Morialta Conservation Park is a top pick for family walks, nature play, and wildlife spotting, especially after rain when the waterfalls are at their best.
Located just 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD, it offers a range of walking trails suitable for families with kids of all ages.
What Families Should Know:
Best Time to Visit
Weekends and public holidays get really busy, and the carpark fills up quickly. It’s best to head there early, go later in the day, or visit during the week if you want to avoid the crowds.
Parking
The main carpark is right near the start of the walks, but it often fills up. If that happens, you can park along Stradbroke Road before the entrance. Just keep in mind it adds about 1.5 km each way to get to the trailhead.
Walking Trails
- First Falls Walk (around 20 minutes each way) – Flat and easy, this one’s great for little kids. The path is sealed and fine for prams. After rain, there are small creek crossings along the way which are fun for kids to splash in – just keep a close eye around the water.
- Falls Plateau Hike and Giants Cave (about 2 hours) – Better for older kids or families who like a bit more of a challenge. There are stairs and uneven bits, but also some great views and cool rock features to check out.
- Three Falls Grand Hike (around 3.5 hours) – This one’s longer and more challenging, but worth it if you’ve got older kids who are up for a decent walk. You’ll see all three waterfalls on this loop.
Facilities and What to Bring
There are toilets near the start of the Falls Walk and down at the Morialta Nature Playground. There’s no café in the park, so definitely pack snacks and water. A coffee van is usually there on weekends and public holidays, but it’s not guaranteed.
Wildlife
You’re almost guaranteed to spot a few koalas up in the trees, especially if you take your time and look up. Kangaroos can sometimes be seen close to the trails, and there’s plenty of birdlife around too – it’s a great spot for kids to practice their nature spotting.
Nature Playground
The Morialta Nature Playground is just down the road from the walking trails and is a great place to stop, especially with kids. There’s loads to climb and explore, and you’ll also find a few teepees scattered around that kids love playing in and building onto. Find it here.
Final Thoughts
Morialta Conservation Park is one of those places that suits all kinds of families. Whether you’re after a short stroll, a bigger hike, or just somewhere to let the kids run wild. It’s especially beautiful after rain when the waterfalls are flowing, but worth a visit any time of year.
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