8 activities to try in SA’s national parks

19 Dec. 2017
4 min read

Try something different on your next national park visit. We’ve got you sorted – from trail running to relaxation.

If you think there’s nothing to do in a national park apart from walking, think again. Here’s eight ideas to get you started:

1. Trail running

Do you love being outdoors but crave something faster than bushwalking? Why not try trail running instead, for a high-adrenaline workout. Depending on your level of fitness, you can run nearly any trail you can walk – so long as you keep an eye out for people who are enjoying a gentler pace. Cleland, Hallett Cove and Anstey Hill conservation parks are all ideal places to try trail running.

(Image courtesy of @linnapee, Instagram)

2. Mountain biking

Mountain biking is an increasingly popular sport and parks like Sturt Gorge and Anstey Hill have shared-use trail networks that are great for riding as well as walking. Other parks, like Cobbler Creek and Shepherds Hill, have dedicated trails for mountain biking, including pump tracks and great downhill runs. Check our website for a full list of parks you can ride in right now.

(Image courtesy of @adelaust, Instagram)

3. Horse riding

Some of the same shared trails used by mountain bikes and walkers are also great for horses too. Belair National Park, Para Wirra Conservation Park and Blackwood Forest Recreation Park are all great places within an hour of the city to enjoy some quality time in the saddle. More information on horses in parks is available on the National Parks website.

(Image courtesy of @charlottemcneece, Instagram)

4. Rock climbing

Morialta Conservation Park is the most popular place for rock climbing and abseiling, with a range of climbs of varying difficulties to choose from. Onkaparinga River National Park, in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, is another amazing spot for climbers, with 50-metre cliffs and permanent rock pools. Be aware though, rock climbing can be hazardous and these sites should only be attempted by experienced climbers with appropriate safety equipment.

(Image courtesy of @matty_beagles, Instagram)

5. Four-wheel driving

Four-wheel drives are a great way to get to places you can’t reach in an ordinary car, and you’ll have lots of fun getting there as you bump over rough or sandy tracks. The Border Track in Ngarkat, as well as Lincoln National Park, Canunda Conservation Park, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, the Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve and Gawler Ranges National Park are all popular with four-wheel drive enthusiasts, and have clearly marked tracks to prevent damage to the environment. Be sure to check the national parks website to see if any of these parks are closed at this time of year.

(Image courtesy of @rattle_head, Instagram)

6. Caving

Naracoorte Caves in the South East is home to South Australia’s best known cave system. It is also the state’s only World Heritage Area and features megafauna fossils and a colony of southern bent-wing bats, as well as stunning limestone formations. On Kangaroo Island, Kelly Hill Caves also delivers the goods in the limestone department, with beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Both Naracoorte and Kelly Hill offers general cave tours, as well as adventure tours for people who want to explore further – and don’t mind getting a bit dusty.

8 activities to try in SA’s national parks

7. Diving

Whether you prefer snorkelling, scuba diving or free diving on just a single breath of air, Piccaninnie Ponds in the South East is for you. You can choose from a 10m-deep pool, the 100m-deep sinkhole known as The Chasm, or The Cathedral – an underwater cave. And the best thing is the water is crystal clear, allowing for up to 40m visibility. Book your permit for snorkelling or diving at Piccanninnie Ponds online.

(Image courtesy of @matt_testoni_photography, Instagram)

8. Personal relaxation

You’ve seen the Instagram photos of people doing yoga poses in the bush, so why not join the trend? Just being in natural places has been proven to be good for our mental health, helping us relax and destress. National parks offer fresh air and a peaceful atmosphere that are perfect for yoga, meditation, tai chi or just quiet contemplation. Pick your favourite park – whichever you choose will be perfect.