Your ultimate guide to South Australia’s national parks over summer
The South Australian summer school holidays run until Monday 27 January, giving the kids six whole weeks to fill with fun.
And let’s be honest, parents will be keen to keep them busy! South Australia’s national parks are a great way to make the most of this time—offering wildlife spotting, family-friendly trails, and picnic spots for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s a quick trip or a full day out, here’s how to keep the holidays fun and active!
Cleland Wildlife Park
Just a short drive up the freeway from Adelaide, Cleland Wildlife Park is a beloved Adelaide icon. Open every day (9:30am - 4:30pm) except Christmas Day, it’s the perfect spot for wildlife encounters.
Spread over 35 hectares, it’s likely bigger than you expect, so wear your walking shoes and don’t forget a hat and sunscreen.
For a school holiday experience the kids won’t forget, sign them up for the Junior Wildlife Keeper program. Designed for 7-12 year olds, this hands-on experience lets budding animal lovers step into the shoes of a Wildlife Keeper. They’ll prepare enrichments, clean exhibits, and may even help serve breakfast to our animals. Spots are limited, so book now!
Adelaide Gaol
If your kids love solving mysteries, Adelaide Gaol has just the adventure for them! Step into the past with Gaol Break, an exciting school holiday activity that brings history to life.
Running from Saturday 14 December 2024 to Monday 27 January 2025, this interactive experience lets families explore the iconic site while uncovering real-life escape stories hidden throughout the site. Can your little detectives figure out which prisoners made it to freedom and who got caught? Each story is based on true events from the gaol’s fascinating history.
As a bonus, kids can collect a limited-edition school holiday badge to remember their day of discovery.
Open daily from 10am to 4pm (last entry at 3pm), this activity is included with general entry, making it an easy addition to your holiday plans.
Playgrounds in Nature
Morialta Conservation Park, Adelaide
The Mukanthi Nature Play Space combines nature and adventure with climbing towers, water play, and secret tunnels. It’s a great spot for a picnic and perfect for kids who love to explore.
Don’t forget to visit a waterfall and tackle the climb to Giants Cave - it’s only about 50 steps up and rewards you with a fantastic view down the valley.
Para Wirra Conservation Park
Head to Para Wirra Conservation Park and explore Adelaide’s only Nature Play Forest at the Gawler View Picnic Area. This unique playground is packed with adventure, including tree climbing, tunnels, a flying fox, and a dry creek bed.
The forest is designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, with opportunities to climb fallen logs, build an Aboriginal Wudli, and grind wattle seeds. For a quieter moment, relax on carved wooden seats and enjoy the sounds of nature.
Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta
Covering over 7,000 square metres, this playground is one of the biggest in South Australia and features three slides, a seesaw, spinner, fossil dig area, Kaurna carvings and sculptures.
There’s also rope and log climbing elements, a pendulum swing, cubby building, and a 25m long flying fox, just to name a few! You can find Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta adventure playground and visitor hub on 2 Majors Road, O'Halloran Hill, about 17km south of the Adelaide CBD.
Stay the Night
Planning a camping trip? Campsites in South Australia’s national parks can be booked up to 12 months in advance, and the most popular spots fill quickly during the holidays.
Parks like Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Coffin Bay National Park, and Canunda National Park are often close to fully booked around Christmas and New Year. However, you can still secure a site by visiting mid-week or just outside peak periods.
Top tip: Check out our blog full of ideas on how to have fun camping with kids!
Plan a day trip
Looking to explore a little further without packing the car to the brim? A day trip is for you.
Deep Creek National Park
For a nature escape less than two hours from Adelaide, Deep Creek National Park is hard to beat. Combining lush bushland with stunning coastal views, it’s a favourite for visitors seeking adventure and relaxation in one place.
Our top pick? Blowhole Beach. Park at Cobbler Hill car park and enjoy the 1.5km walk down the hill to the beach. You might spot local kayakers or fishers soaking up the serenity. Keep in mind the return hike is steep, so plan for a few rest stops on your way back up.
Don’t forget to purchase your vehicle entry pass online or from a booking agent before heading into the park.
Hallett Cove Conservation Park
Just 30 minutes’ drive from the city centre, located in the southern coastal suburbs of Adelaide, Hallett Cove Conservation Park is packed full of interesting geological features.
Warm summer days are a fantastic time to explore the park’s underwater world. Snorkelling off the coast is sensational and also gives great respite from the heat on hot Adelaide days.
Know before you go
Check the fire danger ratings
Some parks and gardens, like Mount Lofty Botanic Garden, are closed on days of severe, extreme or catastrophic fire danger, and all national parks and reserves are closed on days of catastrophic fire danger.
Make sure you check fire danger ratings online with national parks, the CFS or the Bureau of Meteorology before you go. If in doubt, visit the closures and alerts page on the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia website to check whether the park you plan to visit is open.
Download Avenza Maps
Park maps are available on Avenza Maps, which means you can explore with confidence—even off the grid.
The app uses your device’s built-in GPS to pinpoint your location in real time, so even when you're deep in the hills or beyond network coverage, you’ll know exactly where you are. Once downloaded, these georeferenced maps let you navigate easily without needing an internet connection.
Stay safe, plan your adventure, and make the most of your visit with this handy tool. Whether you're tackling a trail or wandering through a secluded valley, Avenza Maps ensures you're always in the know.
Looking to explore a little further? Check out South Australia's beast beaches this summer.
