Para Wirra Conservation Park – National Parks SA Park of the Month – May 2019
Celebrate Para Wirra Conservation Park this May.
Located less than one hours’ drive from Adelaide, this park is the perfect destination for a day trip or weekend getaway. It’s popular with groups of families and friends who enjoy the park’s wildlife, picnicking, mountain biking, walking and camping opportunities.
There are over 100 species of birds living in the park, including the cheeky emus you’ll see patrolling the picnic grounds. You can see kangaroos grazing at dawn and dusk, and on a warm day bearded dragons and sleepy lizards bask in the sunshine. If you’re in luck you might also spot a short-beaked echidna, a shy creature whose diggings can be found throughout the park.
Each month National Parks SA feature a different park as Park of the Month.
What’s on at Para Wirra Conservation Park this Month:
Free Vehicle Entry
Vehicle entry to Para Wirra Conservation Park will be free during May 2019 to celebrate Park of the Month. You are not required to purchase the vehicle entry fee to enter the park.
Parkapiki Competition
Visit Para Wirra Conservation Park during May to go in the draw to win great prizes:
Prizes include:
- Judge’s choice prize
- $100 voucher for the Scout Outdoor Centre + 12 month vehicle entry for multiple park pass (total value $190)
- People’s choice prize
- 12 month vehicle entry for multiple park pass (total value $90.00)
Parkapiki have used GPS technology to create a virtual boundary around the park. All you need to do is visit Para Wirra Conservation Park during May and when you’re there, open the competition page on your smart-phone or tablet, fill in the form and leave a creative comment about the park. Don’t worry if you’re out of mobile coverage, you can enter the competition by loading a digital photo you’ve taken in the park when you’re back in range.
Weekend walks for women with Big Heart Adventures
Dates and Times: Saturday 18 May 2019 at 8am – 10:30am | Sunday 19 May 2019 at 8:30am – 12:30pm
Join Big Heart Adventures on their weekend walks for women in Para Wirra.
Tickets for Saturday 18 May are $25pp plus booking fee.
Tickets for Sunday 19 May are $33pp plus booking fee.
Bowden’s Cottage Open Days
Dates and Times: Tuesday 7, 14, 21 and 28 May 2019 | 9am – 12:30pm
As part of History Month, visit historic Bowden’s Cottage, a restored settler’s cottage in the heart of the Barossa Goldfields where gold was first discovered in 1868. Discover the Barossa’s gold mining history and explore gold mining displays.
After visiting Bowden’s Cottage venture out on the Victoria Hill Circuit (1.5 km) or one of the other hikes in the park from the Barossa Goldfields trail head.
This event is FREE. For further information visit Barossa Goldfields Society.
Barossa Goldfields Open Day
Date and Time: Sunday 19 May 2019 | 10am – 4pm
As Part of history month as well as Park of the Month Celebrations, the Barossa Goldfields Society is holding an open day. The day provides an opportunity to experience the life as it was during the gold rush. You can visit the museum, tool shed, gaol cell and Bowden’s Cottage. Marvel at the working Goldfields era machinery, try your hand at gold panning and enjoy some camp-oven damper with delicious homemade jams. As part of the day the Goldfield’s volunteers will be running guided tours of the Victoria Hill mines with tours leaving at 11am and 1pm.
Meeting point: Bowden’s Cottage; corner Allendale Road and Para Wirra Road, Barossa Goldfields
A gold coin donation at the gate will cover running costs for the day. For more information visit the Barossa Goldfields Society.
Come and try Aussie Rules with Auskick
Date and Time: Sunday 26 May 2019 | 10am – 11:30am
- 10am – 10:45am will include fun football activities with Auskick instructors (for 5 to 15 year olds)
- 10:45am – 11:30am includes free time to kick the football with parents and friends (for all ages)
Explore the world of AFL at the Para Wirra Bush Oval, learn and build football skills and play in a safe and super fun setting with instructors from NAB AFL Auskick. Activities are designed to let kids learn through play. Kids will have the freedom to run, jump, kick, laugh and express themselves while learning how to play Aussie Rules football in a natural setting.
No experience or skill level required and instructors will cater to each individual’s needs.
Parents can also enjoy NAB AFL Auskick knowing their child is safe, included and active. They can enjoy a kick with their children in the 45 minutes of free time after the activities.
What to bring:
- loose fitted clothing
- sneakers or football boots (if you have them)
- sun hat
- sun glasses
- sunscreen
- at least one, 1 litre water bottle per person
- small day pack
- snacks, fruit and muesli bars.
Meeting point: The Bush Oval, Gawler View, Para Wirra Drive.
This event is FREE but registration is essential.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
Ecology Walk
Date and times: Thursday 30 May 2019 | 9:30am – 10:30am and 11am – 12pm.
Join Jason van Weenen, Species Ecologist in the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Region, on a one hour walk along Lizard Rock Hike as he describes the diverse vegetation communities and the wide range of birds, mammals and reptiles that call Para Wirra Conservation Park home.
The walk will follow the Lizard Rock Hike (1.6km return, 45 mins). The hike is an enjoyable loop trail with easy grades and picturesque views across Wild Dog Creek valley. Explore the rock formations along the ridge and see if you can spot the Lizard Rock. This event is great for family groups or anyone who is keen to learn more about the diverse ecosystems of the Adelaide Hills.
What to bring:
- waterproof jacket
- hiking boots, preferably with ankle support
- long trousers or shorts
- long-sleeved light cotton or similar shirt
- warm long-sleeve top for stops or if the weather is cool
- sun hat
- sun glasses
- sunscreen and insect repellent
- at least one, 1 litre water bottle
- small day pack.
Meeting point: Lizard Rock Hike Trailhead, Gawler View car park, Para Wirra Drive.
This event is FREE but registration is essential
CLICK HERE TO BOOK
LEARN MORE ABOUT PARA WIRRA CONSERVATION PARK HERE
Para Wirra is located 41km North of Adelaide. There are several entrances to the park, with the main entrance being via the West Gate of off of Humbug Scrub Rd.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the National Parks SA website.
What: National Parks SA Park of the Month – Para Wirra Conservation Park
When: May 2019 | See event dates above
Where: Para Wirra Conservation Park | Humbug Scrub Rd, Para Wirra
Who: Everyone
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
Image Source: National Parks SA website
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