Wilderness Escape day program Go Wild at Southern Adventure Hub

Kids can try out high ropes, zip-lines, rock climbing and more during this thrilling day program.

Review by Carla Caruso

The idea of doing an American summer camp always appealed to me as a youngster. Maybe it was all the teen novels I used to consume.

Well, Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures offers exactly those kinds of vibes. The chance for kids to get outdoors, do nature-based activities, meet new pals, and get out of their comfort zones.

Wilderness is the largest provider of outdoor education programs in SA and is recognised nationally as a leader in the field of school-based experiential education.

In the July 2023 school holidays, my twin sons tried out one of their day programs (although the organisation also does do school camps).

While the outing may have lacked the sunshine of a summer camp, my nine-year-olds did get to enjoy plenty of fresh air, adrenaline-pumping adventure, and fun.

The day trip they chose was Go Wild @ SAH on the Fleurieu Peninsula, suitable for those aged eight to 17 years. Kids can travel up for the day by car or leave their parents at home and catch a Wilderness bus. (There are pick-up and drop-off points at Glynde, Burnside, and the Southern Park Lands.)

Bonus: electronic items must be kept at home!

The day started off with the kids go-karting at Kuitpo Forest. Not only did they get to try their hand at this bit of nostalgia from my youth, they actually had to help build the go-kart too…then take it apart again after enjoying their own outdoorsy grand prix.

This activity warmed them all up considerably. Then it was off to the Southern Adventure Hub in Blewitt Springs for the rest of the day (with bring-your-own recess and lunch eaten in between).

If your kids have done TreeClimb before, they’ll feel right at home here.

The attendees got to climb a two-sided rock climbing wall, as well as tackle a high ropes course, featuring zip-lines and 10 different elements – each harder than the last. A helmet and harness were provided, with kids encouraged to learn to put on the gear themselves.

The day ended with everyone trying the ‘leap of faith’, with participants having to back themselves to make the ultimate jump into mid-air to catch a suspended trapeze. Such a blast.

In all, the day trip was a great opportunity for my kids to gain life-long skills – in a safe and controlled environment. And also helped them to burn up a tonne of energy.

Check out Wilderness’ programs today, with other activities on offer ranging from abseiling to caving, raft-building, mountain biking, surfing, and more.

Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures – School Holiday Programs

What we like about it:

Kids get to engage with the world around them while discovering more about themselves, developing meaningful life skills, and fostering new relationships.

Things to consider:

• Go Wild @ SAH is suitable for kids aged 8 to 17 years
• Wilderness encourages independence in kids, whether it’s having them put on their own safety equipment or help build go-karts.
• Children also need to have an adventurous enough spirit to tackle the aerial hub, plus be without their parents for a whole day.
• Finally, remember to pack layers, so your kids will stay warm throughout the day!

Location:

Southern Adventure Hub | 216 Douglas Gully Rd, Blewitt Springs

For more information, please visit the Wilderness Escape Outdoor Adventures website.

All photos by James Elsby for Play & Go Adelaide / please note: all children photographed with permission

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.

As per all our Play & Go reviews, this is not a sponsored post and our review is done completely independently. All photos are by Play & Go (unless specified).

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