FOREST FESTIVAL, KUITPO WIRRA INPARRI 2022 – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Wild and free play is the aim of the day! There will be over a dozen nature play activities on offer including: low ropes, wild cubby building, nature potions and tinkering, bell tents for reading and loose parts play, nature crafts, geocaching and bushwalking trails, bush stick xylophone music sessions, aboriginal activities, environmental education activities, family yoga, 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, low ropes, 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. Please email us if you require a companion ticket.

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 natureplaysa.org.au/events. Please ensure you read the booking instructions carefully prior to purchasing your tickets.

Tickets are required for ALL adults and children. 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 $17.50 per child and $7.50 per adult (plus GST & Eventbrite fees). Children under 12 months are free, however, a ticket is required to assist us to maintain our COVID safe requirements. 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!

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 to 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!

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

• No pets please!
• Any implements for cutting trees or branches
• Fires are not permitted during Forest Festival [fire ban season in effect]
• Forest Festival is an alcohol and smoke-free event

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.

Contact tracing – All event/ activity attendees will be required to register to participate and acknowledge they have read and understood the latest government health guidelines regarding the coronavirus. At the event/activity, guests will be required to check in. QR code signage will be placed around the event.

Covid vaccinations are highly recommended for event attendees however it is not mandatory to be vaccinated to attend Forest Festival.

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:

• Car-pooling
• Minimising the waste you bring or purchase at the event – ‘nude food’ is encouraged!
• Bringing your own keep-cup for warm drink purchases and refillable water bottles
• Taking home your rubbish or disposing of any litter thoughtfully in the bin system provided.