Laratinga Wetlands is located in the Adelaide Hills suburb of Mt Barker, just off Bald Hills Road. The wetland’s environmental and recreational qualities attract many visitors and has won several awards, including the United Nations Association of Australia World Environment Day Award.
It’s a great place to spend a day walking the wheelchair accessible and pram friendly trails, riding bikes, having picnic, bird watching or just lazing about in the peaceful environment.
There is a designated picnic area with BBQs, tables, benches, shelters, toilets and plenty of seating.
Approximately 150 bird species have been spotted at Laratinga and Interpretive signs have been installed around the walking trails. Each sign along the trail indicates a type of bird species that you could spot at that location. You might even spot a turtle or a frog if you’re lucky. PLEASE don’t feed the ducks though. Bread is unhealthy for birds as it can cause poor nutrition and even make them sick. Feeding birds also encourages unnatural and aggressive behaviour, and favours non-native species.
Find it at: Seymore Drive, Mt Barker There are a heap of new developments up at Mt Barker (only half hour from the city I might add) and with the expansion has come a bunch of brilliant new playgrounds and other play-spaces. The bonus of Barker is aaaallllll of the space to do all of the things....which sometimes you don't get down the hill in town. A brand spanking new spot is in the Aston Hills development on Seymour Drive Mt Barker, which is on the outskirts of Barker so there is bushland and fresh air aplenty. The playground is massive with some fabulous equipment including swings, slides and rope climbing. Parents can sit in the shaded seating area at the top of the hill overlooking the play area which was pretty cool. It is entirely covered in bark which may cause some issues for some to move around and toilets were lacking (maybe something that could be added later wink wink), but overall a nice little playground. But this wasn’t why we made the trip…. Just beyond the playground, on the other side of the hill, a fantastic Aston Hills Adventure Bike Trail has been created. What is a…
Billabong Reserve playground in Para Hills is set in a homely, quiet neighbourhood and is surrounded with a lot of trees and vegetation which partially block it from the road (although it's not fully fenced in). The Billabong Reserve playground was new in 2018 and has many different parts to keep the whole family entertained. There is a climbing frame with a couple of small slides and monkey bars. Nearby there are also 3 different swings, listening horns and even a see-saw ride that an adult could sit on with their child. There's also a transparent clock for children to explore. For families who enjoy wide open space to kick a ball, there is also a soccer field with goals at each end. Kids in Adelaide love the idea of these little community libraries, where you're encouraged to 'Give-a-book, Take-a-book' so remember to bring one along when you visit Billabong Reserve in Para Hills. With lots of seating, it's the perfect place for a picnic with the family. There are no toilets or cooking facilities. Find Billabong Reserve on the corner of Billabong Road and Manooka St, Para Hills. [wpgmza id="138" cat="1" marker="575" zoom="16"]
Cleland Wildlife Park is home to some of Australia's most iconic animals. You'll find kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, wombats, dingoes, many species of birds and reptiles and more. There are very few animal enclosures at Cleland. Most animals live in natural habitat and you can get up close for great photos. The animals are fully adapted to the park setting and accustomed to people, meaning you can pat and feed them. It's more than just looking at animals. You can do a range of experiences including an echindna experience, private koala feed, reptile experiences and birthday parties. And the animals at the park are used to being patted so they will be happy to see you! You can get up close and personal with the koalas and join a guided tours or animal presentation. Cleland is also home to South Australia’s only Butterfly Enclosure and guided tours are available Tuesday - Saturday. Walk amongst and interact with many species of colourful and spectacular butterflies. Learn all about their fascinating life cycle, the importance of butterflies in our environment and how you can attract butterflies to your own gardens. It's so close to Adelaide (less than 20 minutes from the city centre.)…
I'm a Mum of 2 girls and also one 4 legged ratbag of a dog called Rudy. I work from home and family balance out the work/school hours with lots of beach time, walks, bike rides skates, scooters and surfs. We like being outside. Our favourite places in Adelaide are the Adelaide Hills and Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park