Find it at: Garden Island, SA
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 Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and International Bird Sanctuary National Park.
So tell me more….
The Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary is one of the delights you would not expect of metropolitan Adelaide. Located only 20 minutes from Adelaide, 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 Adelaide and is easily accessible from the Historic Port Adelaide. 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 Adelaide, adjacent to Gulf St Vincent, Adelaide’s northern suburbs and spans across four local council areas. Within the bird sanctuary sits the Adelaide 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 Adelaide. The northern gateway, at Thompson Beach is situated on some of Adelaide’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 Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary and immerse yourself amongst mangroves and creeks.
Three amazing experiences at the Adelaide 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 hire one 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 St Kilda Beach Hotel.
Did you know?
There is a ship’s graveyard site at the Adelaide 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 Adelaide 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.
Be sure to check our What’s On Page for great events happening this October in the park !
You might also be interested in
-
If you love bird watching the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary presents an exciting opportunity to explore and appreciate birds in their natural habitat. According to the Parks SA website: "The Bird Sanctuary encompasses over 60km of coastline north of Adelaide, adjacent to Gulf St Vincent, Adelaide’s northern suburbs and spans across four local council areas. Within the bird sanctuary sits the Adelaide 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 Bird Sanctuary sits right at the southern end of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF) and is one of the key feeding and roosting sites for migratory birds who use the flyway each year. Birds fly from as far as Siberia and Alaska, passing through 22 countries. The area acts as a crucial habitat on this migratory route which is used by more than 5 million birds a year, 27,000 of which call Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary home. Whilst being one of Adelaide’s longest continuous conservation areas, the Bird Sanctuary is home to 263 unique fauna and flora species. In particular, the Bird Sanctuary helps protect resident and…
-
Find it at: Upper Sturt Road, Belair 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 Adelaide 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 Adelaide. Access is via Upper Sturt Road, Belair. Public transport from Adelaide CBD is available. Cost: Visit the National Parks SA website 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…
-
Image credit: City of Playford This park is part of a nature reserve, with a small playground that includes a slide, spinner, swings and some cool climbing/balancing equipment Image credit: City of Playford It's a great area for a run around, kick of the ball or somewhere you can sit with the dog (on leash) while the kids have a play Image credit: City of Playford There's not many facilities around though, a bench seat and a rubbish bin is about it. No toilets or shade Thanks to Amy for this playground review 36 Seavington Road, Elizabeth Park[wpgmza id="138" cat="1" marker="559" zoom="16"]
