FOUNTAIN VALLEY RESERVE
FRANK HILTON RESERVE
ROTARY PARK
Cr. Candy Road & Main South Road, HAPPY VALLEY
Gulf Parade, MASLIN BEACH
Corner Beach Rd & Esplanade, CHRISTIES BEACH
On your way through to the southern wine
regions for a spot of wine-tasting, be sure to take
time out to visit the beautiful Fountain Valley
Reserve. This accessible location has a large freshwater pond, which is home to a variety of wildlife,
including ducks and geese..
Just a stone’s throw from the famous Maslin
Beach is Frank Hilton Reserve, located on Gulf
Parade. The reserve is positioned high up on a
cliff face overlooking Gulf St.Vincent and offers a
spectacular 180-degree sea-view.
Located at the end of Beach Road is Rotary
Park. This would have to be the perfect spot
to unwind and relax after a hard day’s work.
Whether from the park’s gazebo or a nearby
bench, the panoramic ocean-view is hard to beat.
The rhythmic sound of waves embracing a sandy
beach has an almost hypnotic effect, while the
cool sea breeze clears the mind. Five minutes
of breathing in the fresh salt-spray will have you
craving a serve of tasty fish and chips!
The reserve’s large, grassed lawn area is perfect
for family activities: such as kicking a ball, playing
‘chasie’, or flying a kite on the incoming seabreezes. From the cliff point you can take pleasure
in watching the sun set over one of Adelaide’s
prettiest beaches, or study the many rock layers in
the ancient cliff-face.
For those wishing to get some sand between their
toes, a boardwalk from the reserve also provides
easy access onto the beach below.
As you toss your last chip to a hungry seagull and
the sun slowly sinks towards the horizon, take
a moment to admire the beautiful sunset, with
its array of contrasting colours reflected in the
rock cliffs of Witton Bluff. What a way to end the
day…
Regularly used for wedding ceremonies and
picnics, this charming spot is guaranteed to prove
a hit with the kids at any time of year – they’re
sure to prefer it to traipsing around some boring
old winery! The pond’s banks are dotted with
trees and it features a cooling water fountain set
in the middle. Surrounding this are lush green
lawns, a formal garden, shade-trees and a gazebo.
BBQ - electric
Seating/tables
Shelters
Ball-game space
Large pond
Play equipment
BBQ - electric
Shelter
Ball-game space
Kiosk
Seating/tables
Beach access
BBQ - electric
Shelters
Ball-game space
Seating/tables
Toilet
Parks
and
Reserves
RIVER BEND PARK
SYMONDS RESERVE
THALASSA PARK & GARDENS
COTTAGE LANE RESERVE
Clarendon Recreation Ground, CLARENDON
Corner Butterworth Rd & Ryan Avenue, ALDINGA BEACH
Windebanks Rd, ABERFOYLE PARK
Cr. Cottage Lane & Gates Road, HACKHAM
Looking for the perfect place to stop and enjoy
that freshly baked, country-style pastry while
travelling on the Southern Vales scenic route?
Well, you can’t go past beautiful River Bend Park,
nestled in a tranquil bend of the Onkaparinga
River, just outside of historic Clarendon.
Set against a backdrop of pretty hills and adorned
with gum trees of all shapes and sizes, Symonds
Reserve is the perfect place to run off that excess
energy. Located on grounds adjoining the Aldinga
Community Centre, the reserve provides a large
open space for locals to enjoy a variety of physical
activities.
Sitting atop rolling green hills, Thalassa Park &
Gardens boasts a unique history. The name
‘Thalassa’ comes from Ancient Greek, meaning:
‘I see the sea’ or ‘view of the sea’. It was
appropriately named. Looking west from the
park’s highest point, you have a distant view of the
district’s sweeping coastline.
Fancy a game of ‘hide & seek’? Just off Main South
Road, at the corner of Cottage Lane and Gates
Road in Hackham, is Cottage Lane Reserve. Here
you’ll find plenty of great hiding spots among the
many trees.
Snuggled in between the town’s recreation ground
and the river’s still waters, this quiet place has
long been a favourite with picnic-goers. The light
breezes, gently rustling gum leaves overhead, lull
the weary traveller into a state of relaxation. It
doesn’t take long to become ‘at one’ with this
peaceful, timeless landscape.
The park offers ample picnic areas with benches
and seating. To fully appreciate the spaciousness
and tranquil setting of this place, take a leisurely
stroll along the riverbank. As you meander along,
you’ll feel dwarfed by the tall trees overhead
– silent sentinels from a distant past. The gentle
splash of a startled fish breaks the silence, as do
the sounds of kookaburras echoing from the
river’s rocky cliff-faces. The lagoon is inhabited by a
wealth of wildlife. At the water’s edge, wild ducks
and other waterbirds can be seen probing for the
odd elusive worm, while above, bees busily collect
nectar from wild flowers and butterflies ride the
gentle breeze.
BBQ
Shelter
Tennis/Netball courts
Playground
Oval
Ball-game space
Seating/tables
Toilets
First up, there are the exercise stations –
strategically placed throughout the reserve.
Then there’s a walking track, play equipment and
a large open area especially for ball games.
The playground is conveniently situated next to
grass lawns and a formal garden with low-lying
shrubs, so mums and dads have a pleasant place
to relax and watch the kids.
The walking path leads through the park to a
BMX track and skate facilities, where you can
watch some of our younger residents finding
creative new ways of defying gravity! These
popular facilities cater for both beginners and
intermediate users. Symonds Reserve is the
result of dedicated community involvement, from
planning to planting – making this place a true
‘People’s’ Park’.
BMX mounds
Play equipment
Exercise stations
Ball-game space
Skateboard facility
Walking path
Oval
Toilets
Carpark
Disabled carpark
In 1978, Mrs Margaret Cutten and Mrs Ann
Burton donated Thalassa Farm to the community
and the land was transformed into an informal
recreation area for community use. These days,
Thalassa Park is popular with local residents and
visitors alike, as it offers a variety of activities for
both young and old.
The park’s many shady trees are home to a
variety of birds and wildlife. A large playground is
located on the hilltop, while below, meandering
between the rolling hills, is a walking track. After
a relaxing walk or fun on the play equipment,
why not enjoy a tasty BBQ or drinks under the
gazebo?
BBQ - electric
Play equipment
Seating/tables
Walking/cycling path
Toilets
Amphitheatre
Shelter
Carpark
A small creek runs through the reserve with
two footbridges providing access to either bank.
Located nearby are a playground, gazebo, park
benches and seats. Once you’ve enjoyed playing
‘hide & seek’, see if you can also find the reserve’s
Aboriginal artwork…
Situated close by is Holly Cottage, built around
1841. The house was home to a number of
families until 1972.
BBQ - electric
Seating/tables
Carpark
Shelter
Skateboard facility
Ball-game space
Tennis courts
Play equipment
Toilets
GEMMEL TASSIE RESERVE
WILLUNGA RECREATION RESERVE
WEYMOUTH OVAL
JUBILEE PARK
West Park Way & South Park Way, McLAREN VALE
Aldinga Road, WILLUNGA
Main Road, COROMANDEL VALLEY
Saltfleet St, PORT NOARLUNGA
Located in the heart of the McLaren Vale
township is Gemmel Tassie Reserve. A perfect
place to break your Sunday drive, the reserve
has extensive parklands and boasts an impressive
grove of large olive trees – these were planted
early in the town’s history, long before the
district’s booming olive industry took off.
Recreational facilities here include a BMX track,
skateboard park, soccer oval, tennis courts and
playgrounds.
Just a short drive south of Adelaide, the Willunga
Recreation Reserve offers an attractive rural
setting for a pleasant weekend picnic. The reserve
is well maintained, with a formal rose garden
wafting its sweet perfume over the area’s picnic
facilities and large open spaces. For the active, a
leisurely bicycle ride to the reserve via the linear
park from McLaren Vale, will allow you to fully
enjoy this picturesque wine region.
Hidden away in cosy Coromandel Valley, just
14 kilometres south of the Adelaide CBD, is
Weymouth Oval. Named after the family who
donated the land to the community, the oval
offers an open, natural and tranquil setting
– perfect for a family picnic.
Situated on the lower reaches of the Onkaparinga
River, just off Saltfleet Street is, Jubilee Park. The
park overlooks both the Port Noarlunga sand
dunes and the Onkaparinga estuary, giving nature
lovers superb views of this unique ecosystem. On
a clear day, the blue sky provides a picturesque
backdrop to the speckled sand hills, rows of fisherfolk, playful canoeists and colourful wading-birds.
Be sure to bring your camera!
The reserve has a number of war memorial areas,
including the Remembrance Garden, with its fifty
trees planted to mark the end of World War II.
Next to the gazebo on the western side of the
park, is a plaque marked in honour of the men
and women who served in the armed forces
during that conflict.
The Willunga Recreation Reserve is part of
the original saleyard, where livestock grown in
the surrounding districts were auctioned and
then transported by rail to the markets. Today,
reminders of the original Willunga Railway can still
be seen here, such as where a 60 foot turntable
used to operate in the southwest corner of the
reserve. Other remnants include a water tower
and rusted piping, which once serviced steam
trains back in the railway’s heyday.
If you’re planning on picnicking at the reserve,
don’t worry about bringing your food with you
– McLaren Vale is home to a rich variety of
produce stores, bakeries, confectionary shops, and
of course, its award-winning wineries! You certainly
won’t go hungry here…
BMX mounds
Skateboard facility
Play equipment
BBQ - electric
Soccer goal
Shelter
Toilets
Seating/tables
Tennis courts
Take a leisurely walk through the area to the
sound of trickling water coming from nearby
Chambers Creek, whose wooded banks provide
a safe habitat for a range of native wildlife. The
Creek also presents an exciting and interesting
place for children, who’ll be keen to explore its
many hidden treasures. Make sure you pack some
dry clothes!
On the way through to the Oval is the beautiful
War Memorial Garden, dedicated to the memory
of nine local men from the Coromandel district
who were killed in action during the First World
War.
BBQ - electric
Shelter
Toilets
Seating/tables
Ball-game space
Walking/cycling trail
Play equipment
BBQ - electric
Shelter
Toilets
War Memorial
Seating/tables
Ball-game space
Walking/cycling path
Cricket nets
Community centre
Play equipment
Chambers Creek
Also in the area is the newly built Onkaparinga
Adventure Playground. In an impressive display of
southern community spirit, this substantial timber
structure was constructed during 6 days in 2002,
by over 2,000 local volunteers. Since its official
opening by the City of Onkaparinga Mayor, the
adventure playground has become a popular
attraction and is frequently visited by families from
across Adelaide. Featuring access and equipment
for people with disabilities, the playground’s slides,
towers and labyrinth of passageways have proven
an instant hit with thousands of youngsters.
BBQ - electric
Shelter
Toilets
Ball-game space
Walking/cycling trail
Play equipment
Seating/tables
Carpark
MARKET SQUARE RESERVE
WILFRED TAYLOR RESERVE
MCLAREN FLAT REC. GROUND
TANGARI REGIONAL PARK
Market Cr, OLD NOARLUNGA
Wheatsheaf Road & States Road, MORPHETT VALE
Kangarilla Road, McLAREN FLAT
Enter off Pimpala Pine or Reynell Roads, WOODCROFT
Located on Market Corner just off Patapinda
Road in Old Noarlunga is Market Square Reserve.
Once the site of a busy cattle market, today the
reserve is better known for the many events and
festivals which are held there each year – the
surrounding tall trees and good natural acoustics
adding to its popularity.
A place guaranteed to satisfy the family’s amateur
biologist, train enthusiast, sports nut and pet;
Wilfred Taylor Reserve features extensive
parklands as well as an open space area. Within
its recreational grounds, you’ll find well maintained
playgrounds and sports facilities. Nature lovers can
follow the walking trail along the upper reaches
of Christie Creek, marvelling at the majestic river
red gums and abundant native birdlife. The kids
are sure to find plenty to keep them amused,
searching for interesting aquatic specimens in the
creek.
After an enjoyable visit to the local wineries, why
not stop for a relaxing picnic at the beautiful P.G.
Dawson Reserve? It’s situated at the entrance to
the McLaren Flat Recreation Ground, next to the
bowling club.
Tangari Regional Park is located 30km south of
the Adelaide CBD, nestled among gently rolling
hills at Woodcroft, Tangari is a large area of
wooded bushland, which gives visitors a good
idea of what the Adelaide Plains once looked like.
It contains approximately 60 hectares of natural
vegetation and 65 hectares of open parklands.
In the 1840s, the river frontage here was used
to load barges with grain from the surrounding
farms. The grain was then ferried downstream to
Port Noarlunga, from where it was shipped to
Adelaide.
Located at the eastern end of the reserve, next to
the Miniature Railway club are picnic facilities and
shelters. On certain days, the air reverberates to
the sound of antique steam engines – well worth
a look. The reserve also has a dog agility course,
where you can put your dog through its paces.
A memorial hall was erected here in memory of
McLaren Flat servicemen who were killed during
World War I. The hall soon became an important
venue for social occasions in the lives of the local
community and is still used today for events such
as the local agricultural show.
Also located on the reserve is the City of
Onkaparinga’s award-winning public toilet.
This state-of-the-art loo is well on the way to
becoming a local icon! The structure has been
designed to provide a visual link to the wine
region in a style that reflects the material and
shape of a wine barrel and the colouring of Shiraz
pressings – well worth a visit!
Originally part of Kaurna Territory, this area was
settled by Europeans as agricultural land during
the 1830’s. Today, it is one of the few remaining
large open spaces within metropolitan Adelaide
that contains significant areas of remnant
vegetation, high conservation plant species and a
vast diversity of habitats.
Tangari is used extensively by the local and
regional community for a range of recreational
pursuits including horse riding, walking, BMX,
jogging and bird watching – the park is particularly
rich in birdlife, with over 86 species having been
recorded here.
Sure to be appreciated by nature-lovers, the start
of Tangari’s well-marked trail is complemented by
picnic tables, benches and bins, yet within a few
metres, walkers find themselves totally surrounded
by tranquil wilderness.
Market Square Reserve overlooks a bend in the
Onkaparinga River, complete with undulating
hills, river gums and rich native bird life. Located
on the western end of the reserve is a beautiful
water fountain and rose garden dedicated to the
memory of Diana, Princess of Wales. The fountain
attracts many birds and local wildlife, who use it as
a ‘watering hole’ during the dry summer season.
BBQ - electric
Ball-game space
Toilets
Power
Play equipment
Seating/tables
Gazebo
BBQ - electric
Play equipment
BMX mounds
Seating/tables
Miniature railway
Dog agility course
Shelter
Toilets
Walking/cycling trail
Ball-game space
Playground for
disabled children
Toilets
Ball-game space
Oval
Play equipment
Seating/tables
Walking/cycling trail
www.onkaparingacity.com