It's school holiday time again! Make the most of the spring sunshine with Nature Play SA's top spots to picnic, bush walk and bike ride.

Words Claire Lock and Jason Tyndall

Top 10 Picnic Spots

1. Mambray Creek, Mt Remarkable National Park
A few hours from Adelaide, families can picnic among mountain ranges, ancient rock terraces and gorges, old river red gums, and flowing creeks at Mambray Creek Day Visit area in Mount Remarkable National Park. 

Distance from Adelaide: 300km north (45km north of Port Pirie)
Parking and amenities: Parking and spacious visitor areas with toilets, gas barbecues, picnic tables, and options for short and long bush walks.
Things to do: Try the Mambray Creek Walk or select from easy to challenging bike trails and hikes (including multi-day hikes). Alligator Gorge, the Terraces, creek walks, and Mount Remarkable Summit are popular beyond the Day Visit Area. Book a campsite or accommodation at Mambray Cabin and Alligator Lodge. Find more spring ideas to enjoy in the park here.

 

2. Hazelwood Park, City of Burnside
Spend a day or special occasion in the beautiful open spaces of State Heritage Listed Hazelwood Park. Families can enjoy picnic areas, extensive path networks, spacious lawns, shady trees, and local wildlife, like koalas and lorikeets.

Distance from Adelaide: 7.2km east
Parking and amenities: Grassed areas with plenty of shade, barbecues, toilets, seating, shelters, and paths. Wheelchair and pram accessible areas are available, including the popular playground.
Things to do: Stroll around the duck-filled pond and spot waterbirds. Explore the Wombat Waterhole Playground, visit the small war memorial, and take a dip at the George Bolton Swimming Centre in summer.

3. Stradbroke Road Picnic Area, Morialta Conservation Park
Morialta is a much-loved spot for creek adventures, picnics, hiking, mountain biking, koala spotting, and the award-winning Mukanthi Playground – all accessible from the Stradbroke Road Picnic Area in Morialta Conservation Park.

Distance from Adelaide: 10km northeast
Parking and amenities: Parking, toilets, BBQs, shaded tables and benches, and grassed areas for ball games.
Things to do: Discover many easy to challenging walks in Morialta Conservation Park, such as the accessible Morialta Falls Valley Walk or harder Morialta Falls Plateau Hike. Explore the playground and Fourth Creek (listen for frogs and keep an eye out for tadpoles, yabbies, and birds like rosellas and wrens.) Discover 10 things to do at Morialta and more ideas here.  

 

4. Blue Lake, Mount Gambier
Marvel at the mystery of Mount Gambier’s Blue Lake. Once an extinct volcano, the Lake changes colour from faded blue to rich turquoise in spring.

Distance from Adelaide: 437km southeast
Parking and amenities: Toilets, cafe, parking, and trails
Things to do: Stop at a lookout to picnic and take in the views. Stroll the 3.6km Lake trail (allow 45 minutes). Tours are available (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) that explore the history, geology, and significance of the Lake to the Boandik people. Explore other local gems in and around Mt Gambier, such as Railway Lands Nature Play Space, Naracoorte Caves, and wineries and cellar doors.

 

5. Heron Way Reserve, Hallett Cove
With one of the most spectacular backdrops, Heron Way Reserve offers sea views, open spaces, a playground, and a local café. Explore the adjoining Hallett Cove Conservation Park’s rich geology, ancient glaciers, and world-famous Sugarloaf formation.

Distance from Adelaide: 22km south
Parking and amenities: Toilets, cafe, wheelchair and pram accessible areas, parking, trails, beach access, playground, and picnic areas
More things to do: Explore two local trails: Coast Park Path and the Conservation Park’s Glacier Hike (learn about the ice age, wildlife, and cultural and geological heritage via interpretative signage.) Make stacks from smooth pebbles on Hallett Cove beach or beach-comb and peer at rock pools. See these top five things to do in the Conservation Park or discover more nature play ideas here.

 

6. Walnut Paddock, Belair National Park
Belair National Park is an Adelaide favourite with open spaces for gatherings, celebrations, and picnics, and an array of recreational facilities and shelters for hire. From almost any part of the Park, families can discover bushwalks that meander through woodlands, lakes, and creeks.

Distance from Adelaide: 13km southeast
Parking and amenities: Toilets, parking, sporting ovals and courts, plant nursery, playground, and a kiosk in peak periods. Find picnic areas throughout the park – note shelters with amenities, such as Walnut Paddock, require booking and park entry fees are payable at the gate or online. Accessible car parks and toilets are available (see Accessibility Map).
More things to do: Explore the park by bike. Spend an afternoon at the adventure playground and build a cubby using long fallen sticks. Spot wildflowers, birds, and butterflies in bushland. Visit the nursery for native plants for your garden. Spot waterbirds at Playford Lake and take a gentle stroll along Wood Duck Walk. Discover 20 things to notice in National Parks and more nature play ideas.

 

7. Felixstow Reserve, City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters 
Felixstow is an award-winning hidden gem with large open spaces, relaxing wetland interpretive trails, abundant nature, and sports and fitness opportunities.

Distance from Adelaide: 7.6km northeast
Parking and amenities: Toilets, car parking around the reserve perimeter, wheelchair-friendly grassy areas, seating, and barbecues. Sports facilities include basketball courts, a netball ring, bocce, table tennis, and fitness stations.
Things to do: Wander the interpretive Kaurna Trail with educational signage. Spot wetland birds, fly kites, hop across the creek on the purpose-built rock bridge, and explore the natural surrounds. Ride the River Torrens Linear Park Trail. Please note there are no fences around the wetlands.

 

8. Botanic Gardens, Blackwood, Adelaide & Mount Lofty

South Australia’s Botanic Gardens have so much to offer every season, making them a perfect natural setting for picnics and exploring. Each garden provides unique charms and something for everyone to enjoy and notice.

Distance from Adelaide: Wittunga Botanic Garden (21km), Adelaide Botanic Garden (CBD), Mt Lofty Botanic Garden (16km)
Parking and amenities: Toilets, seating, shelters, and prams and wheelchair accessible trails. Cafe and function facilities at Adelaide Botanic Garden. All gardens have parking (fees apply for Adelaide and Mt Lofty, except Sundays and public holidays)
Things to do: In Wittunga, stroll around the wetland, relax on the lawns, find the 24 interpretive signs on the Wittunga Naming Walk, and visit local Blackwood businesses for a coffee. In Mt Lofty, explore the many themed areas, nature trails, and panoramic views from nearby Mt Lofty Summit. In Adelaide, discover Little Sprouts Kitchen Garden, First Creek Wetland, SA Water Mediterranean Garden, and other features. Enjoy food and coffee options and the Diggers Garden Shop and Info Centre (currently closed due to COVID).

 

9. Horseshoe Bay, Port Elliot
Located in Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Horseshoe Bay is a picturesque location for a family day out. It’s well worth a day trip to explore its idyllic sandy beach, rocky outcrops, cafes, playground, and open spaces. 

Distance from Adelaide: 82km south
Parking and amenities: Parking, toilets, cafes, trails, playground, seating, grassy areas to picnic and play.
Things to do: Ride along the nearby Encounter Bikeway. Go Beachcombing, swim, and make sandcastles in the sheltered bay, sit on the jetty, or walk to Freemans Knob to look over the coastline. Visit the Flying Fish Cafe or award-winning Port Elliot Bakery for a bite to eat. For more ideas, see these 20 things to notice along the SA coast.

 

10. Stamford Beach, Lincoln National Park
With spectacular ocean views and a wild ruggedness, Stamford Beach will capture your family’s imagination. It’s the perfect starting point to fuel up with a picnic lunch before exploring Lincoln National Park. 

Distance from Adelaide: 680km west (13km southwest of Port Lincoln)
Parking and amenities: Shelters, toilets, parking, trails, and beach access. 15 campgrounds are available, as well as glamping and other accommodation options. Download the Park map here. 
Things to do: Spot wildflowers, go beachcombing, swim, or try your luck at fishing. Wander one of the many trails, such as Wanna Lookout and Stamford Hill. Look out for White-bellied Sea Eagles and Ospreys flying near the cliffs and offshore islands. Find more ideas here.

 

10 Bushwalks for Families

1. Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta
Stroll Adelaide’s newest National Park, officially opened to the public in August 2020. Located on Kaurna Country in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, families can now discover the Glenthorne hub and be part of history-in-the-making as the Park develops and grows.

Distance from Adelaide: 16km south of Adelaide
Parking and amenities: Park ranger station. Currently, no facilities as the Park is under construction (view the master plan to see what’s coming soon, like a nature play space, camping sites, and more.)
Walks: A new 4km temporary loop trail starts and ends near the ranger station on Majors Road, O’Halloran Hill. Interpretive signage shares the park’s history and future plans
More things to do:  Keep up to date with the Park’s development or lend a hand volunteering at planting days and other events. Look for flocks of Endangered Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos in trees or flying across the landscape. Discover nearby precincts of the National Park, including O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park, and Marino and Hallett Cove Conservation Parks.

 

2. Para Wirra Conservation Park
Para Wirra is a northern nature oasis, featuring twelve walking trails of varying grades and the South Para River. Families can explore the area’s rich Aboriginal and European history, discover wildlife like Western Grey Kangaroos, and let the kids burn off energy walking or riding along shared-use trails.   

Distance from Adelaide: 41 km north
Parking and amenities: Toilets, parking, picnic areas, nature playground, BBQs, and wheel-chair accessible campground
Walks:  For shorter family hikes, try Lake Discovery Walk (1 km) or find a rock that resembles a lizard’s head on Lizard Rock Hike (1.6 km). For a bigger challenge, Devils Nose Hike (4.4 km) will reward with stunning views. Learn about the historic gold rush along the Barossa Goldfields interpretative walk.
More things to do: Spend a few days in the park by booking one of the 19 new campsites. Climb trees and fallen logs, build a cubby and test the flying fox at the Nature Play Forest. Look for emus, kangaroos, echidnas, and bushland birds. Learn more with these Ranger tips and nature play ideas.

 

3. Woorabinda Bushland Reserve
Families will be captivated by the majestic lake, bushland, and wildlife of Woorabinda, located near Stirling in the Adelaide Hills. Discover 4 km of trails and special features like the poetry bench, bird hide, and resident turtles in this peaceful 34-hectare site.

Distance from Adelaide: 20km east
Parking and amenities: Parking available. Visit Stirling for toilets and local shops
Walks: Stroll around the lake or take a self-guided walk using this brochure via the Friends of Woorabinda Bushland Reserves. For a longer route, try the Woorabinda Bushland Reserve Loop (5.4 km) which connects four park areas. Discover the trails map here.
More things to do: Find a place to picnic in the park. Observe birds from the timber hide or investigate what water bugs(macroinvertebrates) you can see. Read poems or compose your own as you reflect at the poetry bench. Notice the features of different plants and habitats, like Stringybark woodlands, aquatic reeds, and blooming wildflowers.

 

 4. Morialta Conservation Park

Morialta is a much-loved spot for bushwalking, creek adventures, mountain biking, rock climbing, wildlife spotting, and the award-winning Mukanthi Playground. In winter and spring, the waterfalls enthral families (along with a climb into Giant’s Cave).

Distance from Adelaide: 10km northeast
Parking and amenities: Parking, toilets, BBQs, shaded tables and benches available, grassed areas for ball games
Walks: Discover eight walks. Morialta Falls Valley Walk (1.6 km) is accessible to prams and limited mobility, taking in popular sights. Morialta Falls Plateau Hike (2.5km) features panoramic views of Adelaide. For a challenge, try Second Falls Gorge Hike (5.3km) or Three Falls Grand Hike (7.3km)
More things to do: Learn about Kaurna culture as you explore the playground and Fourth Creek. Try to spot Peregrine Falcons from Park lookouts. Listen for frogs and keep an eye out for tadpoles, yabbies, and birds like rosellas and wrens. Check out these 10 things to do at Morialta or find more nature play ideas here. 

 

5. Belair National Park
Families can walk one of nine mesmerising trails in Adelaide’s oldest National Park, taking in woodlands, lakes, creeks, and picnic areas. Keep an eye out for resident kangaroos, koalas, emus, echidnas, bandicoots, and birdlife on your travels.

Distance from Adelaide: 13km east
Parking and amenities: Parking, picnic areas, BBQ, toilets, and dog walking. Find accessibility amenities and information here.
Walks: Options are available for easy walks to hard hikes. Young families can wander around Playford Lake on the Wood Duck Walk (1km) or try the Lorikeet Loop Walk (3km) which includes the Adventure Playground. The Waterfall Hike (6.5km) and Adventure Loop Trail (13km) will challenge active families.
More things to do: Pack a torch and walk through Echo Tunnel. Go for a family bike ride (see our tips here). Pack a picnic and build a cubby at the adventure playground. Spot wildflowers, birds, and butterflies in bushland or visit the native plant nursery. Find more nature play ideas here.

 

6. Onkaparinga National Park

A southern Adelaide nature refuge, Onkaparinga River National Park captures family’s imaginations with its walking trails, magnificent lookouts, river gorge, seasonal wildflowers, and local wildlife.

Distance from Adelaide: 35km south
Parking and amenities: Parking, toilets, camping, and picnic areas
Trails: Choose from 14 Park trails, ranging from moderate to hard hikes. Punchbowl Lookout Trail (2 km) is popular with families and suitable for prams and limited mobility access. Choose Sundews Ridge Hike (4 km) for a more adventurous option. Steeper Gorge trails include Gorge Hike (6 km).
More things to do: Take in the views at Punchbowl and Sundews Lookouts. Hike into the River Gorge to see the valley, permanent rock pools, and wildlife. Book a site at the new Pink Gum campground. Visit the nearby Onkaparinga River Recreation Park to kayak, walk the Wetlands Loop Trail (3km or 4.5km), and spot birds like Sandpipers and Swamphens in the Onkaparinga Estuary. Find Ranger tips here. 

 

7. Kuitpo Forest
Kuitpo Forest is a cherished destination to walk, mountain bike, horse ride, picnic, and camp. Explore pine and eucalypt forests on your adventures, keeping an eye out for koalas, kangaroos, butterflies, and yellow-tailed black cockatoos.

Distance from Adelaide: 47km south
Parking and amenities: Toilets, parking, campground and accommodation options, fire pits (for use outside of fire ban season)
Trails:  Discover these four walks. Families can stroll the Eucalyptus Trail (2 km) at Rocky Creek Hut and Chookarloo Walk (1.1 km) from the Chookarloo Campground and Picnic Area. For long hikes, try the 12km Tinjella Trail or 10.8km Onkeeta Trail. The Heysen Trail also travels through Kuitpo.
More things to do: Pack a picnic to enjoy in the shade or open grassy areas. Discover local creeks, hidden cubbies, and fallen logs at Rocky Creek Hut or Chookarloo. Families can spot wildflowers, birds, and signs of wildlife such as echidnas and kangaroos. Book to camp with family and friends from April to November. Explore trails in the nearby Kyeema Conservation Park.

 

8. Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
Cobbler Creek Recreation Park is a northern nature refuge ideal for family walking adventures. Discover the many trails through tree-lined creeks and along ridge tops with scenic Adelaide views.

Distance from Adelaide: 19km north
Parking and amenities: Parking, picnic areas, BBQ, toilets, playground, bike pump track
Walks: Find 5 popular walks here, including Valley Circuit (4km), Porosa Hike (3km) and the Babbler and Ruins Loops (3.6 and 3.4km). Learn about bush tucker and Kaurna culture on the 2.4km Mai Tappa Circuit (meaning ‘food pathway’ in Kaurna language)
More things to do: Run wild on the Kites and Kestrels playground. Spot kestrels hovering above grassy areas and lizards sunning themselves on fine days. Bike ride on purpose-built beginner and intermediate trails (as well as advanced downhill and jump trails for experienced riders). Discover five treasures of Cobbler Creek and more things to do here.

 

9. Mannum Falls
A short drive from Adelaide, families can walk, rock hop, and explore the scenic Mannum Falls and Reedy Creek (the waterfalls flow in winter, spring, and following rain). Find reed beds, water pools, granite rocks, ancient gum trees, and birdlife like Wedge-tailed Eagles, Galahs, and Whistling Kites.

Distance from Adelaide: 85km east of Adelaide (Murraylands)
Parking and amenities: Upper and lower car parks are available, with a toilet near the lower park
Walks: A 3km undulating, moderate-grade trail with some steeper sections. The first water pools are a short walk from the lower car park (find the first falls approximately 750m further on). Note this trail is not recommended in hot weather
More things to do: Pack a picnic and ample water (shops available in Mannum or Murray Bridge). Look for aquatic water bugs(macroinvertebrates) and local birdlife. Enjoy other regional attractions, like a visit to the banks of the River Murray or a visit to Monarto Zoo.

 

10. Deep Creek Conservation Park

Located on the Fleurieu Peninsula, Deep Creek makes for a memorable day trip or weekend getaway. Families can enjoy rugged landscapes, 15 bushwalking trails, expansive coastal views, big night skies, wildflowers, orchids, and abundant wildlife.

Distance from Adelaide: 100km south
Parking and amenities: Parking, toilets, picnic areas, campgrounds and accommodation. Accessible options available.
Walks: For easy walks popular with young families, try Stringy Bark Loop Walk (1.5km) or Forest Circuit Walk (2.6km). Discover the majestic Deep Creek Waterfall from Tent Rock Road (3.5km) or Tapanappa Lookout (7km). Find more bushwalks here. Accessible trail options are available, and a TrailRider all-terrain wheelchair can be hired from the District Council of Yankalilla.
Things to do:  Book an overnight stay at one of five campgrounds. Watch for shooting stars and constellations like Orion’s belt on a clear night. Hike down to the sea at Deep Creek Cove or Blowhole Beach. Watch for kangaroos grazing at dawn and dusk. Visit nearby regional wonders, like Ingallala Falls and Talisker Conservation Park. Find more seasonal nature play ideas here.

 

10 Bike Rides for Families

1. Belair National Park

Explore Adelaide’s oldest National Park by mountain bike, cycling trails, and public roads. Families can pedal by woodlands, lakes, creeks, and picnic areas while keeping an eye out for kangaroos, koalas, emus, echidnas, and birdlife. 

Location: Belair (13km from Adelaide)
Trail options:  Options available for beginner to advanced riders. Families can ride fire trails from Playford Lake to the Adventure Playground or try the Microcarpa Loop Trail. Those wanting a challenge can tackle the 13km Adventure Loop Trail.
More things to do: Build a cubby at the adventure playground. Stretch the legs on one of the Park’s many walking trails (pack a torch to visit Echo Tunnel.) Spot wildflowers, birds, and butterflies in bushland or visit the native plant nursery. Find more nature play ideas here.

 

2. Coast Park

Breathe the wild air with a leisurely ride along Adelaide’s coastline. Choose how long you ride for on this 70 km pathway, taking in the sights of our metropolitan beaches, dunes, cliffs, glistening gulf, jetties, and coastal wildflowers.

Location: North Haven to O’Sullivans Beach (note: some southern sections of the pathway are suitable for walking only or have restricted access).
Trail options:  The trail is easily broken into sections between seaside destinations like Semaphore, Henley Beach, Glenelg, Brighton, Moana, and more, making it easy to go for a short or longer ride. Surfaces include paving, boardwalks, and bitumen.
More things to do: Grab a cold drink or bite to eat at a beachside café or Surf Life Saving Club. Look for dolphins and seals surfacing in Gulf St Vincent. Discover Adelaide’s significant Tennyson and North Brighton dunes (spot Stumpy-tailed Lizards sunning themselves.) Look out for Vulnerable Hooded Plovers nesting on beaches. Go for a dip, make sandcastles, and take in the jetty views.

 

3. O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park

Now part of Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, O’Halloran Hill boasts eight mountain bike trails. It’s a popular with active families chasing thrills and testing skills on beginner to advanced trails while enjoying Adelaide’s coast and urban skylines.

Location: Seaview Downs (16km south of Adelaide)
Trail options: Beginners are in luck with many green (easy) trails to explore, gain confidence, and practice skills on features like berms, rollers, switchback climbing turns, and obstacles. (Trail names like Grom Flow, Wiggles, and Sylvanian Families are sure to delight too.) Intermediate and advanced riders are also well catered for – see trail options here.
More things to do: Walk or horse ride along fire trails (note there are no formally maintained walking trails). Dogs on leads are permitted. Visit the nearby Glenthorne National Park ranger’s station on Majors Road, to walk the new 4km loop trail.

 

4. Shepherds Hill Recreation Park

A stone’s throw from the city, Shepherds Hill Recreation Park is a much-loved urban paradise. With 16km of mountain bike trails and BMX jump tracks (including one for beginners), walking trails, and a seasonal creek, it’s the perfect spot to burn energy.

Location: St Marys and Eden Hills (9km south of Adelaide)
Trail options: For beginners, try the River Red Gum Loop or Kids Zone, a safe place to practice riding on dirt (you’ll find natural surfaces with some timber structures). Intermediate trail options allow riders to take in coastal and city views, and test abilities on downhill trails and The Bowl – Pump Track. Learn more here.
More things to do: Explore the creek and hillsides on three bushwalking loops. Balance upon large fallen logs throughout the Park. Look for koalas and spot hollows in ancient gum trees, which provide critical habitat for many common birds and native wildlife. Find more nature play ideas here.

 

5. Myponga Reservoir Reserve
Explore the stunning Myponga Reservoir by bike or foot, taking in sweeping views of the water, open plains, pine forests, and native vegetation. Head to the lookout above the Myponga dam wall for a different perspective of the Reservoir and spillway.

Location:  Myponga (60km south of Adelaide)
Trail options:  An unsealed trail loops 3.3km around the Reservoir and is suitable for riding, walking, and running. 
More things to do: Pack a picnic to enjoy at the tables provided. Spot birds like Little Pied Cormorants, Nankeen Kestrels, and Mistletoe Birds – one of the 120 bird species in the area (see Myponga plants and animals here). Fish from the shoreline in the designated fishing zone (permit required).

 

6. River Torrens Linear Park Trail
Meander along the River Torrens banks – known as Red gum forest river or ‘Karrawirra Parri’ in Kaurna language – on this 30km trail. Marvel at ancient gums, lush reed beds, native vegetation, and birdlife as you travel from the foothills to the city and sea.

Location: Athelstone to Henley Beach
Trail options: Ride for as little of as long as you like. The trail is flatter in the city to the coast section (steeper sections are found from the city to the hills).  Surfaces include bitumen, some gravel, and bridges that allow you to loop back along the other side of the river.
More things to do: Stop for a picnic or play at the parks and playgrounds along the trail, like Felixstow Reserve and Bonython Park. Admire iconic landmarks like the Adelaide Botanic Garden, Adelaide Zoo, Elder Park, and Adelaide Oval. Spot wildlife like kangaroos, koalas, lizards, ducks, and lorikeets. Keep an eye out for native bee hotels, like the one at Highbury.
Safety note: remember to supervise children near watercourses (some river trail sections are steeper and unfenced).

 

7. Anstey Hill Recreation Park
Families can chase thrills on Anstey Hill’s eight beginner to advanced mountain biking trails. Make a day of hitting the trails and discover the unique cultural, heritage, and environmental wonders of this northern Adelaide Park.

Location: Tea Tree Gully (16km north of Adelaide)
Trail options:  A network of 25km of shared-use trails is available (see maps). For beginners, try Little Quarry Loop (also suitable for pram and limited mobility access). Intermediate riders have five loop trail options, taking you past native vegetation, historic ruins, mine shafts, and quarries.
More things to do: Go for a bushwalk (moderate walks to hard hike options available). Try geocaching in the Park for your own real-life treasure hunt. Spot Western Grey Kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, and butterflies. Pack a picnic or enjoy a bite to eat at a local bakery. Discover more nature play ideas here.

 

8. Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
Nestled between Salisbury and Golden Grove, Cobbler Creek Recreation Park is a northern nature refuge ideal for family mountain bike adventures. Discover purpose-built beginner and intermediate trails (as well as advanced downhill and jump trails for experienced riders).

Location: Salisbury East (19km north of Adelaide)
Trail options:  Younger children can ride short Beginners and Easy Does It circuits. Other easy trail options include KAFNARFA Circuit and the Pump Track, allowing kids to hone their skills and progress towards intermediate trails. Discover the full range of trail options here.
More things to do: Run wild on the Kites and Kestrels playground. Bushwalk scenic trails along the creek line and ridge tops. Spot kestrels hovering above grassy areas and lizards sunning themselves on fine days. Learn about bush tucker on the Mai Tappa Circuit (meaning ‘food pathway’ in Kaurna language). Discover the five treasures of Cobbler Creek and more things to do here.

 

9. Encounter Bikeway
Pedal the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula coast along this 31km trail, taking in iconic townships of Goolwa, Middleton, Port Elliot, and Victor Harbor. Families can travel past surf beaches, rocky headlands, calm shores, and significant areas to Ramindjeri / Ngarrindjeri people, like Tokuremoar Reserve.

Location: Goolwa to Victor Harbor, Fleurieu Peninsula (an hour south from Adelaide)
Trail options: Families can choose the length of their ride, with access points readily available along the trail (discover the map here.) Surfaces are a sealed shared-use path, quiet backstreets, and some small compacted gravel sections.
More things to do: Take in panoramic views from The Bluff at Victor Harbor or Freeman’s Knob at Port Elliot. Run wild at Bristow Smith and George T Fisher nature playgrounds. Cross the causeway to marvel at Granite Island’s giant boulders, Little Penguins, and clifftop sculptural trail. Jump aboard The Cockle Train (check dates and book online here). Refuel at a popular local bakery or cafe.

 

10. Coast to Vines Rail Trail
Explore some of South Australia’s best regional attractions along this 37km trail, which follows the historic Rail corridor from Marino to Willunga. Families can enjoy captivating coastal and vineyard views, making the most of play, cultural, and hospitality options along the way.

Location: Marino Rocks Station to the old Willunga station
Trail options: An easy riding trail with completely sealed surfaces. Start small with a short ride or make a day (or more) of exploring the trail. Connections are also available for the Shiraz, Field River, Christies Creek, and Pedlar Creek Trails.
More things to do: At night, discover glow-in-the-dark artwork of native plants and animals on the trail near Hallett Cove station. Picnic or BBQ at playgrounds, like Glade Crescent and Hugh Johnson Reserves. Enjoy regional food and drinks in McLaren Vale or explore the historic Willunga village. Book regional accommodation to explore the trail and local attractions over a few days.

 

For more ideas, visit Nature Play SA.