Roonka Adventure Park is a hidden Riverland gem where adventure meets nature. Owned and run by Scouts SA for over 50 years, it has long been a favourite for school camps, Scouts, and groups. Now families are discovering just how much fun you can have here. Just over an hour and 40 minutes north-east of Adelaide, and nestled on a peaceful stretch of the Murray River near Blanchetown, Roonka is all about outdoor adventures, water fun, and reconnecting with the people you love.
Roonka Adventure Park has a place for everyone. Traditional campers can pitch a tent under the stars, families can enjoy a comfy stay in the two-bedroom Lodge, and big groups can take over the bunkhouse rooms or even the whole site for a weekend of adventure. There are powered and unpowered sites for caravans and motorhomes, glamping bell tents set up and ready to go, and cozy bunkhouse rooms perfect for school groups, sports teams, or extended families. No matter where you stay, you will have access to camp kitchens, BBQs, hot showers, and all the facilities you need, plus the billabong, trails, and outdoor fun right on your doorstep. Adventure, comfort, and nature tick all the boxes.
We stayed in the Lodge, a gorgeous two-bedroom retreat that sleeps six. The master bedroom is calm and spacious, with reverse-cycle air conditioning, modern furnishings, a walk-in robe, and two single beds that can be pushed together. The second bedroom features two bunk beds, perfect for kids or teens. The bathroom is bright and modern, and the fully equipped kitchen makes meal prep a breeze. The open-plan living and dining area is ideal for family dinners or games night, with comfy couches, a flat-screen TV, and large windows that bring the outdoors in.
The Lodge’s expansive deck quickly became our favourite spot, whether we were sipping morning coffee, enjoying evening drinks, or just soaking up the view as the campsite came alive. As night falls, the stillness of the river, the calls of kookaburras, and star-filled skies make it impossible not to unwind.
An obvious highlight, especially in summer, is the water activities. The calm billabong at Roonka is perfect for kids learning to kayak or canoe. We really valued how safe it felt, making it ideal for younger kids and beginners. The gentle waters let them try new skills while feeling completely at ease. Life jackets and all the hire gear are ready to go, so you can focus on the important stuff, like having fun!
Speaking of fun, the riverslide is Fun with a capital F and great for the whole family. You have to try it at least once, no matter your age. Just do it! The double flying fox, zipping from one side of the billabong to the other, is a guaranteed hit. I’ll give you 100 dollars if your kids don’t purposely fall off, haha. And if you want to slow the pace a little, there are kayaks and canoes for hire from the boat shed which you can use to explore the peaceful backwaters of the Murray River. Three weeks later, we are still debating which was the favourite… kayaks, riverslide, or flying fox, and honestly, it is a debate that is not going away anytime soon.
Roonka is not just about getting wet. We spent a good hour at the playground with a picnic lunch, and the kids loved every minute. The Echidna Trail totally surprised us; they were glued to it, spotting birds and plants, and unfortunately no echidnas, which would have absolutely made my year. Next time, fingers crossed!
For a bit of adventure, the bouldering wall is perfect for budding rock climbers and adventurous spirits, while GAGA Ball adds fast-paced, high-energy fun for everyone. Orienteering and the Photo Hunt get the kids exploring the property using basic map-reading skills, spotting markers, and matching photos along the way. Wildlife is everywhere, and it is honestly one of the best bits. We saw so many kangaroos, and the walking trails are easy enough for little legs but still fun for bigger kids and adults. There is heaps of space to wander, explore, or just sit and enjoy the quiet, making it a brilliant mix of challenges, teamwork, and just plain fun.
Sometimes the simplest moments are the best. Watching the kids try something new, listening to the sounds of the river, or just soaking in the calm are memories that stick. Even when it is not summer, there is always something to do, see, or explore. iPads…? What’s an iPad?
Roonka River Adventure Park
209B Boy Scout Road
BLANCHETOWN SA
Click here for more info or to make a booking
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