Ranger Tips: Glenthorne  National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta

Just 25 minutes’ drive from the city centre, located in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, Glenthorne National Park —Ityamaiitpinna Yarta is packed full of adventure.

Featuring one of the biggest adventure playgrounds and nature play spaces in South Australia, it’s the perfect park for entertaining kids.

The play­ground opened in August 2023 and is sur­round­ed by a pur­pose-built vis­i­tor hub that includes shel­ters, BBQs, toi­lets, pic­nic areas, carparks and her­itage buildings.

Want some pointers about things to do on your next visit? We’ve asked park ranger Jae Ellis for some insider tips. Here’s what she had to say:

What’s your favourite walking trail in the park?

The interactive Footprints From the Past is definitely a favourite of mine. I love that visitors can get such an immersive experience of the history of Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta. This trail integrates the SA National Parks App, which make the stories of many past residents accessible to more visitors than ever before.

What’s Glenthorne  National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta best kept secret?

That it’s even better in the rain! Chuck on a pair of gumboots and a raincoat and splash around in the creek. I like picking gum leaves and racing them in flowing water. With lots of gum trees nearby, you can easily find leaves of different colours for each person to choose their own for the race. One thing I really enjoy after the rain is seeing how many different frog calls you can hear (I’ve heard at least 5 so far!).

What’s your favourite thing about the new adventure playground?

The accessibility… the way the playground has been constructed means that kids of all abilities can experience different activities. From the fossil dig table to the harnessed flying fox to the ninja course, there is a wide range of equipment for everyone, it’s definitely not just the kids having fun down there!

Where’s the best view in the park?

Frog Rock in the O’Halloran Hill section of Glenthorne has an amazing view from the coast to the hills that goes for miles! But the view from the Footprints From the Past trail is also beautiful, south over Hallett Cove to the cliff at Port Stanvac.

Park of the Month

This February, we’re seeing double and celebrating both Glenthorne National Park —Ityamaiitpinna Yarta and Hallett Cove Conservation Park.

Join in a variety of events and activities, including a family cultural walk and geological tour! Find out more here.