CUBBY TOWN 2019 – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

Nature Play SA and National Parks SA are proud to bring you our fifth Cubby Town event these winter school holidays!

 

Due to the popularity of Cubby Town, the event is ticketed and attendance capped to ensure the enjoyment of families in attendance. Cubby Town is held at the Adventure Playground in Belair National Park on Wednesday 17 July 2019. To purchase your tickets head to natureplaysa.org.au/events

As Nature Play SA is a small team and there’s always lots of interest in our events we’ve developed this FAQ info sheet to help with common Cubby Town questions. Ticket holders will receive further information following registration and in the lead up to the event.

ACTIVITIES AND AGES

What can we do at Forest Festival?

There’ll be cubby building, wattle and eucalypt crown making, orienteering, guided walks with National Parks SA Rangers, bell tents for reading and natural loose parts play along with as much
free play as your children can handle in the Adventure Playground and wild surrounds.

Many people plan to make a day of Cubby Town, bringing picnic rugs and deck chairs, and organising to meet up with family and friends. It’s worthwhile noting that while event activities are provided, Cubby Town is mostly unstructured with the focus being on getting into nature and letting our kids be kids – giving children the freedom to be wild, get dirty and create memories of quality time in nature together.

What age is Forest Festival targeted at?

Nature Play SA events are aimed at families with children 0 – 12 years [older children are still welcome to attend]. Young ones will enjoy being outdoors with the people they love, interacting with nature, testing out our natural loose parts play tent or reading with you in the story-time tent. Children of all ages [and adults!] enjoy the challenge and comradery of cubby building and spending time in the special places they’ve created. The Adventure Playground is always a big hit for different ages and there’s no shortage of places to explore in the wild surrounds.

ACCESS

Is the event pram friendly?

There are walking trails at the event site and around the Adventure Playground which prams can access. There is a pram friendly bathroom which features nappy change facilities, along with a child and adult toilet.

Is there wheelchair access?

Disabled parking is available – if you have 
a disabled parking permit, special rights, or are pregnant please advise parking staff at the event so you can be appropriately supported. Accessible toilets are available and lower sections of the event site are more accessible for wheelchairs.

BOOKINGS

Do I need to book tickets?

Yes, tickets are essential and strictly limited to ensure the enjoyment and safety of attendees. Tickets will be released early June and can be booked via natureplaysa.org.au/events. Please ensure you read the booking instructions carefully prior to purchasing your tickets.

Tickets are required for ALL children aged 1+ AND adults attending. 
No further tickets will be available once the event has sold out and entry to the event will only be granted to those with valid tickets.

How much does the event cost?

Tickets are $10 per child and $5 per adult [plus GST & Eventbrite fees] per day. Park entry is covered with your ticket and children under 12 months old do not require tickets to the event. At Cubby Town, you’ll be able to make product purchases from the Nature Play SA pop-up shop. Food trucks will also be onsite for food and drink needs – more information will be provided to registered attendees.

FREE FAMILY ENTRY FOR MEMBERS// All current Nature Play SA Family Members will be provided FREE ENTRY [provided tickets are still available]. The event will be ticketed and numbers capped to ensure families have the best time possible. A family ticket is capped at a maximum of 6 people.

Do I need to bring my ticket to the event?

Yes, entry to the event will only be granted to those holding valid tickets for attending children and adults. No ticket purchases will be available at the event.

Can I change my booking?

Nature Play SA is a small team and unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to change bookings for an event of this scale and the level of community interest received. Please ensure you read the booking instructions carefully prior to purchasing your tickets to avoid disappointment.

PARKING AND TRANSPORT

What’s the parking situation?

After entering the main park gate you’ll be directed to parking sites by staff. Some patience may be required with entry and parking and you may have a short walk to the Adventure Playground area. If you have a disabled parking permit, have special rights, or are pregnant please advise parking staff at the event and we’ll support you with appropriate parking.

Are there public transport options?

Public transport is available via bus and train. There is a walk of approximately 10 minutes to the park entry gate from the nearest bus stop and a further 20+ minute walk to the Adventure Playground, depending on the age of walkers. The closest train station is Belair and is approximately a 45-minute walk to the event site [also dependent on the age of walkers]. For more information on public transport options see adelaidemetro.com.au

PLANNING YOUR DAY

What time do we arrive and how long can we stay for?

The event starts at 10am and you can come anytime between the opening and 3pm closing time when we’ll pack up activities – come for a couple of hours or settle in for the whole day! We’ll be collecting cubby materials, such as rope and hessian at the end of the event day and dismantling cubbies in preparation for the second event day or final event pack-down. Belair National Park closes at 7pm in winter so you’re welcome to stay on to enjoy the Adventure Playground or to explore somewhere new after the official event closure time!

What should we wear and bring?

  • Dress for the weather and winter play outdoors – clothing that can handle wild and free play and warm layers work well. Sturdy footwear is recommended, along with wet weather gear for a forecast of rain or showers
  • Picnic rugs, warm blankets or deck chairs if you wish
  • BYO picnic, warm thermos, and snacks or make a purchase from one of the awesome food and warm drink vendors on the day
  • BYO refillable water bottle and a keep cup for your coffee.

What shouldn’t we bring?

  • Dogs are permitted in Belair National Park on a lead and under your control at all times however, we ask you to leave your dog at home for Cubby Town due to the expected number of children and people at the event
  • Cubby Town is an alcohol and smoke-free event
  • Please don’t bring any implements for cutting trees or branches!

Can we take anything home with us?

Your children, memories and litter! We ask you support Nature Play SA’s work as a not-for-profit organisation by not taking event materials, such as ropes, hessian, books and natural loose parts home with you so we can continue to provide these for other children and families to enjoy at future events. Please also be aware that Parks and Wildlife legislation prevents taking of anything from a National Park to protect these special areas and to keep habitat intact for flora and fauna.

Will the event be cancelled in bad weather?

At Nature Play SA we’re all about outdoor play and go by the motto ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing’ We still run our events with a forecast of rain and cold weather and will only cancel the event in hazardous conditions, such as severe weather warnings. If circumstances do require us to cancel, we’ll advise ticket holders via email, social media and our website. Refunds will be issued under these circumstances.

LOST CHILDREN AND ASSISTANCE ON THE DAY

What happens if I lose my child at the event?

Please be aware that while there will be trained event and support staff on site, children remain the responsibility of parents and/or carers. We have a lost child process in place at all our events so if you do become separated from your child or need assistance you can visit the information marquee or see event staff who will assist you.

ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY

What can we do to look after the National Park environment?

We ask you to care for Belair National Park: be respectful of the environment, only use fallen natural materials in play [please don’t cut or break branches off trees or vegetation] and provide space to any wildlife you may encounter! Please be aware of any areas closed off with safety bunting as these are in place to protect important species or to keep you safe. You may also notice fungi in the Park – help us to protect these fairy homes and do not touch or eat as some species are poisonous. If you’d like to learn more about the amazing fungi of the Adelaide Hills check out this guide.

How can we contribute towards making the event as sustainable as possible?

Some easy ways to contribute to the sustainability of Nature Play SA events include:

  • Using public transport, car-pooling or walking to the event if you’re close by
  • Minimising the waste you bring or purchase at the event – ‘nude food’ is encouraged
  • Taking home your rubbish or disposing of any litter thoughtfully in the bin system provided
  • Bringing your own refillable water bottles and keep-cups for warm drink purchases.

We greatly appreciate your support for Cubby Town and hope you have a magical day outdoors with family and friends. Happy nature playing everyone!