Nature Play SA is excited to be bringing the Nature Play SA Forest Festival, Kuitpo Wirra inparri back to the beautiful Kuitpo Forest on the 19th and 20th of April.
This year the Festival is going to BE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER featuring performances from the Amazing Drumming Monkeys, Monski Mouse, the Deadly Nanas; David Booth and Uncle Tamaru.
We would like to thank our event supporters and sponsors:
Wild and free play is the aim of the day! There will be over a dozen nature play activities on offer including: wild cubby building, Aboriginal activities and demonstrations, nature potions and tinkering, bell tents for reading and loose parts play, nature crafts, geocaching and bushwalking trails, bush stick xylophone music sessions, environmental education activities, family yoga, rock climbing, children’s secret garden, dancing and performing along with as much free play as your children can handle in the forest surrounds. Many people plan to make a full day of the Festival, bringing picnic rugs and deck chairs, and organising to meet up with family and friends.
Our aim is to bring families to the Forest and let our kids ‘be kids’ – giving them the freedom to be wild, get dirty, see where their play takes them, and create memories outdoors with family and friends!
Forest Festival has been specially created for 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, reading with you in the story-time tent, and enjoying the sensory experience of the nature potion station.
Older children will enjoy the challenge and comradery of cubby building, geocaching, bushwalking, rock climbing and environmental education activities. There’s also no shortage of places for all ages to explore and nature play in the forest surrounds.
Yes – there are walking trails around the event site and some light off-road terrain to access several of the activities. A parent’s room will be available, along with a pram-accessible toilet.
The main walking trails at the event site are accessible for wheelchairs and there is some light off-road terrain to access several of the activities. If you have a disabled parking permit or special rights you will be supported with appropriate parking. A wheelchair-accessible toilet will be available. If you hold a government issued Companion Card, you may be eligible for a free ticket for your companion to assist you at the event. You will be required to show your companion card at the ticket gate. Please contact us to discuss your options.
Yes, tickets are essential and strictly limited to ensure the enjoyment and safety of attendees – tickets will be released in March and can be booked via www.natureplaysa.org.au/events. Please ensure you read the booking instructions carefully prior to purchasing your tickets.
Tickets are required for ALL adults, children and babies. No further tickets will be available once the event has sold out and entry to the Festival will only be granted to those with valid tickets.
Tickets are $25.00 per child and $12.50 per adult (plus GST & Eventbrite fees). Children under 12 months old are free but still require tickets to the event. At the Festival, 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!
There are many reasons as to why tickets cost more this year. The costs to run the event have increased from equipment hire to contractor rates. We also received feedback requesting additional experiences.
Yes, you’ll need to bring your tickets to the event (registered attendees will be provided more information prior to the event). Entry to the Festival will only be granted to those holding valid tickets for attending children and adults. No ticket purchases will be available at the event.
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 purchasing your tickets to avoid disappointment.
Ticket holders will be sent information outlining the parking arrangements prior to the event. To assist with your planning, we strongly encourage car-pooling to support parking management and minimize environmental impact.
A short walk to the event can be anticipated however a drop-off zone will be available. If you have a disabled parking permit or special rights, you will be supported with appropriate parking arrangements. Please contact us to arrange a parking pass.
There are no public transport options available at the Festival location.
The event starts at 10 am and you’re welcome to enter 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!
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 Forestry legislation and regulations prevent the taking of anything from Kuitpo Forest to protect the area and keep habitat intact for flora and fauna.
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!’ Our events run with a forecast of rain and cold weather and we would only consider cancelling with severe weather warnings or in the instance a Total Fire Ban is declared for Kuitpo Forest (in line with ForestrySA regulations).
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.
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 NPSA information marquee or see event staff who will assist you.
At Nature Play SA we want to ensure your family has a fun and safe day! Please follow the latest government health guidelines regarding the coronavirus, including physical distancing and good hygiene.
Hand sanitising stations will be available, if you can’t find one ask one of our friendly staff. If you are unwell, please do not attend.
We ask you to care for Kuitpo: 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 forest – help us to protect these fairy homes and do not touch or eat as some species are poisonous. If you would like to learn more about the amazing fungi of the Adelaide Hills check out this guide.
Some easy ways to contribute to the sustainability of Forest Festival include:
Nature Play SA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to increasing the amount of time today’s generation of children spend playing and learning outdoors in nature.