At Enhanced Lifestyles, we’re all about lifestyle – it’s in the name, after all! Some of our team is based in the Riverland, so we know how time consuming it can be to find accessible activities locally that everyone can enjoy. Never fear – we did a tonne of research to help you plan your next grand adventure.
If you’re not a Riverland local and instead reside in Adelaide, check out our guide to accessible activities in Adelaide!
11 awesome and accessible activities in the Riverland
1. Monarto Safari Park
Details
Where: 63 Monarto Road, Monarto
When: Daily, 9:30am-5:00pm
Cost: Concession tickets are $33.50. Companion Cards and Carer Australia Cards are accepted.
About the Monarto Safari Park
Arguably one of SA’s most iconic activities, the Monarto Safari Park is a must-see!
Monarto Safari Park is home to more than 500 animals, comprised of over 50 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. It’s also one of the largest open-range zoos in the world, and it makes good use of this space with unique experiences such as Lions 360, safari adventure tours, and meet-and-greets with lemurs, meerkats, and rhinos.
Accessibility features
Walking paths around the park are made from compacted dirt and rubble, and are quite easily traversable. Paths are also low in sensory stimulation, providing a calming, nature-focused experience. If you’d prefer to travel the grounds by bus, you can hop on the free Zu-loop bus and take in the sights with a passionate and knowledgeable guide. Many of the busses are wheelchair accessible – just ask staff about which ones when you’re there. The Monarto Safari Park’s shuttle bus is also accessible, allowing guests to get to the Lions 360 experience with ease.
Accessible car parks are available close to the visitor centre, and the toilets and café facilities are fully accessible. For a more relaxed dining experience, accessible picnic tables are available at The Outpost and Waterhole sites.
Get amongst the most spectacular members of the animal kingdom at Monarto Safari Park.
2. Monash Adventure Park
Details
Where: 20 Madison Road, Monash
When: Daily, 10:00am-5:00pm
Cost: Free
About Monash Adventure Park
Monash Adventure Park is impressive and well-equipped, making it the perfect destination for a catch-up with friends or a day out with the kids.
You’ll find BBQ facilities, plenty of play equipment, a maze, picnic and shaded areas, and scenic surroundings. What more could you want from a park?!
Accessibility features
According to the Berri Barmera Council website, the Monash Adventure Park has inclusive play equipment, including a liberty swing! Plus, the park’s facilities are listed as being accessible, so you can enjoy a day out without needing to worry.
3. Loxton Swimming Centre
Details
Where: Pine Avenue, Loxton
When: Monday-Friday 6:00am-8:30am and 3:00pm-7:00pm; Saturday-Sunday, 1:00pm-7:00pm. The pool is only open in the warmer months, from November to the end of March.
Cost: Concession entry fee is $3.80 per visit, and Companion Cards are accepted. Memberships and multi-visit passes are also available.
About the Loxton Swimming Centre
If you’re seeking somewhere to cool off in the heat, or if you’re interested in a fun way to get more exercise, look no further than the Loxton Swimming Centre. It features a 50m intermediate pool and toddler pool, and it’s all outdoors – with the exception of shady grassed areas.
Accessibility features
The Loxton Swimming Centre’s website says the entire facility is accessible. Plus, all staff have completed disability awareness training.
4. Barmera Markets
Details
Where: Sargent Park, 64 Nookamka Terrace, Barmera
When: One weekend most months, 9:00am-1:00pm.
Cost: Free entry, but wares will cost money.
About the Barmera Markets
With a huge variety of stalls including food, clothes, homewares, artwork, jewellery, craft, and books, there’s plenty to see at the Barmera Markets. Spend the morning wandering the grounds, browsing locally made goodies, and getting to know the locals! Better yet, stallholders vary from market to market, so there’s always bound to be something new to see.
Accessibility features
No accessibility features are explicitly mentioned, but the markets have wide walkways and take place on grassy and flat terrain that’s easy to navigate.
Nothing better than fresh, local produce!
5. Houseboat – Inclusion
Details
Where: 5 Lock Road, Paringa.
When: Whenever you hire it!
Cost: Prices start at $2,290 for 3 nights, going up in $200 increments per additional night in off-peak months.
About Inclusion
Inclusion is a houseboat designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing holiday experience for groups of up to 10 people. With a lounge, modern kitchen, dining area, three bathrooms, and five bedrooms, it’s essentially a holiday rental that floats!
Accessibility features
Touted as fully wheelchair friendly, Inclusion is a great option for a holiday for those living with mobility restrictions. It features one purpose-built accessible bathroom, wide doorways, electric hospital beds, a sling lifter, commodes, and shower chairs.
6. Waikerie War Memorial Gardens
Details
Where: 25 Jemison Street, Waikerie
When: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
About Waikerie War Memorial Gardens
These picturesque gardens were established in tribute to the locals who served our country in times of conflict. Amongst the jacaranda trees, you’ll find a place of quiet reflection and natural beauty.
Accessibility features
With ample bench seating, public toilets, and wide, paved walkways, the Waikerie War Memorial Gardens are well worth a visit.
7. Rain Moth Gallery
Details
Where: 4 Peake Terrace, Waikerie
When: Monday-Tuesday 10:30am-4:00pm; Wednesday-Friday 10:30am-2:30pm; Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm.
Cost: Gold coin donation on entry is greatly appreciated.
About the Rain Moth Gallery
The Rain Moth Gallery has developed a reputation for being of South Australia’s best galleries. It showcases eight new exhibitions annually, including crafts, historical displays, paintings, glasswork, and even student art. Outside the gallery, you can find sculptures and mosaic art.
Featuring unique products made by local artists, it’s absolutely the perfect spot to pick up a gift for the art fan in your life – or for yourself!
Accessibility features
According to the SA Community page for the Rain Moth Gallery, the facility is wheelchair accessible. It features accessible bathrooms and parking, too.
8. Waikerie Riverfront
Details
Where: Leonard Norman Drive, Waikerie
When: 24 hours
Cost: Free
About the Waikerie Riverfront
Looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic? It’s gotta be the Waikerie Riverfront! With several undercover shelters, grassy lawns, and BBQs, you can enjoy an unforgettable afternoon of food and fun. While you’re there, pop on over to the Waikerie Water and Nature Play Park, which will feature on this list further down.
Accessibility features
Toilets, close car parks, and wide, paved paths make the Waikerie Riverfront a comfortable choice for a day out.
The Murray River provides stunning views and ample opportunities to enjoy nature.
9. The Big Orange
Details
Where: Old Sturt Highway, Berri (it’s huge, you can’t miss it!)
When: Available for viewing 24/7
Cost: Free
About the Big Orange
Australia is famous for its weird and wonderful “big” things, but did you know the Big Orange in Berri is the largest of the “big fruit” in the country? Standing at 15 meters high and with a diameter of 12 meters, it’s certainly a sight to behold.
While closed for renovations in early 2024, the Big Orange is easily viewed from the road. You’ll be able to get up close and personal again when work is complete.
Accessibility features
The Big Orange is easily accessed via paved paths.
10. Chaffey Theatre
Details
Where: Theatre Lane, Renmark
When: Wednesday-Friday, 12:30pm-4:00pm.
Cost: Ticket costs vary. Check out shows here.
About Chaffey Theatre
Calling all patrons of the arts, this one’s for you!
Renmark’s Chaffey Theatre shows everything from box office hits to indie plays. There are plenty of musical tribute shows and experiences for the kids, too! It’s the kind of place you can visit again and again.
Accessibility features
Chaffey Theatre has been designed to ensure all patrons with mobility restrictions can be comfortably seated. There are also accessible toilets and car parks.
11. Waikerie Water and Nature Play Park
Details
Where: 7 Leonard Norman Drive, Waikerie
When: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
About Waikerie Water and Nature Play Park
The Waikerie Water and Nature Play Park was conceptualised by local couple Clive and Donna Mathews, who won grant funding and attracted donations to bring their dream to life. Nowadays, this wildly popular park features all manner of nature play equipment, plenty of space to kick a footy, and an old boat to climb on. Plus, the view of the surroundings can’t be beaten.
Accessibility features
The playground includes a wheelchair friendly merry-go-round and an accessible swing! Plus, there are accessible toilets and ample car parks nearby.
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There you have it: a fully researched guide to the Riverland’s most awesome and accessible activities.
What do you think of the list? Is there something we missed? Let us know at marketing@enhancedlifestyles.com.au so we can share your top recommendations with our customers.
If you’re looking for support to get out and enjoy the best that South Australia has to offer, check out our community supports page.
