There’s a new playground in the south worth checking out. It’s a timber-and-nature theme, there’s a little creek running through it that the kids can wade into when it’s hot, and it’s got just about every kind of play equipment you’d want. It’s a good spot for a birthday party too, and there are plenty of BBQ pits scattered around, so it doubles as a great picnic spot. There’s a lot of climbing gear, so it suits kids four and up better than the really little ones. Before the school holidays wrapped up, we made sure to squeeze in a visit.
What’s There
This is a proper nature-based outdoor playground, not the standard plastic-and-metal kind. There are slides, rock climbing, a big sandpit, swings, BBQs, a flying fox and a spinner, and both bigger kids and littler kids can happily spend hours in there. There are a lot of rocks scattered through the play area though, so it’s worth keeping a closer eye on the kids so nobody trips and takes a tumble. Parking and toilets are both easy to get to, which always makes a weekend visit smoother.
It’s about a 20 minute drive from the Adelaide CBD. There are BBQs, a rain shelter, a picnic area and toilets, so it’s genuinely set up for a full day out rather than just a quick play.
Getting There Without a Car Is a Whole Adventure
A mum I’d recently met, kindly invited us along to the park. I’d been looking for somewhere not too far from home, and Google said Glenthorne National Park was only about an eight minute bus ride away. In reality, walking took me close to an hour. If you’re driving, it’s genuinely convenient, you can park right inside near the playground.
Australia really is spread out. Even a short-looking walk turns into fifteen or twenty minutes here. I didn’t see a single other person the whole way, and I actually went the wrong way at one point. Luckily two older ladies spotted me and set me right, otherwise I think I might still be out there wandering the gravel path to this day. One of them told me the way I was heading would take over an hour, and that the park I actually wanted was across the road. I thanked them and turned straight around toward the national park.
When I finally reached the entrance, I honestly couldn’t believe it was a park at all. It looked like open wilderness, still just a rough gravel path stretching out. I checked Google Maps again for the playground, and it just showed the same gravel track disappearing off into the distance with no end in sight. At that point I figured, well, I’ve come this far, may as well keep walking. I doubt anyone for miles around had ever seen someone pushing a pram out there trying to find their way like I was.
Anyway, after about half an hour of walking, things finally opened up, and I spotted some signage confirming I was actually inside the park. I could faintly hear kids playing, and just up ahead I could make out some play equipment. That gave me a proper burst of energy. Finally, I’d made it.
Glenthorne National Park Adventure Playground
2 Majors Road, O’Halloran Hill SA, about 16km south of Adelaide CBD
If you’re planning more Adelaide playground visits during the school holidays, check our SA school holidays and term dates for 2026 page.