Looking for a quiet bike ride or easy little walk with the kids that also offers some adventure? (Think rope tree swings and flowing water – what could possibly go wrong).
Last week we threw the bikes on the back of the car after school and set off to Coromandel Valley to check out a newly opened section of Sturt River Linear Park Trail that now connects the trail from the Institute Building on Main Road to Frank Smith Park at Coromandel Valley.
The trail is a joint initiative between City of Onkaparinga, City of Mitcham and the SA Government – who put a combined 3.5 million bucks behind the path extension/joining project. Previously you could not continue on her and the path came to an end. We believe eventually the Sturt River Linear Park Trail will span the Patawalonga Basin at Glenelg North to Frank Smith Park – connecting the hills to the coast. Bring that on.
The path is flat, wide and suitable for bikes, dogs on leads and prams a like. Perfect for beginner bike riders, Nannas who are unstable on their feet and curious kids who like to explore water ways, climbing trees, nature and well, EVERYTHING.
We chose to park at the Duck Inn Hotel, Coromandel Valley and cross the road to enter the path, where we headed South to ride and explore in the shaded valley.
This little adventure didn’t disappoint. Take a dry change of clothes if your kids are prone to water ‘accidents’ like ours our.
The Sturt River Linear Park Trail is approximately 5kms from South Road (Warriparinga) to Anzac Highway. Accessible for walkers, cyclists, prams and wheelchairs it's a fantastic long straight trail for families to enjoy. (no horses allowed) The section of shared path between Oaklands Road to Finniss Street have recently been upgraded to include a pedestrian bridge connecting Bombay street to Oaklands Wetlands. What we love most about this section of trail is the playground stops along the way. Some of our favourite parks and playgrounds are along the trail so there's plenty of opportunity to stop for a snack, a drink, a play and a wee. Toilet stops are available at Oaklands Estate Reserve and The Living Kaurna Cultural Centre at Warriparinga.
Nestled amongst the gum trees Minkarra Park offers something for kids of varying ages. This could be a great park to get out and burn some energy with the kids for the following reasons - The bright and colourful soft fall rubber flooring surrounding the playground. Our crawler makes the most of the long stretches of flooring and climbs all over the large rocks. - For little ones walking, the playground offers swings, a large spinning wheel, slide and climbing triangle. - For the more adventurous and thrill seeking the large Skate Park facilities or BMX trail may be the fix. - For those who want to explore nature there is the flagstaff rotary walk with both paved and natural path's. Alternatively the kids may want to create their own fun and make a branch cubby. - Even the family dog wins with the fully fenced Minkarra dog park. - For a quick workout (or show the kids how strong dad is), the permanent outdoor gym with soft flooring is the place to be. Minkarra is a bit isolated from any shops or cafes so a suggestion would be to swing by The Hub shopping centre in Aberfoyle park or…
Very smooth and great transitions and features. Suitable for all ages. Very exciting layout. Cool jumps. Find it at 537-539 Victoria Rd, Osborne [wpgmza id="138" cat="1" marker="878" zoom="16"]
Wife of a FIFO miner, but don't let that define her. Mum of two jetty jumping brats aged tween and teen (who live on fresh air, saltwater and attitude). Bare feet not heels. Hats not hair styles. Beaches not bars. Food over fashion. If you can't find her she's likely 'home' on the Yorke Peninsula.