Ever heard the phrase, there’s nothing to do in Adelaide? If you’re a local then let’s assume you have – well, we beg to differ. Below are our top 10 outdoor adventure activities available in the Adelaide Hills for thrill seekers, for those looking for a new hobby or those who simply want to keep active.
- Cycling
For keen cyclists, check out the Amy Gillett bikeway, named after the Australian women’s cyclist, for a fun and free way to stay active. A shared-use path built specifically for cyclists and walkers, it’s not just a white line on the edge of a road, making it safe for children and families. Spanning 15 kilometres from Oakbank to Mount Torrens, you can conquer this path in sections if you’re just starting out. Cycling from Woodside to Charleston is a great option for those just wanting to spend time in the outdoors and keep active.
- Running
If running is your thing, Park Run is a global community of people who gather once a week to complete a 5 kilometre run spanning across 20 countries and five continents. It’s all about encouraging people who share similar interests to come together and boost each other to reach the finish line. Popular in our very own hills region, the free weekly event attracts hundreds of locals wanting to get out into the fresh air. It kicks off every Saturday morning at 8am from the Mount Barker Homemaker Centre, so grab a friend and challenge each other to get your run on.
- Park and Playground
Steamroller Park Stirling is a short 16 minute drive from Newenham and is the perfect location for a spring picnic. This park has everything from stunning parklands, varied play equipment, public facilities and the historical steamroller. The retired steamroller was provided by the council to the park as play equipment, and of course, kids love climbing on the old machine and playing driver. All play equipment in the park is fenced off giving parents peace of mind to relax and enjoy the nature around them.
- Rock Climbing and Abseiling
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Morialta Conservation Park is the most visited rock climbing area in Adelaide and just a 35 minute drive from Newenham. Just as much a mental exercise as it is a physical one, rock climbing is the ultimate test of concertation, agility and commitment. And if you’re a bit of thrill seeker too, give abseiling a go. It’s the method of descending down a cliff face on a rope using a lot of control. Imagine looking down from the edge of a cliff! But, don’t try this by yourself, book the experience with Adrenaline.
- Archery
No matter your fitness or your experience level, archery is a great activity to get involved in. Hills Archers, a target archery club located in Lobethal, is only a 30 minute drive from Newenham and is especially fun when you go with a group who can all laugh with each other. Participants must be at least nine years of age. All classes and courses are conducted by instructors accredited by Archery Australia and equipment is provided by the club.
- 4-Wheel Driving
South Australia has some of the best and most diverse landscapes when it comes to 4-wheel driving, specifically around Mt Barker. Central Hills 4WD Club is your local club, they cater to all driving capabilities and all ages. If you’re planning a special birthday surprise, they also do overnight camping trips at locations you just can’t get to from main roads. If you already own a 4 wheel drive you can join the club and reap all the benefits, such as invitations to exclusive trips and meeting like-minded people.
- Shooting Range
If you’ve always wanted try your hand at a shooting range, the Mount Barker Rifle Club offers long distance target shooting. Anyone can undertake this activity, no experience or muscle mass index required. However, target shooting does require a lot of control and concentration.
- Adventure park – Woodhouse
For kids, big kids and all those with a love of adventure, Woodhouse is an activity packed park perfect school camps and team building exercises. Woody’s Challenge Hill is the ultimate fun obstacle course, you will crawl, climb, swing and slide your way to the end. Then there is Disc Golf, it’s pretty similar to traditional golf, except you use a flying disc. The golf disc is thrown from a tee to an elevated metal basket down the fairway. Woodhouse also offers onsite accommodation.
- Horse riding – Four Oaks Farm
An activity everyone should try at least once; horse riding is a great way to immerse yourself in nature. Four Oaks Farm offers a stunning scenic farm house in the Adelaide Hills where you can feed the farm animals, see some kangaroo and have a go at spotting their resident peacock. The main attraction is the horse and pony riding trails. The trails go through the blissful Adelaide Hills with a view of Mt Lofty on the horizon. No experience needed and all safety equipment is provided.
- Sky diving
If you’re a self-confessed adrenaline junkie, then this is the ultimate activity that will take you to new heights. A huge mental challenge, jump out of a plane with SA Sky Diving suspended 15,000 feet above the ground. With a drop zone at Langhorne Creek, a 30 minute drive from Newenham, it’s a once in a lifetime experience you’ll never forget. It makes a fantastic celebration for a milestone birthday or life achievement.
Just imagine all these adventure activities so close to your doorstep.
While you’re out experiencing any one of these top 10 outdoor adventure activities, come and experience Newenham too. Visit our Sales and Information Centre to discover why living at Newenham will be something truly special and why you’ll want to be a part of our community.
Visit us at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker. Or you can book a site tour at a time that suits you.
We look forward to welcoming you to Newenham soon.
