Recreational Entertainment
This is a destination that’s perfect for families. Kids want to do ‘stuff’ and there are plenty of options in the Murray River, Lakes & Coorong region — camping under the stars, fishing, canoeing or kayaking, catching yabbies, historic walks, bike trails, waterskiing, getting up close and personal with the wildlife, even amazing playgrounds. One thing’s for sure – the kids will sleep well.
ANIMALS GALORE
Here in the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region we are home to many wild animals – some Australian and some African. You can be sure that driving on our country roads you’ll be able to spot a Kangaroo jumping around in the bushland, drive carefully around dusk as this is when they become their most active.
Take a visit on the wild side and adventure up river to The Big Bend where you can find a family farm with a nature based tourism experience. Big Bend by Night is an evening adventure with no walking involved. Sitting in an open sided cart you can spotlight many nocturnal wild Australian animals.
Living in the country only an hour or so away from the City gives us open plains, very similar to what a tourist might find in Africa. Why not take the time to visit Monarto Safari Park, the home of Australia’s largest open-range zoo. Jump on the Zu-Loop Shuttle and experience the African wildlife. For those keen to explore by foot, there is plenty of walking track options available as well.
PLAYGROUNDS AND PARKS
For any parent on a family trip, playgrounds are a great way to keep the kids entertained along the way. The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region features fantastic park, reserve and playground facilities in most major towns, with a number of standout experiences to ‘wear out’ the kids!
POOLS
On those hot Australian days – when all the kids want to do is eat ice-cream and swim in a pool, where can you go is the new burning question! The Murray River, Lakes and Coorong region has many public pools of all different depths available for that family fun day out. With canteens to serve you frozen treats and shading to keep you protected from the blinding sun, all you’ll have to remember is to Slip, Slop, Slap.
HORSE RACING
The Murray Bridge Racing club has a proud tradition of racing and hosts a range of events. The prestigious Murray Bridge Gold Cup is the jewel in the crown, held every October. Treat the kids to the fabulous Christmas Family Race Day – there are always activities and events to keep them entertained.
With a large undercover betting ring, cafeteria, numerous bars, pleasant lawned surrounds and trees for shade, patrons are made to feel very welcome on race day. Check out the racing schedule on the website – there is a race at least every week.
For something totally different and a taste of outback racing, head to Mindarie for the annual Mindarie Halidon Cup Race day .
This is the Melbourne Cup of the outback, held in September each year. There are buses available to transport you to the track, from Adelaide, Goolwa, Hahndorf, Loxton, Murray Bridge, Strathalbyn, Mannum, Swan Reach and many other areas.