Para Wirra is the last of the Adelaide parks to have the upgrades completed; new camp ground, Gawler View picnic area and nature play forest.
The park has free vehicle entry for all of May so it’s a great time for families to visit.
There are over 100 species of birds living in the park, including the cheeky emus you’ll see patrolling the picnic grounds. You can see kangaroos grazing at dawn and dusk, and on a warm day bearded dragons and sleepy lizards bask in the sunshine. If you’re in luck you might also spot a short-beaked echidna, a shy creature whose diggings can be found throughout the park.
This park is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset (the park is open 24 hours to campers via the Eastern gate entrance).
Some of the Ranger Recommended highlights of Parra Wirra include
HIKING
There’s a walk to suit everyone, whether it is a leisurely stroll on the Lake Discovery Loop, a hike through the spectacular gorges on the Devil’s Nose Hike or embarking on the South Para Grand Hike.
PLAY
You’ll love the recently upgraded facilites at the park including a nature play forest, picnic areas, car parks, signage, shared and disability access trails and disability access toilets. Bikes are now allowed on some trails, with grades suitable for families.
PICNIC
at Gawler View and enjoying the Nature Play Forest with the young ones. Afterwards, take a family hike along the Lizard Rock Hike.
BAROSSA GOLDFIELDS walk through a once thriving gold mining area and visit Bowden’s Cottage Museum
WALK YOUR DOG (on a lead) around the shores of the lake. This is particularly beautiful in the early morning and in the evenings before sunset.
CAMP Spend a night under the stars at the Wirra campground, one of the closest camping spots to metro Adelaide. Be sure to bring a good torch to look for wildlife active at night. Situated at the eastern end of the park, in amongst the pink gums, grass trees and hop bush this brand new campground has 19 campsites, including six that are suitable for small campervans, camper trailers and caravans, a toilet (including disabled access), a basic camp kitchen, gas barbecues and fire pits in each camp site for use outside the fire ban season. Click here to book online
You might also be interested in
-
Intrigued by the name on a recent trip to the South East (Limestone Coast), we couldn't help but divert 14 km south of Keith to check out Mount Monster Conservation Park. Turns out it's claim to fame is not really that monstrous at all, but is home to an unusual geological feature, that seems quite out of place, a big granite outcrop that can't be found any where else in SA. A short hike (more of a rock scramble - achievable with kids) to the summit rewarded us with uninterrupted views over the area and would make for a pretty cool sunset spot. For the inquisitive (not my kids on this occasion), an interpretive self-guided walk around the base of the granite outcrop will reveal some of the secrets of Mount Monster. We saw some pretty fascinating wildflowers, bird life and kangaroos in the distance. It is apparently not uncommon to come across wallabies, echidna, woodland birds, and reptiles. Our highlight was skimming rocks in an old water filled quarry. A great spot for a picnic and we highly recommend a meal or refreshment break at the Willalooka Tavern near by. (We knocked back a dozen oysters and some wood…
-
Where is Hallet Cove Conservation Park? Hallet Cove Conservation Park is located 22 km south of Adelaide and there is public transport from the city to this park! When is the best time to visit? Hallet Cove Conservation Park is stunning all year round. In Summer the coastline nature goes into "survival mode" with many plants exposed to a hot summer. Autumn will see the plants regaining their vigour with many bird species on show. Winter will showcase the storms and the changing the scenery from pure pebbles to sand almost overnight and followed by Spring with the wildflowers in full bloom. What can I do at Hallet Cove Conservation Park? Bushwalking - The Coast Park Path boardwalk is the main trail which follows the coastal cliffs through the park. The Glacial Hike takes visitors inland to the geological points of interest, such as the Sugarloaf and Amphitheatre, and offers some beautiful photo opportunities within the park. Interpretive signs along the Glacial Hike tell the Geological, Aboriginal and European story of the area. Spot Marine Creatures - Dont forget your snorkle or googles to spot some marine life like biscuit stars at the base of black cliff. Discover - Walk…
-
Find it at: Morialta Conservation Park, Woodforde 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 $900,000 development 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! The Morialta Conservation Park Playground is located just 10…
