Fantastic news with the announcement that from December 13 2020, we will be able to walk, cycle and explore Hope Valley Reservoir for the first time in 150 years (give or take a year or two). Construction is about to commence, with first cab off the rank being a network of walking and cycling trails which will take you from the reservoir and link with existing paths alongside the O-Bahn busway.
The fabulous new nature playground opened in June 2020 and it is a beautiful space for the kids to explore, with plenty of large boulders, huge logs, nooks and hidey holes to use their imagination in. But this isn’t totally without those creature comforts of home, with toilets thankfully!
The playground is better accessed off Georgia Court (if you’re not up for a walk), but if using the main entry its located across the dam wall at the end. There’s toilets and LOTS of mud (when we visited at least….but it was the middle of winter!) but we wouldn’t say that’s a bad thing though, what kid doesn’t love mud and splashing in puddles. Just make sure you pack appropriate clothes and shoes. You will also find a few under cover seating areas as well as a water play area with a drinking fountain.
Constructed in 1873 with a water capacity of 2.9 billion litres, the Hope Valley Reservoir was the second reservoir built in Adelaide and is currently the city’s oldest reservoir still in use.
The site in Adelaide’s north east is among several reservoirs across South Australia that the State Government has opened for recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking and biking.
Find it at: South Road, Myponga Attention Nature Lovers! The Myponga Reservoir is open to the general public for all sorts of land based and on water outdoor, recreational and nature based activities! Around an hours drive from Adelaide CBD you can walk, run or cycle around bushland tracks with water views, enjoy picnics, take in the stunning scenery and animal watching at lookouts and viewing platforms and so much more. KayakingOn-water access for kayaking and fishing will be allowed at Myponga Reservoir from 28 March, 2021. Bring your own kayak or hire one from Myponga Kayak Hire (call ahead to book) WalkingThe 3.3km (approx.) loop track on the south east side of the reservoir takes you through open plains, forested areas and native vegetation. The unsealed trail is suitable for walking and running and is short and sweet for little feet. There are little “ look out “ parts off the loop you can add or you can stick to the loop and keep it short and fun! There is a toilet on the track, rest places to sit and enjoy the view, picnic tables and SO MUCH to explore and investigate. Moss, mud, pine cones, birds, kangaroos and…
Find it at: Bowman Park Road, Crystal Brook The incredible new nature play space at Bowman Park Crystal Brook is now open! The photos below just look incredible and we can't wait to head up and have a look on our next road trip. Designed and built by the uber talented folks at Climbing Tree Consultancy (Simon has been promising to show us his shed...which we expect will be EPIC!), built in only 9 weeks (meanwhile painting a toy box has taken me about 3 months so far....) after an idea 3 years in the design and planning, the result is a stunning play space located along the edge of a creek with majestic river redgums and an abundance of local wildlife. What we love is how the whole community has come together for this, with talented local artists and builders providing their amazing skills but also rocks, machinery and other little gems you will find during your adventures. We think they have absolutely nailed it. Just a short drive off the main Highway to Port Pirie and Port Augusta, this is the NEW detour that you just have to take!
Will kayaking be available at Hope Valley Reservoir?