5 adventure activities near Adelaide
From West Beach Adventure to kayaking at Myponga, there are plenty of adventure activities available just a short distance from the CBD. We look at five local attractions that will get your heart pumping.
1. Hit the trees at TreeClimb Kuitpo
Release your inner gibbon among the Kuitpo Forest eucalypts. TreeClimb’s Grand Course presents climbers with a variety of challenges. High-wire walk above the forest floor, test your balance on swinging bridges, and glide between tree-mounted platforms on ziplines, while forest birds provide a soundtrack.
Rest assured, the little tackers haven’t been forgotten. If they’re at least a metre tall, they can take on the Kids Course. Watch from below as they explore 26 adventurous activities on two levels.
All sessions begin with safety training, gloves are essential (hire on-site or BYO), helmets are provided, and safety harnesses are part of the kit. Climbers on the Grand Course must be at least 135cm tall.
If you can’t make it to Kuitpo, head for the trees at TreeClimb Adelaide in the South Park Lands.
RAA members save 15% on all bookings at TreeClimb.
Where: Cnr Black Nursery Rd and Brookman Rd, Kuitpo.
2. Snorkel Port Noarlunga Reef
On a calm, clear day at low tide, Port Noarlunga Reef is like a giant aquarium. Dip your head underwater to discover a thriving marine ecosystem. Sea sweep are so prolific, you almost have to brush them aside to see other fish that call the reef home. Expect to encounter plenty of magpie perch, leatherjackets, stunning ornate cowfish, schools of silver drummer and lots of other species.
Sea stars cling to rocks daubed with a kaleidoscope of sponges, and crabs scuttle about among the cracks and crevices.
Snorkellers can swim out from the beach to begin their underwater adventure, or stroll to the access stairs and landing at the end of the jetty.
As the cooler weather approaches, it might be worth donning a wetsuit.
Where: End of Port Noarlunga Jetty
3. Rock climbing at Onkaparinga River National Park
About 35 minutes south of the CBD, the Onkaparinga River has carved a mighty gorge through the hills. The steep ravine is flanked by cliffs up to 30m high, which are a major drawcard for rock climbers and abseilers. Climbing bolts have been attached to the cliff face to assist with rope climbing.
This exhilarating activity is not for the faint-hearted, and if you’re a novice climber, it’s best to employ the services of a qualified instructor.
Onkaparinga River National Park is just a stone’s throw from the city and suburbs, but it feels like it’s deep in the bush. If you’re keen to stick around for a couple of days, book a campsite at Pink Gum Campground.
Where: Access near the junction of Chapel Hill Rd and Blewitt Springs Rd, Blewitt Springs.
4. Take the challenge at West Beach Adventure
Launching from 18m in the air, the giant swing at West Beach Adventure reaches speeds of up to 70km/h. Which is a great way to start a fun day of aerial challenges.
Over the Mega Climb’s several levels, climbers can tackle more than 70 obstacles, including high-wires, ziplines and a range of balance tests. Scoot across a bridge on a skateboard or BMX bike, and take a ride on the flying esky. Have a crack at airborne jousting or a hit of sky tennis, then take a breather in the suspended dinghy.
The final ascent up a rope ladder leads to a 30m-high tower, offering spectacular views of the hills, city and sea. Then, it’s a leap-of-faith rope drop back to earth.
Climbers are tethered by a safety harness throughout the course. Youngsters not ready for the Mega Climb can have a go on the Kids Course, featuring 10 challenges and a mini zipline. Height and weight restrictions apply.
Where: 4 Hamra Ave, West Beach
5. Kayak Myponga Reservoir
The pine forest surrounding Myponga Reservoir is a scenic treat. Anyone who’s driven south of Myponga village will have seen a landscape that could be mistaken for Sweden or Canada – minus the bears. Adding to the region’s mystique, public access to this SA Water property has been restricted for many years. But in 2019, a fair chunk of the reserve was opened for public use.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy a wilderness experience just an hour from Adelaide. Launch your kayak from the pontoon, and explore 250 hectares of lake. Take a short paddle or enjoy a day-long exploration of the reservoir’s many nooks and crannies.
Where: Access via Eatts St, Myponga
View this post on Instagram
Experience more of South Australia
Looking for something to do? Check out some of the great experiences our state has to offer.