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RIVER MURRAY FLOOD UPDATE: It's business as usual at Roonka... and the site's looking better than ever!

ACTIVITIES

Diverse land and water-based recreational activities complete the Roonka experience, with access available to all guests staying on site, or visiting for the day…
WATER-BASED:
THE BILLABONG

A great place for all ages to have a dip and cool off. Take your kayak in for a paddle or hire* one from Roonka. Life jackets must be worn at all times and are available at no extra charge.

FLYING FOX

Race a mate or fly solo as you whizz over the billabong on the flying fox. 

RIVERSLIDE

Come for a ride on our waterslide down on the river bank. Just have a chat to our friendly Volunteer Camp Host or Caretaker to get you sliding into the mighty Murray.

FISHING

Roonka is a great place to go fishing or yabbying, whether it’s in the billabong, off the river bank, from one of our pontoons or in a boat. Gear is not supplied and we don’t have bait available for sale, so come prepared. There are many species of fish caught here, notably redfin (English or European perch), callop (golden or Murray perch), and the dreaded carp (the hot tip for carp is to use corn kernels from a can as bait – they love them!).

PADDLING

Kayaking and canoeing are great fun and the backwaters around Roonka are a wonderful place to explore. On your journey you will see many of the bird species and other wildlife that call the area home. If you prefer to stick closer to home or have young children the billabong is a great place to build up your paddling skills in a safe environment. If you don’t have your own kayak or canoe you are more than welcome to hire* one of ours for the day. You can book one prior to your stay or at check in.  

RIVER AND BOAT LAUNCH ACCESS

Camping on the banks of the Murray comes with its perks like water skiing and tubing. Feel free to bring the boat along and make use of the boat launching area* and spend the day out on the water. All we ask is that you leave the jet skis at home and let us know if you are bringing a boat (we limit the number of vessels at Roonka to keep our visitors safe – pre-booking is strongly recommended).

*click through for applicable hire and launching fees

SAFETY FIRST!

It is a condition of entry that:

  • Children must be under direct adult supervision at all times.
  • Life jackets must be worn by EVERYONE in or on the water (provided to guests at no charge).

 

LAND-BASED:
ECHIDNA TRAIL

Roonka is home to a few echidnas that occasionally show their faces along our Echidna trail. Grab a pamphlet from the Cottage and wander along the trail while learning about our flora, fauna and environment. 

ORIENTEERING

Course 1 is great for beginners with 8 control points and approximately 800m in length, while course 2 has 11 control points and ventures a bit further afield (approx. 1.3km). You’ll use basic map reading and navigational skills to find the markers around the property revealing a specific word related to our site when you find the correct checkpoints.

Laminated maps are available on loan at the Cottage – special thanks to Orienteering SA for mapping our property!

PHOTO HUNT

Use basic map reading and navigational skills to navigate your way around the property to match the photos. Laminated maps are available on loan at the Cottage

PLAYGROUND

Right next to the billabong and down the rise from the campground is our adventure playground. Kick back and relax while the kids jump, run, climb and have fun.

CAMPFIRES & STAR GAZING

Spend the evening around one of our communal campfire circles (seasonal) and enjoy the warmth of the flames or lay back and enjoy the spectacular star gazing that comes with Roonka’s great location on the fringe of the Dark Sky Reserve. We provide wood for the campfires, and please note that campfires must be within the three designated campfire circles.