Your action-packed guide to the best school holiday fun in Adelaide over summer
OUR summer holiday fun guide is full of ideas to keep the fun coming for all ages over the summer months.
OUR summer holiday fun guide is full of ideas to keep the fun coming for all ages over the summer months.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 13
■ Carols by Candlelight at Elder Park
Elder Park, Adelaide, gates officially open at 2pm, for all ages. Woolworths Carols by Candlelight, presented by the Sunday Mail and Adelaide City Council, will feature talented artists including Anthony Callea, Rhonda Burchmore, Samantha Jade, Nathaniel and Peter Combe. There’ll also be a kids zone, screening of the movie Home Alone and a fireworks spectacular.
Cost: Folded note donation upon entry, with proceeds going to Novita Children’s Services.
Inquiries: adelaidecarols.com.au
■ The Big Wedgie
Brian Nadilo Reserve, near The Beachouse, Colley Tce, Glenelg, from December 13 to January 28, all ages. Families will not want to miss this epic water slide these school holidays. At 18.2m tall and 72m long, the Big Wedgie is for thrillseekers. There’s also a Little Wedgie that’s ideal for children more than 0.8m tall and under 1.3m tall.
Cost: $12.
Inquiries: holdfast.sa.gov.au
■ Riverbank Christmas Lights Display
Adam Street Reserve, corner of Port Rd and Adam St, Hindmarsh, from 6.30pm until January 3, for all ages. The Christmas Riverbank Display, on the banks of the River Torrens at West End Brewery, has delighted families since 1959. This year it’ll be loads of fun, with your fave displays on show, including Father Christmas and his reindeer and Frosty the Snowman. Entry is free, but there is a cost for rides, food, refreshments and gallery games.
Cost: Free entry.
Inquiries: charlessturt.sa.gov.au
■Brighton Gift Carnival
Brighton Oval, Brighton Rd, Brighton, from noon-6pm for all ages. This annual event, run in the lead-up to the Bay Sheffield Carnival at Colley Reserve, will feature races from 70m to 1000m and caters for athletes from under 14 through to 35-plus.
Cost: Entry is free for spectators.
Inquiries: holdfast.sa.gov.au
■Southern Community Christmas Carols
Hickinbotham Oval, 1 Lovelock Dr, Noarlunga Downs, gates open 5.30pm, carols from 7pm, for all ages. Have a blast at this local community family-friendly Christmas event, featuring music, singing, children’s activities and fireworks.
Cost: Gold coin donation.
Inquiries: onkaparingacity.com/
■ Aldinga Bay Baptist Church Community Carols
Symonds Reserve, Stewart Ave, Aldinga Beach, carnival 4pm-7pm and carols from 7.30pm, for all ages. This family-friendly community carols event will feature face painting, balloon twisting, an animal farm, pony rides, craft stalls, jumpy castle, sumo wrestling and more.
Cost: Free entry.
Inquiries:onkaparingacity.com/
■ Brass in the Park
Richards Park, Norwood, from 2pm-4pm, for all ages. Get set for a relaxing afternoon in the park with family and friends and be entertained by K&N Brass: The City of Norwood, Payneham and St Peter’s brass band.
Cost: Free.
Inquiries: npsp.sa.gov.au
■ Civic Park Carols,
Civic Park, Modbury, from 3pm-10pm, for all ages. This family-friendly event will feature a family fun zone from 3pm, with face painting, craft, handball, food and drinks. A pre-show starts at 6pm with High Spirits Harmony and the Adelaide Army Band. The main show kicks off at 7.30pm. The line-up includes Rachael Beck, the Boswell Project, Chloe Castledine, Sarah Lloyd, Mark Stefanoff, Zac Tyler, Cam Blockland, Vonda Last and a community choir. Fireworks will finish the event at 10pm.
Cost: Free entry.
Inquiries: teatreegully.sa.gov.au
■ Harbour Town
727 Tapleys Hill Rd, West Beach, activities on selected days until December 24 for all ages. There’s loads of Christmas holiday fun to be had a Harbour Town. Today, from 11am-2pm, there’s Chrissie-themed face painting. From December 16-24, from 10am-3pm, kids can decorate their own Christmas cookie. Say hi to Harbour Town’s Surfin’ Santa, who’ll be giving away beach balls and frisbees from December 16-24, and there’s also a Christmas giftwrapping service from 10am-4.30pm daily until December 24.
Cost: Christmas activities are free; giftwrapping costs a gold coin donation per gift (proceeds go to Guide Dogs SA/NT).
Inquiries: harbourtownadelaide.com.au
■ Cherry-picking at Pages Flat
Fleurieu Cherries, 159 Pages Flat Rd, Pages Flat, open select days, for all ages. Cherries are a wonderful Christmas treat and you can pick your own on certain days at Fleurieu Cherries. Check with the farm or its website before planning your trip to see when pick-your-own is available during the school holidays.
Cost: $5 per person and $2 for children aged under 12. There is also a per kilo price for the fruit picked on the day.
Inquiries: Phone 8556 1314 or visit fleurieucherries.com
■ Surfing Lessons
Victor Harbor, Middleton, Port Elliot and Goolwa, selected days, all ages. Summer is one of the best times of year to learn how to surf. Luckily quite a few surf schools offer lessons, including Ocean Living Surf School, Surf Culture Australia, Surf and Sun, South Coast Surf Academy and Surfing South Australia Surf School.
Cost: Varies depending on the surf school.
Inquiries: southaustralia.com/regions/fleurieu-peninsula-surfing.aspx
■ The Gaming REVolution
National Motor Museum, Shannon St, Birdwood, from 10am-5pm until January 31, for all ages. Gamers and car lovers alike will love this school holiday program, where you can try your hand at some of the best racing video games ever. Love old school? Try Pole Position on the Atari 2600 or Nigel Mansell’s World Championship on Super Nintendo. Fancy a showdown against your mates? Face off with a game of Mario Kart.
Cost: Free with normal museum entry: $12 adults, $10 concession, $5 child or $30 for a family.
Inquiries: Phone the museum on 8568 4000.
■ A Tree Like Me
Migration Museum, 82 Kintore Ave, Adelaide, drop-in program runs from 10.30am-4.30pm weekdays and 1.30pm-4.30pm weekends until January 31, for all ages. Have a great time exploring the museum to discover the many stories of families and make a 3D tree all about you from found and recycled materials. You can take your creation home or put in on display in the museum’s enchanted forest. Groups should book.
Cost: Admission is free.
Inquiries: Phone the museum on 8207 7580.
■ Adelaide Night Market
Prince Henry Garden, North Tce, Adelaide, 4pm-8pm, for all ages. Have your pocket money ready and check out what’s on offer at the Adelaide Night Market, held once a month during daylight saving. You may even find a last-minute Christmas present.
Cost: Free entry.
Inquiries: facebook.com/AdelaideNightMarket
■ Semaphore Summer Carnival
Semaphore Foreshore Reserve, Esplanade, Semaphore, open daily from 11am during the school holidays, for all ages. There’s loads of fun to be had at the Semaphore Summer Carnival these school holidays, with rides and amusements for the whole family. There’ll be fireworks at midnight on New Year’s Eve, and every Sunday in January there’s free children’s entertainment from 2pm. Catch roaming performers, entertainers, magicians, themes shows and more. The carnival is closed on Christmas Day.
Cost: Free entry.
Inquiries: showamusements.com.au/semaphore
MONDAY DECEMBER 14
■ Christmas craft workshop for kids
The Joinery, 111 Franklin St, Adelaide, 10am-noon, for ages 5-12. Get crafty and make seed bombs, painted pot plants, gift boxes, Christmas ornaments and gift tags. It’s also on December 15 and 18.
Cost: $12 a child or $20 fro two children, includes materials and a snack.
Bookings essential: eventbrite.com/e/just-make-it-tickets-19595306088
■ Make your own special calendar
St Peters Library, 101 Payneham Rd, St Peters, from 10.30am-11.15am, for ages 6-12. Get ready for the New Year at the library and design your own calendar for 2016. Why not bring any photos or pictures that you would like to include for those important dates. Children to be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: Free.
Bookings essential: Phone 8334 0200 or book online at npsp.sa.gov.au
■ Road & Cycle Safety Sessions
Road and Cycle Safety Centre, Hazel Grove, Ridgehaven, 9.30am-11am, for ages 5-12. Come along to this informative road safety instruction and bike riding session that will help you improve your riding ability and safety skills. Bikes and helmets will be supplied, or you can bring your own. Also on January 14, 19 and 20. For more details, visit teatreegully.sa.gov.au
Cost: $10.50 per child, $18.75 for two children (same family) and $27 for three children (same family).
Bookings essential: Phone 8397 7444.
■ Come & Try Rugby Union
Port Adelaide Pirates RUFC Club, Baynes Place, Port Adelaide, 10am-1pm, for ages 6-18. Keen to try your hand at rugby union? Well, why not make the most of this session at which you’ll discover the game of rugby and see what this club can offer you. A barbecue and water will be supplied.
Cost: Free.
Inquiries: portenf.sa.gov.au
TUESDAY DECEMBER 15
■ Carols by Booklight: Greenacres Library
2 Fosters Rd, Greenacres, 10.30am-11.30am, for all ages. Families can get into the festive spirit as they sing Christmas carols and then get busy making a simple Christmas decoration — fun!
Cost: Free.
Inquiries: Phone 8405 6540.
■ Junior Scrapbooking: Christmas box and album
Bower Cottages, 200 Bower Rd, Semaphore Park, 1pm-3pm, for ages 7-12. Crafty kids can put their creativity to festive use at this fun event.
Cost: $2.
Bookings essential: Phone 8408 1395.
■ Christmas Storytime
Westfield Shopping Centre West Lakes, Level 2 (near Reading Cinemas), from 10.30am-11.30am, for ages 2-6. This Christmas-themed session will feature stories, songs and a take-home craft. Bookings not essential.
Cost: Free.
Inquiries: charlessturt.sa.gov.au
■ Hackham West Christmas Gala
Hackham West Community Centre, Cnr Majorca Rd and Warsaw Cres, from 5pm-8pm, for all ages. Gather your family and friends and get ready for a seriously fun time with
jumping castles, a sausage sizzle, twisted balloons, face painter, arcade games and Father Christmas!
Cost: Free.
Inquiries: Phone the Hackham West Community Centre on 8384 1065.
■Design Your Own T-shirt
Glenelg Library, Colley Tce, Glenelg, from 11am-noon, for ages 8-15. Budding fashionistas and creative kids alike will get a buzz out of this unique event, at which you can create your own personalised T-shirt design. Bring your own white or light coloured T-shirt or buy one at the event for $5.
Cost: Free.
Bookings essential: holdfast.sa.gov.au/summerfun
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 16
■ Guide Dogs SA Discovery Centre Open Days
251 Morphett St, Adelaide, from 10.30am-noon and 12.30pm-2pm, for ages 7-plus. Play basketball with glasses simulating vision loss, learn braille and crack a code, walk with a white cane, test sounds and develop an understanding of safe listening levels. You can even meet a gorgeous Guide Dog. Also on January 12, 15, 19 and 22.
Cost: $6.
Bookings essential: Phone 8203 8333.
■ Festive Tea Light Holder Art
Findon Library, Findon Shopping Centre, cnr. Findon and Grange Rds, Findon, 10.30am-11.30am, for ages 5-plus. Decorate a ceramic tea light holder at this crafty event.
Cost: Free.
Bookings essential: bit.ly/eVents-csls
■ Eco Christmas Gifts
Coromandel Community Centre, Main Rd, Coromandel Valley, from 10am-noon, for ages 6-plus. Still on the hunt for Christmas pressies? At this event you can create homemade environmentally friendly gifts for the whole family, including body and foot powder, skin cream, soap product and bath bags. You’ll need to bring along three small empty recycled jars to take home what you make. Cool!
Cost: Free (Onkaparinga residents only)
Bookings essential: Phone 8384 0083.
■ Star Academy
Norwood Concert Hall, 175 The Parade, Norwood, from 7pm-10.30am, for all ages. The Star Academy’s fifth End of Year Production at the Norwood Town Hall will feature all your classic favourites and plus new songs.
Cost: Tickets cost $35.30.
Bookings essential: npsp.sa.gov.au
■Oceanic Christmas Decorations
SA Whale Centre, 2 Railway Tce, Victor Harbor, from 1.30pm-2.30pm, for school-aged children. Head on down to picturesque Victor Harbor and visit the SA Whale Centre, where you can create your own ocean creature Christmas decorations. Also on December 18, 19 and 23.
Cost: $8 per child (pay on the day).
Bookings essential: Phone 8551 0750 or book online at sawhalecentre.com
■ Make Christmas ornaments and snow people
Greenwith Community Centre, Golden Way, Greenwith, from 10.30am — 11.30am, for ages 2-10. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at this event, where you can make colourful decorations and snow people. Parental support is essential.
Cost: $5.
Bookings essential: Phone 8397 7444 or book online at teatreegully.sa.gov.au
■Making Christmas Wrapping Paper
Gallery 1855 Studio, Tea Tree Gully, 12.30pm-4.30pm, for ages 13-plus. Save money on Christmas wrapping paper and make your own stamps, then customise your own cards and gift wrap. Attendees can opt to stay for the whole 2.5 hours or drop in whenever they like.
Cost: Free.
Bookings essential: teatreegully.sa.gov.au
■ Christmas Cheer Show
City of Tea Tree Gully Library, 571 Montague Rd, Modbury, from 10.30am-11.15am, for ages 5-12. Have a merry time with the adorable Christmas Cool Bear and Ellie Elf, who invite you to celebrate the end of another year with a load of festive cheer. Aww!
Cost: Free.
Bookings essential: teatreegully.sa.gov.au
THURSDAY DECEMBER 17
■ Summer Fruits Central Market Tour + Guide Dogs SA Discovery Centre
Adelaide Central Market and Guide Dogs SA Discovery Centre (251 Morphett St, Adelaide), from 10.30am-2pm and 12.30pm-4pm, for ages 7-plus. These school holidays the SA Discovery Centre is combining its tour with an interactive tour of the Central Market themed “Summer Fruits and Fun”. All children must be accompanied by an adult. It’s also on January 14.
Cost: $17.50 a person (including tastings; lunch at your own cost). For more information, visit guidedogs.org.au/school-holiday-activities
Bookings essential: Phone 8203 8333.
■Christmas Carols — Glenelg Brass Band
Moseley Square, Glenelg, from 6.45pm-8pm, for all ages. Don’t miss this free concert of Christmas music for visitors in Moseley Square.
Cost: Free.
Inquiries: holdfast.sa.gov.au/
■ Storytime with Father Christmas
Seaford Library, Grand Blvd, Seaford, from 6pm-7pm, for ages 3-12. Littlies and their families can enjoy a storytime session with the big man in red. Plus, you can stay for cookies and milk afterwards — delish!
Cost: Free
Bookings essential: Phone 8384 0044.
■ Christmas Movie Afternoon
Payneham Library, 2 Turner St, Felixstow, from 2pm-4pm, for ages 6-12. Enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation before Christmas at Payneham Library, where you can watch the film Arthur Christmas (rated G). A free snack and drink will be provided, and an adult is required to attend.
Cost: Free.
Bookings essential: Phone 8336 0333 or visit npsp.sa.gov.au
■ Christmas crafts
City of Tea Tree Gully Library, 571 Montague Rd, Modbury, from 2pm-3.30pm, for ages 5-12. It’s time to learn how to make a Christmas tree decoration with clay, a decorative tea light candle holder and, if you have time, a Christmas card and some homemade wrapping paper.
Cost: Free.
Bookings essential: teatreegully.sa.gov.au
FRIDAY DECEMBER 18
■ Big Bash League — Adelaide Srikers v. Melbourne Stars
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, gates open 5pm, for all ages. Watch the mighty Adelaide Strikers face-off against Melbourne Stars at their first of four home games for the new BBL season. The family-friendly event also features a kids’ zone area.
Cost: Tickets from $5.10.
Bookings essential: premier.ticketek.com.au
■ Christmas tree Boxes
West Lakes Library, Cnr Brebner Dr and West Lakes Blvd, West Lakes, from 10am-noon, 5-plus.
At this festive-themed event kids can transform a flat piece of cardboard into a Christmas tree box for themselves or someone special. No bookings necessary.
Cost: Free.
Inquiries: charlessturt.sa.gov.au
■ Waitpinga Farm Quad Bike Adventures
1161 Waitpinga Road, Waitpinga, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, for ages 12-plus. Enjoy the thrill of riding a quad bike through a working farm on a guided scenic or adventure farm tour with experienced tour guides. No experience is necessary. Fun!
Cost: Tours start from $50 per person.
Bookings essential: Phone 8552 3558 or visit waitpingafarm.com
■ Portrait present craft
City of Tea Tree Gully Library, 571 Montague Rd, Modbury, from 1pm-2.30pm, for ages 13-plus. At this unique craft event you’ll turn images and photos into little silhouette gifts in the form of a framed picture or small badge. Bring along any photos you are happy to cut up or use.
Cost: Free.
Bookings essential: teatreegully.sa.gov.au
■ Semaphore Summer Twilight Markets
Foreshore Reserve, Esplanade, Semaphore, 6pm-9pm, for all ages. On select Friday nights during summer, families can peruse 20 unique and distinctive stall holders at the Semaphore Summer Twilight Markets. Cool!
Cost: Free entry.
Inquiries: portenf.sa.gov.au
SATURDAY DECEMBER 19
■ Christmas Storytime
Hub Library, Hub Dr, Aberfoyle Park, from 11am-12.30pm, for all ages. Be enchanted by some Christmas stories and songs before you get busy with some themed craft and get your face painted. So much fun!
Bookings essential: Phone 8384 0100.
■ Trippo waterslide
Victor Harbor foreshore, until January 31, for ages 3-plus (must also be at least 1.06m tall). Thrill-seekers, listen up: a mega three-storey high waterslide is coming to Victor Harbor. Measuring 54m long and 20m wide — wowser! — the slide is going to be sooo much fun.
Cost: $20 an hour for children under 10 and $25 for everyone else. Family packages are available.
Bookings essential: trippo.com.au
■ Moonlight Cinema — Snoopy And Charlie Brown: The Peanuts Movie (G)
Moonlight Cinema, Botanic Park, Hackney Rd, Adelaide. Gates open at 7pm, the movie starts at sundown (about 8.50pm), for all ages. Enjoy a balmy evening out with your family and get set to LOL. Snoopy embarks upon his greatest mission yet as he and his team take to the skies to pursue their arch-nemesis — eep! Meanwhile, his best pal Charlie Brown begins his own epic quest back home.
Cost: Tickets from $14.50.
Bookings essential: moonlight.com.au
SUNDAY DECEMBER 20
■ Christmas in the Square
Henley Square, Seaview Rd, Henley Beach, 7.30pm-10pm, for all ages. Get ready for this family-friendly event featuring all your favourite Christmas carols.
Cost: Free, but food, refreshments, programs and candles will incur a cost.
Inquiries: charlessturt.sa.gov.au
■Carols in Dover Square
Dover Square, Broadway, South Brighton, from 5pm-7.30pm, for all ages. Get ready to sing your heart out at this event featuring a barbecue, face painting and activities from 5pm.
Cost: Free.
Inquiries: holdfast.sa.gov.au/
MONDAY DECEMBER 21
■ Prospect Christmas Farmers’ Market
Vine St Plaza, Prospect (next to Prospect Town Hall), 3pm-7pm, for all ages. This special Christmas market is not to be missed, with a range of stallholders selling festive goods. Santa’s Helpers will be spreading the Chrissie joy, selling antlers and badges, with all proceeds going towards the Children’s Cancer Institute of Australia to help find a cure for children’s cancers. Expect about 20 local farmers and producers.
Cost: Free entry.
Inquiries: adelaidefarmersmarket.com.au
■ The Fairies Christmas Concert
Norwood Concert Hall, 175 The Parade, Norwood, 2pm for all ages.
The Fairies Christmas Concert is set against a magical backdrop as best friends Harmony and Rhapsody treat fans to a fun-filled hour of singing, dancing and giggles galore. Along with fairyland friends Barnaby, Elf and Wizzy, the duo will perform ballet to Christmas classics and fairy favourites.
Cost: $27.
Bookings essential: thefairies.com
TUESDAY DECEMBER 22
■Dr Who
Woodcroft Library, 175 Bains Rd, Morphett Vale, from 11am-1pm, for ages 8-plus. Dr Who fans will not want to miss out on this event, at which you can try your hand at quizzes, games, and make a Dr Who gadget. Attendees must be registered for the Summer Reading Club.
Bookings essential: Phone 8384 0050 or visit onkaparingacity.com
■ Moonlight Cinema — Love The Coopers (PG)
Moonlight Cinema, Botanic Park, Hackney Rd, Adelaide. Gates open at 7pm, the movie starts at sundown (about 8.50pm), for all ages. This movie will really get you in the mood for Christmas.
When four generations of the Cooper clan come together for their annual festive celebration, a series of unexpected visitors and unlikely events create chaos. Sounds like a good time!
Cost: Tickets from $14.50.
Bookings essential: moonlight.com.au
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 23
Goolwa Motor Museum
At 45 Gardiner St, Goolwa, open 10am to 4.30pm, Wednesday to Saturday, and on Sundays by arrangement, for all ages. Take a leisurely drive down south and check out the Goolwa Motor Museum, which features classic cars from all over the world.
Cost: Adults $8, children $5.
Inquiries: Phone 8555 3338.
THURSDAY DECEMBER 24
■MegaAdventure Aerial Park
At 4 Hamra Ave, West Beach, from 10am to 8pm, for all ages (but you must be more than 120cm tall and weigh between 20kg and 130kg). The main feature of the new MegaAdventure Aerial Par is the SkyMate, a 26m-high structure featuring aerial obstacles such as beams, swings, log steps and freefalls. The park also features a MegaBounce trampoline with elastic power cords that allow you to launch yourself 8m into the air.
Cost: Adults $55, under-16s $48 each (for a two-hour session)
Bookings essential: megaadventure.com.au
FRIDAY DECEMBER 25
Jubilee Park Adventure
Playground Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga South, all day, for all ages. Burn off your Christmas lunch and play kings and queens in a castle fortress with a moored ship, paths, ladders, steps, slides, poles, swings and much more. Car parking is provided.
Cost: Free.
Inquiries: Phone 8383 0666.
SATURDAY DECEMBER 26
■Greenhills Adventure Park
Waggon Rd, Victor Harbor, 10am-6pm daily, for all ages. This is your last summer to visit the beloved Greenhills Adventure Park before it shuts its doors for good on May 1, 2016. There’s something for everyone, including golf and go-carts, waterslides, aqua bikes and more. Challenge your friends to scale the climbing wall, or maybe a leisurely paddle in a canoe is more your style. It’s open every day except Christmas.
Cost: Under 4s free, general admission $30 for children (under 1.2m tall) and $35 for adults.
Inquiries: Phone 8552 5999 or visit greenhills.com.au
■ Two Jetties Fun Run
Glenelg Jetty, Glenelg, from 8am-11am, for all ages. Why not burn off your Christmas lunch at this beach-side fun run? The 8.4km event, which starts and finishes at the Glenelg Jetty, is open to runners and walkers of any age. Enter on the day from 8.30am at Moseley Square for $15. There’s also a 1km beach run, which costs $5 for under-15s
Cost: From $5 to $15.
Inquiries: holdfast.sa.gov.au
SUNDAY DECEMBER 27
■ Cockle Train
Cutting Rd, Goolwa, or Railway Tce, Victor Harbor, operating daily from December 27 until January 31, for all ages. Take a leisurely day tour on the great Cockle Train between Goolwa and Victor Harbor. Trains depart Goolwa at 10am, 12.15pm and 2.45pm and from Victor Harbor at 11am, 1.30pm and 3.45pm, stopping at Port Elliot en-route and Middleton (if required). Tickets are available at stations on the day of travel. Three extra services will operate between December 27 and January 2. Trains will not operate if the forecast temperature for Victor Harbor is 35C-plus.
Cost: $29 adults (return fare) and children (aged 4-16) $15.
Inquiries: steamrangerheritagerailway.org
■P.S. Oscar ‘W”
Goolwa Wharf, from 11am, 12.30pm and 2pm, for all ages. Have your family and friends at the ready and take a one-hour cruise aboard the historic paddle steamer. Cruises are also running on December 28, 29, and 30, and January 1 and 2.
Cost: Children (aged 5-15) $8, $15 concession, $20 adult.
Bookings essential: Visit oscar-w.info for more information.
MONDAY DECEMBER 28
■ Cycling Paths
Various locations, available daily, for all ages. Why not take some time to explore southern SA these school holidays? You can bring your bike or scooter and discover the network of cycling trails the Fleurieu Peninsula has to offer, including the Encounter Bikeway (from Victor Harbor to Hindmarsh Island), the Coast to Vines Rail Trail (from Marino Rocks to Willunga) and the Shiraz Trail (between McLaren Vale and Willunga). Oxygen Cycles, in McLaren Vale, offers bike hire starting from just $5 per hour ($15 minimum).
Cost: It’s free to ride the bike trails.
Inquiries: Oxygen Cycles oxygencycles.com; Encounter Bikeway tourismvictorharbor.com.au; Coast to Vines onkaparingacity.com.au
TUESDAY DECEMBER 29
■ Canoe the Coorong
Coorong Wetlands, selected times, all ages. Canoe the Coorong offers tours for people of all ages and skill levels, such as the 3-hour Sunset Tour, a longer day tour or an overnight tour. Paddle around the wooden boats of Goolwa, take part in a game of beach cricket, spend time fishing and take a guided walk through the dunes to the beach, where you will find out how to cook Goolwa cockles. One adult per child is required to accompany children under 14 years of age.
Cost: Tour prices start from $65 for children.
Bookings essential: Phone 0424 826 008 or visit canoethecoorong.com
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 30
■ BOUNCE Adelaide
164-168 Richmond Rd, Marleston, venue opens at 9am during school holidays, for ages 3-plus. If you’ve always been a fan of trampolines, BOUNCE Adelaide will be your idea of heaven. Featuring more than 50 interconnected trampolines and giant airbags with slam-dunk arenas, wall-running and dodge ball courts rolled in, at BOUNCE you’ll have loads of fun and get a workout.
Cost: One-hour sessions start from $11.
Bookings essential: Booking online in advance is recommended as sessions sell out. bounceinc.com.au/locations/marleston
THURSDAY DECEMBER 31
■ Adelaide’s New Year’s Eve
Elder Park, Adelaide, gates open 6pm, for all ages. Welcome in 2016 at Adelaide City Council’s free New Year’s Eve event, featuring music, food and spectacular fireworks. Gates open 6pm, live music starts from 7pm and there’s two firework displays, from 8.50pm and midnight.
Cost: Entry is free.
Inquiries: adelaidecitycouncil.com
■ Glenelg New Year’s Eve
Mosley Square, Glenelg, from 5.30pm-1.30am, for all ages. Following tradition, the Glenelg foreshore will come alive with free live entertainment, children’s activities and fireworks. There will be two fireworks displays, from 9.30pm and midnight.
Cost: Free entry.
Inquiries: holdfast.sa.gov.au
■ Victor Harbor’s New Year’s Eve Celebrations
Warland Reserve, Victor Harbor, from at 7.30pm, for all ages. Families will have a blast at this New Year’s celebration, where there’ll be free activities such as face painting and a petting zoo. There’ll also be performances by Humphrey B. Bear and Noises for Kids, followed by live performances by The Scarabs and Papa Leo & Louise. There’ll be two firework displays, from 9.45pm and midnight.
Cost: Entry is free.
Inquiries: holidayatvictorharbor.com.au
■ New Year’s Eve Cockle Train
Cutting Rd, Goolwa, or Railway Tce, Victor Harbor, departs Goolwa 8.30pm and then
Victor Harbor at 12.30am, for all ages. A heritage railcar will take you from Goolwa to Victor Harbor with plenty of time to join in on the New Year’s Eve celebrations and view the fireworks display at midnight.
Cost: $29 adults (return fare) and children (aged 4-16) $15.
Inquiries: steamrangerheritagerailway.org
■ Big Bash League — Adelaide Srikers v. Sydney Sixers
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, gates open 2pm, for all ages. Families can spend their New Year’s Eve watching the spectacle of Twenty20 cricket at Adelaide Oval. Earlier in the day, the Women’s Big Bash League teams Adelaide Strikers and Perth Scorchers go head-to-head. Later, the men’s Adelaide Strikers will battle the Sydney Sixers to wrap up an evening of exciting sport.
Cost: Tickets from $5.10.
Bookings essential: premier.ticketek.com.au
FRIDAY JANUARY 1
■ Moonlight Cinema — Hotel Transylvania 2 (PG)
Moonlight Cinema, Botanic Park, Hackney Rd, Adelaide. Gates open at 7pm, the movie starts at sundown (about 8.50pm), for all ages. Why not spend the first day of the year relaxing in the sunshine with your family and the oh-so funny characters of the Hotel Transylvania movies. In the second film, you’ll meet an old-old-old-fashioned vampire called Vlad who arrives at the hotel for an impromptu family get-together.
Cost: Tickets from $14.50.
Bookings essential: moonlight.com.au
SATURDAY JANUARY 2
■ Goolwa Animal Farm
At 85 Airport Rd, Goolwa, 10am-4pm Friday-Monday (open Tuesday-Thursday by arrangement), for all ages. Goolwa Animal Farm offers a great farmyard experience and it’s open every day of the school holidays. There are heaps of cute animals to visit, you can enjoy horse riding, mini train and tractor rides, and there is even a play zone for babies. The farm is closed Christmas Day and when the temperature forecast is 35C-plus.
Cost: Entry costs $10 per adult, $8 per child and $8 concession (free entry for children under two).
Inquiries: Phone 0451 502 858 or visit goolwaanimalfarm.com.au
■ Strawberry picking at Mount Compass
Harvest the Fleurieu, 2256 Victor Harbor Rd, Mt Compass, 9am-4pm, for all ages. Gather your family and friends and enjoy a day of picking your own delicious strawberries. There’s also other farm produce available from the strawberry van. Open seven days.
Cost: $10 for a 1kg punnet, plus $3.50 per head. Children under 10 are free.
Inquiries: harvestthefleurieu.com.au