Last-minute day trips before the school holidays end

Posted 19 January, 2022 John Pedler

The summer holidays may be nearly over, but there’s still time to take some family day trips close to home.

Coastal delights

There’s so much to see and do on the coastal route to Second Valley; it’s just a matter of heading off and seeing how far you get ‒ and that might only be as far as Hallett Cove. There are a couple of great walking trails within the Hallett Cove Conservation Park, including the spectacular clifftop boardwalk and the Glacier Hike, which meanders among the colourful geological leftovers from the region’s glacial past.

Keen snorkellers could easily spend the day at Port Noarlunga, poking around the shore side of the reef at the end of the jetty. The curiosity and bravado shown by the plentiful fish suggests they know they’re in the safety of an aquatic reserve.

If you’ve packed the boogie boards and/or surfboards, you might be lucky enough to catch a decent wave at Southport, Seaford or glorious Moana Beach. Further south, you can drive your car onto the broad sands of Aldinga Beach, Silver Sands or Sellicks Beach.

This is a good spot for a seaside picnic, a play in the surf and gorgeous views of the sea cliffs. Be sure to check the softness of the sand at the beach entry points, or you might spend longer here than you’d planned. Beach access fees may apply.

South from Sellicks Beach, it’s worth taking the alternate route to Normanville via the Myponga Reservoir dam wall. Keep an eye out for stunning glimpses of the coast along the way.

Like most beaches en route, Normanville is blessed with a lovely stretch of soft sand and a good selection of eateries.

Unless you plan to head further south to Rapid Bay, Cape Jervis or Kangaroo Island, the final stop is Second Valley. The valley’s tiny beach is squashed between the hills as they dip into the sea, which gives the place a Smuggler’s Cove feel.

The small jetty is popular for fishing and squidding, and on a calm day the beach is a great spot for a dip. Snorkellers can follow the trail around the base of the cliffs and across the pebbly beach to a sheltered cove.

Cycle the Adelaide Park Lands

Adelaide’s extensive network of shared walking and cycling pathways is a national treasure, and one of the jewels in the crown is the Park Lands Trail. Completely encircling the CBD and North Adelaide, this scenic route travels through most of the parks that surround our fair city.

Highlights include the:

• colourful Veale Gardens
• delightful Marshmallow Playspace in Pityarrilla/Pelzer Park
• woodland of Tuthangga/Carriageway Park
• lake and surrounds in Murlawirrapurka/Rymill Park
• mighty Moreton Bay fig trees of Botanic Park
• historic horse paddock (complete with horses) in Nantu Wama/Lefevre Park, North Adelaide
• expansive lawns, picnic facilities and play equipment at Tulya Wardli/Bonython Park.

The route even passes through the middle of West Terrace Cemetery.

Kids will love all the playgrounds and open lawn areas along the way. Little kids may not be overly enthusiastic about the short-ish climb through Nantu Wama/Lefevre Park in North Adelaide, and even less thrilled if you travel clockwise and tackle the much longer climb from North Adelaide Railway Station to Jeffcott Road.

This can be avoided by riding the southern section of the trail only and cutting through the CBD between Tulya Wardli/Bonython Park and Botanic Park via Karrawirra Parri/River Torrens.

There are plenty of picnic spots, toilets and drinking water outlets along the way, and potential detours abound. These include the beautifully groomed Himeji Japanese Garden in Wita Wirra/Peppermint Park and the storybook Bunyip Trail, nestled in a cool glade in John E Brown Park across the river from Tulya Wardli/Bonython Park.

The symbol below identifies the Park Lands Trail. This signage is designed for anti-clockwise travel, which is the better direction to take. Otherwise, finding some of these signs can be a bit of a treasure hunt.

Happy times at Happy Valley Reservoir

The cheerfully named Happy Valley Reservoir is among several of the state’s reservoirs that have been opened for recreational use. Just a short drive from the CBD (and an even shorter drive if you live at Happy Valley), you’ll find a day’s worth of family activities in and around the dam’s waters.

Anglers with reservoir fishing permits can try their luck catching redfin, carp, and even a magnificent Murray cod (catch and release only for cod).

Walkers and off-road cyclists can explore 20km of shared-use trails, taking in the waterfront, a pine forest, native vegetation and open spaces. You might even encounter a local kangaroo.

With 110 hectares of water to paddle in, kayakers can hone their skills while poking about the reservoir’s nooks and crannies.

When lunchtime calls, there are designated picnic areas with shelters near the car parks (the southern ones have barbecues), or you can enjoy a pop-up picnic elsewhere in the park.

Produce aplenty in the Adelaide Hills.

Day-trippers in search of local produce can find fruits, veggies, chocolates, beer, wine, and lots of other goodies in the Adelaide Hills. Put together your own produce trail and re-stock the pantry.

For the freshest fruits and vegetables in a truly rural setting, head for the Mount Pleasant Farmers’ Market at the town’s showgrounds, open every Saturday from 8am to midday. You’ll also find a range of meat products, farm-fresh eggs, dairy goods, jams and preserves, and much more. Arrive early for a full cooked breakfast made largely from ingredients sourced from the market’s stallholders.

The Adelaide Hills Farmers’ Market at Mt Barker is open Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm. As well as a wide range of farm produce, there are also baked goods, including gluten free breads and cakes, boutique beer, and even freshly made Taiwanese waffles. While you’re exercising restrained gluttony, let the local entertainers play you a tune.

If you’re day-tripping through the Hills, keep an eye out for roadside stalls selling veggies, fruits, berries and plants. Many of these are run on an honesty-box system, so be sure to have cash at the ready.