Challenge Hill Obstacle Course | Woodhouse Activity Centre | Review
Challenge Hill Obstacle Course is a must-do while enjoying all that Woodhouse Activity Centre has to offer. You can crawl, climb, balance and swing your way through over 30 obstacles set in the bushland of the Adelaide Hills.
Access to Challenge Hill is included in your day pass or camping fee at Woodhouse, and you should definitely make time to explore 30+ obstacles dotted across the hill while you are here. Start with a picture under the arch at the start, then follow the signs to tackle each numbered obstacle in turn.
Many of the obstacles have been here for years – old-school pine logs, ropes and brick climbing walls, but there are newer obstacles included throughout that provide a huge range of challenges for all ages.
Originally designed for Scouts, the obstacles are best suited to ages 10 and up, but there are plenty of options for younger kids to try, and the name of the game is to challenge your abilities – not everyone will be able to conquer every obstacle, and that’s okay! Young kids will love the elephant graveyard, concrete tunnels, and the commando net.
Older kids will love soaring through the air on the fantastic flying fox.
There are plenty of opportunities for adults to help out younger kids too – there is plenty of room alongside a lot of the obstacles to help keep kids balanced or provide reassurance – we had a couple of six year olds in our group that were able to complete most of the more difficult obstacles with the help of their parents and grandparents.
The whole course is set amongst tall trees with winding paths connecting the obstacles, which really gives the whole course a sense of adventure – you can’t always see what obstacles await you around the corner!
A long-time favourite is the mouse trap maze – a dark crawl that goes around and around until you pop out at the exit. There are some panels that allow light in, and an escape hatch partway through if you get overwhelmed. A torch can be handy for this if you don’t like the dark.
There are two water obstacles – the rope crossing and a short climbing wall that requires you to first wade across the creek. These are the most challenging obstacles, particularly the rope swing. We have tackled Challenge Hill many times over the years with groups of all ages, and only a handful of people have made it across the ropes without falling in the water. If it is warm or you don’t mind getting wet, give them a go! They are towards the end of the course so you can dry off and warm up not long after. The depth of the water ranges from knee-deep to waist-deep depending on the flow in the creek.
Things to Consider:
- Allow at least 90 minutes to complete the course
- If it has been raining, some of the obstacles (particularly the pine logs) might be too wet to safely attempt
- Bring a head torch for the mousetrap maze if your kids are worried about the dark
- Skip the rope crossing and wade and climb obstacles on the creek if you don’t want to get very wet – because you WILL get wet!
- Wear shoes with good grip, as some of the tracks are steep and slippery at times
- Wear old clothes because you’re likely to get muddy or dusty
- There are no toilets at Challenge Hill, the nearest toilets are at the St George Basecamp, 200 metres east along the roadway
- There is plenty of parking along the roadway at start of the course, and a shelter to rest in
- There’s a picnic table/rest stop about halfway through the course if you need a breather
Remember that Challenge Hill is included in your day pass or camping entry fee, so make sure you check out all the other activities available here when you visit. There’s the Labyrinth, Cameron’s Climb, Disc Golf and Tube Slides to enjoy.
READ OUR REVIEW OF THE TUBE SLIDES HERE
Cost:
A Day Adventure site entry fee gives you access to their 54 hectare property between 9am-5pm including Woody’s Challenge Hill, Disc Golf, The Labyrinth, Cameron’s Climb, Orienteering and Tube Slide (Open weekends and public holidays (excluding Good Friday and Christmas Day). Closed on weekdays even during school holidays. )
- Under 5: Free
- Children (5-15 years): $14
- Concession Card: $14
- Adults (16 years+): $18
- Companion Card: Free
- Family (2 adults and 2 children or 1 adult and 3 children): $55
- Scouts SA Member take 20% off (present Membership Card at check-in)
Location:
For more information, entry fees and all enquiries please visit the Woodhouse Activity Centre website
What: Challenge Hill Obstacle Course
When: 9am – 5pm Daily
Where: Woodhouse Activity Centre, 37 Spring Gully Road, Picadilly
Who: Everyone, but especially kids aged 10+
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: Play & Go Adelaide
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