If you’re wanting to get the kids outdoors these school holidays, or simply need inspo for easy and fun trips, then this is for you.

We’ve mapped out a family adventure packed with nature, wildlife, and core memories waiting to be made – only an hour’s drive from Adelaide.

Our local experiences and accommodation are suitable for all ages, so even the smallest travellers will have a blast.

Here’s your guide to making the most of the school holidays!

Mannum

Kick off your journey at Mannum Waterfalls. Here you can get some exercise by exploring the rock formations and trails, and take a detour out to Palmer for some panoramic views at Palmer Lookout.

When you roll into Mannum, grab a pie and a donut from the Randell Street Bakery and head down to Mary Ann Reserve. Kids will love its playground and picnic spots right by the river.

For history buffs, the Mannum Dock Discovery Centre lets kids spin wheels and imagine life as riverboat captains.

For a unique river experience, hop aboard a historic paddle steamer like the PS Marion or cruise the Murray on PW Mayflower. Otherwise, you can take a free ride on Mannum’s dual ferries – the only ones of their kind in South Australia.

River Shack Rentals offer holiday accommodations along the Mid Murray riverfront – ranging from basic shacks to luxurious homes. It’s the perfect base for your river escape.

Swan Reach and Big Bend

Next, head to Swan Reach for a classic pub meal with river views at Swan Reach Hotel. For an unforgettable view, head up to Big Bend Lookout for an amazing sunset over the river, and spend the night doing a nocturnal animal tour at Big Bend By Night, where you’ll meet local nocturnal wildlife.

Set up camp at Punyelroo Caravan Park, a perfect base for exploring Swan Reach Conservation Park and spotting southern hairy-nosed wombats.

Stargazing the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve

If your child is dreaming of being an astronaut (or loves science class), they’ll love the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve.

Our internationally acclaimed Dark Sky Reserve has a darkness reading of 21.9 out of a maximum of 22 – meaning there’s virtually no light pollution so you’ll see the night sky in all its natural, spectacular glory.

Join Kel from Juggle House Experiences to peek through a professional telescope, with guided viewing of the Milky Way from astronomers to learn about the solar system and its constellations.

No family trip to our region is complete without a visit to Monarto Safari Park, the largest safari park outside of Africa.

We always recommend the Land of the Lemurs walk-through exhibit to families, an all-ages experience where one of Australia’s largest troops of ring-tailed lemurs play and leap around you.

There are also incredible animal viewing platforms where kids can see lions, cheetahs, and rhinos up close. Don’t miss the walking trails for a closer look at the park’s 1,500 hectares of wilderness – you might spot some local animals too, with kangaroos and emus often wandering through the bush

Stay for a meal at the Visitor Centre café or grab a family bundle for interactive animal encounters.

For families seeking adrenaline, Shell-V Power Motorsport Park is a one-stop destination. Their Big 4 Holiday Park is perfect for families travelling with caravans, with drive through (and grassy) powered sites close to the pool, mini golf course, playground, jumping pillow, and arcade.

From here you can pop over to the Apex Restaurant for dinner – where you can watch the cars roar on the track beneath you.

For some friendly rivalry, take the family over to the Kartdrome for a race. Kids under 14 will sit as a passenger in your tandem cart, so they’ll get to kit up in helmets and feel the adrenaline rush (reaching speeds of 70km/h). For the older kids, they can race on their own – so make sure you bring the whole crew along.

Check their event calendar for events at the Dragway.

Murray Bridge and Karoonda

In Murray Bridge, the kids can let loose at Sturt Reserve’s playgrounds and walking trails. A quick stop at Little Local Co ensures everyone stays fuelled with milkshakes and sweet treats (plus amazing coffee for the adults).

The Bridgeport Hotel has great interconnecting family rooms, to give everyone some space during their stay.

Further along the Dukes Highway, Karoonda boasts a space-themed playground, silo art by day and night, and cozy eco-cabins at Karoonda Tourist Park. The kids will love meeting the Big Ram!

Coorong National Park

For nature lovers, venture into the Coorong National Park where you can 4×4, fish, and play all day long. There are excellent campsites at 42 Mile Crossing campground, where kangaroos will often make an appearance.

Bring a 4×4 for an exciting drive over sand dunes to Salt Creek’s pristine coastline.

What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and start your adventure today!