August Park of the Month – Sturt Gorge Recreation Park
South Australia’s Sturt Gorge Recreation Park is internationally recognised as an area of conservation and geological significance. A beautiful place to explore, the park is a popular destination for mountain bike riding and hiking with an amazing network of new shared-use trails. This month you can get involved with guided ranger walks, mountain bike experiences and more. Be sure to look out for the diverse range of native animals which come to drink at the waterholes along the Sturt River.
Program for August 2018
Friends of the Heysen Trail hike | Sunday 12 August 2018, 9:30am – 12:30pm
Join the Friends of the Heysen Trail on a hike in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. This is a walk to explore the western end of Sturt Gorge. Most of the walk should be easy but 10% requires good concentration and good footwear with excellent grip because it can be steep and slippery in places. Walking poles and some experience is recommended. If you haven’t walked in this area before you will be amazed at the rugged beauty of the gorge nestled between the neighbouring suburbs.
Bookings | The event cost is $8.00 ($1.00 for under age of 18) and registrations are required by 3:00 pm Friday 10 August 2018. To register and for further information contact The Friends of the Heysen Trail. Meeting point will be confirmed by the Friends of the Heysen Trail after registration.
Introduction to night mountain biking | Friday 17 August 2018, 5:15pm – 7pm AND Thursday 23 August 2018, 5:15pm – 7pm
It still might be winter but don’t let that stop you getting out on your mountain bike. Here’s a great chance to come and experience mountain biking at night. Learn how to make your rides safe and enjoyable and see the park in a new light.
Who’s it for: Open to anyone 16 and over with a good level of fitness.
Meeting point: Meet at the gate at the corner of Hayman’s Retreat and Craigburn Road.
What to bring: Mountain bike in good working order, Bike helmet and gloves, Bike backpack, Water, Appropriate footwear, Front bike lights fully charged, Small spare head torch.
Bookings: This event is $10 and registration is essential, for bookings visit Escapegoat.
Guided Ranger Walk | Saturday 18 August 2018, 10am – 11:30am – Fully Booked
Go along and join the rangers for a walk around the Craigburn Lake- feel free to bring along your dog too! Learn all about the Sturt Gorge and find out more about our new ‘Take the Lead’ campaign on how you can better protect our native wildlife whilst dog walking in parks. If you bring your dog make sure you have your lead and doggie bags.
What to bring: Waterproof jacket, hiking boots, preferably with ankle support, long trousers or shorts with long socks, long sleeved light cotton or similar shirt, warm long sleeve top for stops or if the weather is cool, sunscreen, at least one, 1 litre water bottle.
Meeting point: The gate at the end of Craigburn Road, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park.
Bookings: Registration for wait list is available (see link below)
Guided Ranger and Kaurna Walk | Sunday 19 August 2018, 10:30am – 12pm AND Sunday 19 August 2018, 1:30pm to 3pm – Both Fully Booked
If you’ve never visited Sturt Gorge now’s your chance to join rangers and Kaurna man Karrl ‘Tamaru’ Smith on a guided walk. On this informative walk Karrl will talk about Kaurna’s connection with the park and its importance to Kaurna people. The rangers will also share their wealth of knowledge and talk about the work undertaken by the Friends of Sturt Gorge.
The walk is an easy grade but will involve some ascent on narrow rocky trails. There will be plenty of stops and time to ask question of both Karrl and the rangers. The walk is suitable for children 10 and over.
What to bring: Waterproof jacket, hiking boots, preferably with ankle support, long trousers or shorts with long socks, 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: The meeting point TBA.
Bookings: This event is fully booked and the wait list is also full.
Kaurna presentation evening hosted by the Friends of Sturt Gorge | Tuesday 21 August 2018, 7:30 pm
Jeffrey Newchurch is the chair of the Kaurna Nation Cultural Heritage Association Inc. Jeffrey is a Kaurna man and respected Elder. On 21 March 2018, the Kaurna people were recognised as Native Title holders for lands around Adelaide. The judgement confers Native Title Rights to 17 parcels of land from Lower Light to Myponga. The presentation will include reference to Sturt Gorge where the native vegetation, geological elements and colonial habitation have been researched and promoted but the significance of this area to the Kaurna people may not be as well known.
Venue: Bellevue Heights Primary School Hall, Vaucluse Crescent, Bellevue Heights.
Bookings: Please RSVP including any special dietary requirements to moreinfo@fosg.org.au by 19 August 2018, as places are limited.
Mountain Bike Skills Day | 25 August 2018, 10am – 3pm
The day will focus on some of the most important skills you can ever learn. This begins with bike set-up, body position and stance on your bike, so you are totally comfortable on your first ride, Techniques such as track stands, manuals and wheel lifts will be covered and put into practice on the trail.
Bookings: For bookings and further information visit Escapegoat.
Weekend walk for women Sturt Gorge adventure hike | Sunday 26 August 2018, 8:15 am – 12:30 pm
Join Big Heart Adventures on its Weekend Walks for Women and take on the River Hike along stunning Sturt Gorge with the challenge of climbs, creek crossings and rocky terrain while being rewarded with waterfalls and views across the hills and plains.
Bookings: For bookings and further information visit Big Heart Adventures.
DIRECTIONS:
Sturt Gorge Recreation Park is located 13km south of Adelaide. Entry to the park is on foot, with a number of pedestrian entry points readily available around the perimeter. For example, you can enter from Broadmeadow Drive, Black Road and Bonneyview Road in Flagstaff Hill, The Boulevard in Bellevue Heights and Craigburn Road in Craigburn Farm.
For more information and all enquiries please visit the National Parks SA website.
What: Park of the Month – Sturt Gorge Recreation Park
When: August 2018
Where: Adelaide, South Australia
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 Facebook page.
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