A family getaway to SA made me realise why we should holiday in Australia
"When I saw the smiles on the kids faces, I knew they would remember this vacation forever. It felt good to go on a holiday that gave back to the region".
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Not many people realise how badly residents and businesses along the Murray River in South Australia were affected by the floods late last year.
All the regions up and down the river were left devastated, but the good news is that the whole area has shifted into a recovery phase which is allowing tourists to return.
To see what the region offers - and to give back in our own little way - I packed up my two kids and hubby for a quick break that would change our way of travelling forever.
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First stop - Lions, Giraffes and Lemurs, oh my!
After a short drive from Adelaide airport, we began our trip at Monarto Safari Park.
We have heard such great things about the park and now I know why. The park spans an enormous 1,500 hectares and is a haven for a diverse range of wildlife. I loved the fact that the park is unconventional and the animals are left to roam in large spaces.
The best way to see the park is via the ‘hop on, hop off' bus which takes you around the park and stops at numbered bus stops so you can pick and choose where you want to get off and explore further.
Monarto also offers animal experiences, including their popular Lions 360, which we obviously decided to give a go!
The experience involves standing in a cage inside the lion enclosure with the option to feed them with the help of the keepers. Amazingly you feel very safe and secure and enjoy watching the animals come and go. The kids enjoyed the up-close encounters and even for me, they were pretty surreal (the giraffe safari was my favourite).
If you aren’t up to feeding lions or giraffes, there are many other experiences and keeper presentations to enjoy throughout the day.
A family ticket (2A + 2C) costs $115.00 and the up-close experiences start from $55 (for non-members).
Take the kids star-gazing - a different night out
Instead of being stuck in the hotel at night, head out to Walker Flats for an amazing star-gazing adventure. The area is remote, but depending on the tour or experience you want to book, there are options to be picked up, but we were happy to explore the area and drove ourselves out to the International Dark Sky Reserve.
My kids love anything space, so this activity was right up their alley. Hosted by Kelly from Juggle House Experiences, the night was spent exploring the sky with the naked eye and through a specially crafted telescope which revealed a mesmerising display of stars, planets and galaxies - we even got a glimpse of the Milky Way.
I enjoyed the way it was presented to the kids and I felt like they were learning something at the same time (bonus!). The evening is topped off with a warming cup of coffee, tea or milo and a chocolate treat. This awe-inspiring experience was definitely worth the travel time.
River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve tickets are $99 for adults and $79 for kids and runs for approximately 1.5 hours.
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Ngaut Ngaut - where history and culture combine
Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park is a special place full of rich cultural significance. Our guides, Ivy and Sam, are ancestors of the Nganguraku people. The tour aims to promote cross-cultural understanding through education. This stop along the trip was so important in acknowledging the first nations people who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
The protected area includes stunning cliffs and riverbanks along the Murray River, where ancient Indigenous rock art, artifacts and archaeological sites can be found. The tour makes you feel like you are going back in time and living through some of the stories and travels of the elders and their tribes.
The park and caves were under water during the floods and access was cut off for tourists, so visiting the park and the sacred sites was a real highlight.
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Enjoy an adrenaline rush by the river
Covering over 8000 acres of diverse terrain, Loveday 4x4 Adventure Park offers thrilling experiences for all levels of off-roading enthusiasts - even the kids!
We checked out the kids rally car drive, where anyone over the age of eight can drive a car. Yes, you read that right, the kids get to drive a car around a dirt track under the guidance of Doug, a very patient employee at the park. He was so wonderful with the kids and showed them how to use the controls and pedals before heading out onto the track.
Both kids did a 5-lap stint in the car, and both asked for more when their turn ended! We had a fabulous time at the park, and Tony and his team were so welcoming and friendly. The park is a little off the beaten track, but the kids will always remember this off-road experience.
The Kids Rally Drive (5 laps) costs $149 and is suitable for kids over 8 years old.
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Brews and boats - some time for the adults
As we worked our way up and down the river, our next stop was at Wilkadene Woolshed Brewery. The brewery is family-owned and as you enter you can take the time to learn about the brewing process before you head into a rustic wooden bar. The hardest part now is choosing between all the delicious beers they have available.
You are right by the Murray River here, so a seat outside on the deck or the grass is the perfect spot to enjoy your brew. They also offer a ‘make your own platter' which involves selecting meats, cheeses, dips and crackers from the brewery shop and voila, lunch is sorted!
After filling up with delicious goodies, Renmark River Cruises (which leaves from a stop at the lower level of the brewery) is a great way to travel the river and enjoy the stunning scenery and tranquil waters. We went on the sunset cruise which offers a 2-hour trip along the river where you finish up overlooking the Headings Cliffs as the sun sets. It truly is a beautiful spot. I thought the kids might get a bit bored, but Dan, our guide, pointed out plenty of animals, sights and wacky-shaped logs to keep them entertained.
Headings Cliff Sunset Cruise costs $70 for adults and $45 for kids and runs for approximately 2 hours.
Mega playground suitable for all
As we made our way back towards Adelaide, we came across Monash Adventure Park and what a surprise - it was huge! Anyone with kids will appreciate the size and variety of play areas available.
The park's impressive giant swings, rope climbing course, wooden maze and flying fox were all winners with my kids. It made the perfect setting for a quiet morning coffee where we could relax and the kids could wear themselves out!
Monash Adventure Park is free and is open between 10am and 5pm daily.
Picnic among the vines
A trip to South Australia wouldn’t be complete without a winery stop, so heading back to Adelaide we stopped in at Jacob’s Creek.
The winery is in the Barossa region and their main access was cut off during the floods. Today, now that the river is almost back to normal levels, you can drive up a picturesque winding road with views of grapevines and rolling hills. Jacob’s Creek offers tastings and a picnic-style lunch that can be eaten in the garden and they also have a paved alfresco area for larger groups.
We bundled the kids up and watched them play old-fashioned parlour games before sneaking away for a quick wine tasting. The tastings are held indoors along a very sleek and modern-looking bar. The selection of wines are varied and cover a broad range of tastes and palates. This stop is a must for anyone who loves a great food and wine experience.
Wine tastings and picnic hampers are available daily. Prices vary.
Where to stay
Bridgeport Hotel
The Bridgeport has recently undergone an extensive renovation and is located in Murray Bridge, a central location when travelling the Murraylands. Families are well catered for with family-friendly rooms, kids menus and amenities. The hotel restaurant, The Rivergum, was fantastic. The food was fast, fresh and delicious. Breakfast is available and definitely worth the add-on.
Big4 Renmark Riverfront Holiday Park
The holiday park was packed with stuff for the kids. Between the playground, waterpark and jumping pillow, we hardly saw them! They loved that there were 2 bunk beds in their room because there was some ‘discussion’ about who gets the top bunk on the drive there. The park also has a pool, tennis court, outdoor movie theatre, basketball hoop and a sensory room for families with children on the Autism spectrum.
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Other places to check out
Murray Bridge Golf Club
Aside from being a great golf course, this is a great place to stop and enjoy some local hospitality. We popped into Fairways Bistro on a Friday night and the place was buzzing with members having a laugh and enjoying a drink. The meals were well-priced and deliciously good.
Mallee Estate - Eleni’s Restaurant
Eleni’s restaurant features Greek-style food and is set amongst a winery estate. The dips platter is a must - you can choose a selection of dips which is served with warm pita for dipping. All our meals were very generous in size and the service was prompt and friendly.
Support with a smile
I headed to South Australia to support the region after the floods, and I ended the trip with so many great experiences. It is a special place and somewhere I would be happy to return too. I urge anyone who is looking for a great family trip to explore South Australia. You won’t leave disappointed - and you’ll be helping so many businesses in need.
Liz and her family travelled to South Australia as a guest of the South Australian Tourism Commission and the Rise Up For Our River campaign - but her experiences and recommendations are genuinely her own.
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