Discovery Holiday Parks
Adelaide Beachfront, Adelaide, SA

Activities & Attractions

Four Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Monarto Zoo

Visit Monarto Zoo located 60km East of Adelaide. Monarto combines an open range zoo with a natural wilderness sanctuary. A slice of Africa only 45 minutes from Adelaide.  Monarto began in 1983 as a closed special purpose breeding area. Exhibits include Water hole platform – Giraffe, Lions, Dogs, Hyaenas. Viewing Platforms for Cheetah and Chimpanzee.  It is now an International standard conservation, developed over 1,000 hectares of  national and zoological bio-park that supports education and public recreation.

Five major habitat exhibits have been developed, including the Asian Steppes, arid North Africa, African plains and Asian grasslands, as the first stage of development at Monarto.

The second stage currently being implemented includes habitats for the Cheetah, African Dog, African Lion and Black Rhino.The zoo is surrounded by an international standard quarantine and vermin-proof fence built by a Commonwealth Jobskill project which was complete in March 1993.

Monarto plays a major role nationally and internationally in the breeding programs for rare and endangered species. It is ideal for wildlife from Savannah grasslands and semi-arid habitats of Africa, Asia, South America and Australia. A wide range of species can be held within the park. There are few areas outside of their natural habitats where these species can be bred safely and free from exotic diseases.

The climate is typical of semi-arid areas with hot, dry summers and mild winters. Frosts are rare. There is more winter sunshine than the Adelaide Plains area, and less summer sunshine. Rainfall average is 343mm (13.72 points or 14 inches).

If time permits on your way home stop in at Haigh's Chocolates right near the city - Australia's Award winning chocolate maker!

Day 2 –  Hahndorf

Visit Hahndorf situated in the picturesque Adelaide Hills and is renowned as the premier tourist town for the region.  To get there take the South Eastern Freeway from the city and turn off at the Hahndorf exit, 20 minutes from the city. Public transport is available. A historic German Town with museums, galleries, antiques and a fabulous cake shop which can't be missed. Many Cafes and Restaurants are in the main street.

Beerenberg Farm:

The farm dates back to the 1830’s when German immigrants settled in Hahndorf. They have an international reputation for varied jams, pickles, chutney and sauces, their jams are used on many major airlines.

You can also indulge yourself by picking strawberries in season (October to May) or simply enjoy the Rose Gardens.

Visit Misty Hollow Cave  - built over the stream that crosses Main Street, working models of people and animals, with the clever use of the stream adds to the reality of the Cave.

Hahndorf Academy is the largest regional art gallery in South Australia.

The Cedars is a national treasure, the Hahndorf home for 56 years of artist Sir Hans Heysen and is open to the public.  An extensive collection of the artist’s work is on display.

Spend the Afternoon at Victor Harbor

Victor Harbour is the perfect afternoon activity. Take the Victor Harbour road off the Southern Expressway to Goolwa where the Murray river  meets the ocean. Then drive across to Victor Harbour.  In Victor Harbour you can catch the famous Horse-Drawn Tram to Granite Island and see the penguins, or just relax and indulge in the holiday atmosphere the area has to offer. You can of course book a helicopter ride or visit the South Australian Whale Centre.   During June to October Whales frequent the area and sightings

Day 3 – The South Australian Maritime Museum

The Maritime Museum is located at 126 Lipson Street, Port Adelaide and is not to be missed.  It is custodian to one of the oldest nautical collections in Australia, a museum within a museum.  The Museum of the Port Adelaide Institute was established in 1872 by local and international seafarers wanting a home for their collected treasures and curios.  The collection was to become a cornerstone in the formation of South Australia’s cultural collections.  In 1933 the material was reshaped as a specialist maritime collection and reborn as the Port Adelaide Nautical Museum. 

Today this glorious collection is displayed in its original Victorian showcases along with handwritten labels prepared many years ago by the honorary curators.

Visit the Seahorse Farm nearby and the railway museum. Dolphin tour details can be obtained from the visitor centre Ph 8405-6560.

The afternoon could be spent soaking up the seaside village charm of Semaphore.  Stroll along Semaphore Road and the Esplanade, viewing and possibly visiting  the many heritage hotels, churches, the Jetty, Merry-Go-Round, Fire Station, the Time Ball Tower and Semaphore Palais. Guided tours by arrangement. Phone 8405-6560.

Day 4 – Barossa Valley

Take a trip to the famous Barossa Valley. Australia's richest and best known winemaking region.  Delightful wineries, restaurants and galleries are in abundance and will fulfil your every desire. Most renowned for its opulent styles of Shiraz, the region also produces fine examples of Cabernet Sauvignon, Semillon and Chardonnay. Well known names such as Jacobs Creek, Penfolds, Wolf Blass, Peter Lehmann, Saltram, Yalumba and Seppelts are based in the valley.

Only 70km north of the city, the Barossa Valley has a unique beauty of its own, with over eighty wineries and five hundred plus grape growers in the region.  Once there, there  are six trails to choose from to discover the wonderful wines and cheeses.

The Barossa Farmers Market at Vintners sheds on the Angaston Road every Saturday from7am to 11am has local produce of Mettwurst, Liverwurst, smoked and preserved meats, cheeses, pickled onions and gherkins, sauces and mustards. Baked goods are also available.

The wineries are particularly good at throwing a party and consequently, there is a festival or celebration of some kind in the region every month.