So… what’s on in Adelaide, the Riverland, Murray Bridge and Perth this summer school holidays?
The summer holidays are finally here, and KompleteCare has you covered with our list of the top things to do in all the local areas we service, including Adelaide, Murray Bridge, Riverland SA, and Perth. We’ve included various accessible activities and events, so no one has to miss out on the fun!
Adelaide
Santa’s Wonderland – 1st December to 24th December
Santa’s Wonderland is returning to bring the magic of Christmas to life! Set in the Jubilee Pavilion of the Adelaide Showgrounds, there’s fun for the whole family, including unlimited rides, ice skating, tobogganing, and other Christmas activities. The venue is wheelchair accessible with ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets throughout. The Wonderland also accepts companion cards and features some quieter activity stops suitable for children with sensory issues who might need a break.
Paintelaide – School Holidays Painting Classes
For the little artists, Paintelaide, Adelaide’s Paint and Sip Studio, is hosting a variety of school holiday painting classes throughout December. These events are designed especially for kids, and a local artist will walk them through the painting process step-by-step. There are tons of workshops to choose from where the kids will paint a variety of groovy, bright paintings.
Barossa Valley Chocolate Company Workshops
Throughout December, Barossa Valley Chocolate Company is hosting a range of themed workshops. The venue is wheelchair accessible and service dog friendly, and workshops are open to all ages for anyone to enjoy! They’re running Christmas-themed workshops for the holiday season and even have Willy Wonka-themed workshops to tie in with the upcoming release of the Wonka movie.
Adelaide Zoo
There’s always something on at the zoo, with plenty of different animal experiences and events on their schedule. The Adelaide Zoo has made some updates in terms of accessibility, including the introduction of assistance dogs onsite. They also have a range of animal experiences listed on their website that are wheelchair accessible and a fully accessible toilet fitted with a full-body hoist, so no one has to miss out on the fun!
Wonka Family Movie Night – Saturday 16th December
Hosted by the Jodi Lee Foundation, this is a night the whole family can enjoy! Based on Willy Wonka from Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book, Wonka tells the story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician, and chocolatier became the Willy Wonka we all know and love! There will also be raffle tickets sold at the event for your chance to win prizes from one of the Jodi Lee Foundation’s sponsors, including Haigh’s, Chicago the Musical, Sofitel Melbourne, and more! Screening at the iconic Capri Theatre, the venue is wheelchair accessible, complete with an accessible bathroom. They also have a variety of specially accessible screenings showing regularly for a range of needs, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing or have dementia.
Riverland
Movies and Events at the Chaffey Theatre
There’s always something to see at the Chaffey Theatre in Renmark, and these summer holidays are no exception! Beat the summer heat and catch a movie; many family-friendly films are showing over the Christmas break, including Wonka, Trolls Band Together, Migration and Wish. They also have a packed schedule of live performances, including Big Band Bash, featuring the 18-piece Adelaide Big Band performing all your favourite Christmas songs. The theatre is accessible to those who are mobility impaired, complete with dedicated accessible bathroom facilities and car parking spaces.
Loxton Lights Festival – 25th November to 31st December
The Loxton Lights has something for everyone, including the iconic Christmas Wonderland, Christmas Tree Festival, Loxton Light Show, Giant Ferris Wheel, and Light Up Day. The local community bands together to create a memorable Christmas experience, including clusters of homes and neighbourhoods with light displays and hand-painted Christmas scenes. Find the map of The Loxton Lights as well as a list of all events and activities related to the festival here.
Barmera Markets – 28th January
Hosted monthly on designated Sundays throughout the year, the Barmera Markets comprise a variety of stalls, including clothing, woodwork, jewellery, artworks, books, plants, homewares, and more. To complement the markets, there’s also usually a form of entertainment or exhibition to see, which may range from cars and motorbikes to petting zoos and live music. There’s always a variety of foods and good coffee, so come down, listen to the music, and enjoy meeting the friendly locals!
Murray Bridge
Monarto Safari Park
A quick 15-minute drive down the freeway, there’s lots to see and do at Monarto Safari Park. They have a range of animal experiences where you can get up close and personal with some of your favourite furry friends, including a walkthrough of the lemur habitat, hand-feeding giraffes, feeding the lions their dinner, and so much more! Their website has an abundance of information regarding accessibility at the park, including high and low sensory areas, services and amenities, accessible viewing platforms, and walking tracks suitable for wheelchair and mobility aid users. To plan your accessible trip to Monarto Safari Park, view their accessibility page here.
Murray Bridge School Holiday Program
If you’re looking for something to keep the kids entertained this summer holidays, the Murray Bridge School Holiday Program might be for you. Hosting a range of engaging activities, including a mix of crafts, movies, outdoor adventures, sports, and more, there’s something to suit various interests. Activities are held across Council sites, Community Centres, and more, with a range of free and low-cost activities for kids and families. To see the full schedule for this December and January, visit their website here.
Murray Bridge Swimming Centre
With temperatures set to rise to scorching heights this summer, why not plan a day out with family or friends at the local pool? The facility boasts a heated 50-metre pool with an accessible ramp, a half-shaded medium-sized learner’s pool and a fully shaded shallow toddler’s pool, so there’s something for all ages and abilities. With plenty of seating, lush lawns and shaded areas, there’s ample space for relaxing by the pool, and you’re welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy at the park.
Perth
Elizabeth Quay Fun Fair – 1st of December to 6th January
An accessible and disability-friendly event, the summer Fun Fair is full of activities for the whole family to enjoy! The fair is free to enter and jam-packed with carnival rides, sideshow games, show bags, food trucks and even fireworks displays on select nights. The Quay has been designed to be a place for all Western Australians to enjoy, with features and facilities to allow people with disabilities the same access and opportunities as others. Ride operators are more than happy to assist in helping those who need it on and off rides, helping make their day extra special.
Andy and the Odd Socks – 10th January to 12th January
Andy Day and his band, The Odd Socks, are the best band in the world… according to their mums! Featuring a range of popular songs from their beloved TV series, ‘Andy and the Band’, the gang is coming to Perth for a hilarious, uplifting, and fun live performance. Not only do they have songs that everyone can sing along to, but the show also has a positive message to be yourself and proud of who you are. The band are playing at the Regal Theatre, whose Main Foyer and Stalls Auditorium are wheelchair accessible. There are no accessible bathrooms on site, with the nearest being located at the Subiaco Hotel, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Moonlight Cinema
Watch a movie under the stars with Moonlight Cinema’s outdoor cinema at May Drive Parkland in Kings Park this summer. The Moonlight Cinema is open for the summer season, commencing from the 1st of December until the 30th of March. There’s a wide range of films on show to choose from, ranging from new releases to old favourites like Jurassic Park (celebrating its 25th anniversary). They’re even showing a range of Christmas movies during December, like Home Alone, Elf, and Love Actually, making this cinema the perfect summer night out! The venue also consists of a wheelchair viewing area and accessible bathroom facilities for those with additional needs.
At KompleteCare, we offer a range of services, including Social Support. Having a healthy social life plays an essential role in both physical and mental health, and KompleteCare understands that maintaining social connections can be increasingly challenging for those who are elderly or living with a disability.
Whatever your circumstances, we are here to ensure you do not need to miss out on social activities you might enjoy, including any of the events or activities on this list. It would be our pleasure to help you or your loved one get out and about, accompany you to social events, join you in activities you enjoy, or simply share a friendly chat over a cup of tea. Visit our website here to find out more.