains the importance of water in the area as you explore rocky river beds. Access: Mambray Creek.

Moderate hikes

• Alligator Gorge Ring Route Hike (4 hrs return, 9 km) Follow the full length of Alligator Gorge. Uneven and loose gorge floor. Access: Alligator Gorge

Mountain Bike Riding

• The Willowie Forest trail network is a soft adventure, mountain bike trail opportunity that can also be used by walkers. The historical forest access tracks offer cyclists the chance to ride trails of varying distance from the smaller Echidna loop to the longer Monitor Loop that follows along the foothills of the Mt Remarkable Range.

Easy tracks

• 
  Echidna Loop (1.7km loop)
  A short loop from the car park that circles formerly cleared cropping land of the farm.
  
• 
  Possum Loop (4.2km loop)
  A loop trail that heads north out to the park boundary then connects to the Melrose – Wilmington Rail Trail and returns south to the car park.
  
• 
  Monitor Loop (6.5km)
  A loop trail which meanders along the foothills of the Mount Remarkable Range. The trail crosses several shallow watercourses and reaches the highest areas of Willowie Forest.
  
• 
  Kookaburra Trail (2.5km)
  
• The Kookaburra Trail provides the chance to travel from the Rail Trail through the native bushland and connect with Kookaburra Creek Bush Retreat that neighbours the park.

Camping

A variety of camping sites and cabin sites available for a true camping adventure! Be sure to check details for your requirements

Picnics

A trip to a National Park is not complete without great picnic facilities and this park does not disappoint. Picnic and barbeque facilities are available at the Mambray Creek Day Visitor Area and Blue Gum Flat. There are no rubbish bins in the park so please take your rubbish with you.

Do Not Forget Your…

• Marshmallows for roasting by the campfire
• Gumboots for all the flowing creeks and secret paths you might discover
• Camera to capture the beauty in winter and any wildlife friends you might make!
• Torch for fun camping games
• Pack a picnic for a great outing

For more info check out the National Parks site e.

This park is not in the local 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ neighbourhood but if you’re nearby in the area it’s worth the trip, actually even if you’re not in the area and need a trip away then put Lincoln National Park on your bucket list !

Lincoln National Park is the place to be for the start of summer because this park is all things Summer! The weather is warm, and usually dry and therefore great for camping and ideal for beach lovers. If you visit during late winter and spring – the best time for walking – you’re likely to see the park teeming with native flora and birdlife.

Entry to Lincoln National Park is 13km south west of Port Lincoln via Proper Bay Rd. The park is on the south-eastern tip of the Eyre Peninsula and is an 8 hour, 680km drive from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. The trip can be shortened by taking the ferry from Wallaroo to Cowell, when it is operating (currently not operating!).

Boating, fishing, beachcombing, swimming, bird watching, whale watching and nature walks are all popular activities in this park. A variety of designated campgrounds in the park offer easy access to the beaches, bays and walking trails.

Lincoln National Park overlooks Boston Bay, the largest natural harbour in Australia, with granite headlands, sheltered bays and scenic offshore islands. On the southern side of the park are the massive, wind-sculpted sand dunes of the Sleaford-Wanna dune system and the pounding surf of the Southern Ocean.

For some great ideas when visiting the locals recommend…

Fishing

There are excellent fishing spots all over Lincoln National Park. Try beach fishing for Australian salmon at Millers Hole or Salmon Hole along the Sleaford-Wanna Track (4WD only). Alternatively, cast your fishing line from any one of the sheltered bays and coves scattered throughout the park.

If you plan to go offshore, you can launch your boat from the beach at Taylor’s Landing or from one of the boat ramps in Port Lincoln.

Camping

The campgrounds in Lincoln National Park have easy access to beaches, bays and walking trails, making them an ideal base to explore the parks’ natural features. There is a campground for all campers – from relatively well developed campsites, with pit toilets, that can be accessed by sealed roads to more secluded, undeveloped sites requiring a 4WD vehicle to access.

Memory Cove

located within Lincoln National Park, is a magnificent and secluded bay with a pure white sandy beach, cradled between densely vegetated headlands.

Memory Cove provides a very special camping or day-visit wilderness experience.

Vehicle entry and camping needs to be booked and a key collected to enter Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area.

Bushwalking

There is an extensive network of walking trails in Lincoln National Park that will take you through native scrub and woodland, over beaches, and along cliff tops where you may be lucky enough to spot a sea-eagle or a dolphin.

4WD

The Sleaford-Wanna track offers some of the best sand dune driving experiences on the Eyre Peninsula. Follow the red marker posts and be rewarded with scenery of massive wind-sculpted sand dunes, pounding surf and rugged limestone cliffs along the Southern Ocean

Jump on the for more info.

Nature Play SA and National Parks SA have joined together to provide a range of fun & free events to be held at various National Parks around South Australia. Each month will feature a new park to discover, and the Park of the Month for November is 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Dolphin Sanctuary and International Bird Sanctuary National Park.

So tell me more….

The 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Dolphin Sanctuary is one of the delights you would not expect of metropolitan 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. Located only 20 minutes from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, this marine park is home to around 30 resident bottlenose dolphins, with another 400 transient dolphins that visit at various times. These wild dolphins come here to feed, play, socialise and nurse their calves.

The southern end of the Sanctuary is located only 20 minutes’ drive from the city of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ and is easily accessible from the Historic Port 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. Other access points to the Sanctuary include Garden Island, St Kilda, Snowdens Beach, Outer Harbour and North Haven marina.  

The Bird Sanctuary encompasses over 60km of coastline north of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½, adjacent to Gulf St Vincent, 91¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s northern suburbs and spans across four local council areas. Within the bird sanctuary sits the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ International Bird Sanctuary National Park – Winaityinaityi Pangkara. Winaityinaityi Pangkara means ‘a country for all birds and the country that surrounds these birds’ in the language of the Kaurna people.

The southern gateway of the Sanctuary, located at the St Kilda foreshore, is only a 30 min drive from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½. The northern gateway, at Thompson Beach is situated on some of 91¹û¶³´«Ã½â€™s pristine coastline featuring samphire and intertidal mudflats.

Three amazing experiences at the Dolphin Sanctuary

Have a picnic lunch along Garden Island foreshore.

Watch the resident population of bottlenose dolphins from the shore, kayak or on a boat tour as the eat, play, socialise.

Paddle your kayak in the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Dolphin Sanctuary and immerse yourself amongst mangroves and creeks.

Three amazing experiences at the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ International Bird Sanctuary

Grab your snorkelling gear and float around Port Gawler’s mangroves.

Pack some snacks and drinking water, then head to Thompson Beach for a morning of migratory bird watching

Bring your own kayak or  and spend the day exploring St Kilda on the water. One location to launch your kayak from is the bank of St Kilda Bay, close to the 

Did you know?

There is a ship’s graveyard site at the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ Dolphin Sanctuary !

Dolphins are present within the Sanctuary all year round, and there are plenty of ways to see them from land, boat or kayak. 

There are a series of walks that you can do to maximise your chances of seeing a sanctuary dolphins without the need to jump on a boat or kayak

Whilst visiting the 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ International Bird Sanctuary you can check out St Kilda Playground

At the International Bird Sanctuary You can stroll along the Garden Island Boardwalk and try to spot dolphins and pelicans.

You can Camp at Port Parham and watch the night sky to see if you can spot a shooting star.

Head over to the for more info.

Five amazing experiences at this park:

1. On a clear night find somewhere around your campsite to watch the night sky for shooting stars and spot constellations such as the Southern Cross, the Saucepan, Orion’s Belt or the Milky Way

2. Paddle your feet in the water at West Bay and stroll along the shoreline to see what nature treasure has washed up on the sand (swimming is not recommended as the Southern Ocean can be very unpredictable). Keep an eye out for the threatened hooded plover who make their home on the sand.

3.Walk the Weirs Cove Hike (3km / 1hr return) through to Cape du Couedic and enjoy the views of Remarkable Rocks, lighthouse heritage, the Casuarina Islets and the Western KI Marine Park.

4.Before the sun sets head to Remarkable Rocks and watch the changing colours of the sky and rocks.

5.Head to Admirals Arch and see how many seal pups can you see. You’ll need to look closely as they camouflage against the rocks.

Camping Options

Revel in the wilderness of Flinders Chase by camping under the stars at one of four secluded campgrounds available. Do not forget your marshmallows and that is half price for the month of October!

Campsites need to be booked prior to arrival.

Rocky River campground (22 sites)

Suitable for: tents, camper trailers, camper vans, caravans and motorhomes

Facilities: toilets, hot showers, water (non-potable), gas barbecues and picnic shelters

A great base from which to explore the highlights at the western end of Kangaroo Island. Set up camp among the eucalypt saplings, just a short walk from the Visitor Centre. 

Harvey’s Return campground (8 sites)

Suitable for: tents, camper trailers and camper vans

Facilities: toilets and picnic area

This campground is the old landing site for the light station and is near the historic light keepers’ cemetery. Cape Borda Lighthouse is within walking distance.

Snake Lagoon campground (8 sites)

Suitable for: tents, camper trailers and camper vans

Facilities: toilets and picnic area

This campground is located 9km from the Visitor Centre and is the starting point for the Snake Lagoon Hike. The hike leads to the river mouth where you can enjoy impressive views of the Southern Ocean. The campground is set on the banks of a now-dry lagoon and is also the end point of the Rocky River Hike, which starts at the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre and explores the many riparian (river bank) communities.

What can I do at Flinders Chase National Park?

Mountain Biking

You can ride your bike on roads open to the public. All walking trails within the park are for pedestrians only.

Wildlife

In Flinders Chase National Park you can see a range of wildlife.   The park is also a haven for a diversity of woodland birds, many of which are declining on the mainland. Look for the bold colours of scarlet robins and golden whistlers. Listen for the rare western whipbird and fan-tailed cuckoo. Scan the coast during Winter and Spring for migrating whales or observe the resident fur seals all year round from an easy vantage point at Cape du Couedic.

Bushwalking

Kangaroo Island’s rugged coastline offers keen bushwalkers spectacular coastal scenery, pristine rivers, tracts of undisturbed native vegetation and opportunities to observe abundant and diverse wildlife. Most of the coast is very isolated and provides trekkers with a true wilderness experience. The trails cater for all levels of fitness and adventure and our classification system makes it easy to select an experience suitable for you.

Whale Watching

Between mid-May and late October whales migrate from sub-Antarctic water to the comparatively warmer waters of the South Australian coast to calve and mate.  While the whale visitors are mostly southern right whales, we also have sightings of sperm whales, humpbacks, blue whales and the occasional orca. 

Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area offer ideal vantage points to see these majestic creatures.  If you are visiting during whale season, keep an extra keen eye on the ocean at these following places

• Cape du Couedic Lookout, Flinders Chase National Park
• Weirs Cove Lookout, Flinders Chase National Park
• Admirals Arch Lookout, Flinders Chase National Park
• , Flinders Chase National Park
• Scott Cove Lookout, Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

For more information through National Parks, check .