Belair was actually the birthplace of South Australia’s national parks, as it was the first national park in South Australia. This park in Adelaide opens each day at eight o’clock in the morning, and is open until the sun goes down. There is an Information Centre just inside the western entrance to Belair National Park. This is a great place to start your visit, as you can get information about the attractions in the park and what is going on that day.
Belair National Park is the best park in Adelaide to enjoy a large picnic or other gathering. They have eight shelters that groups can reserve in this Adelaide national park. Five of the shelters have large barbecue pits. There are also smaller shelters around the many tennis courts spread throughout the park. The park has fifty-four tennis courts for their visitors to enjoy. The courts are spread amongst the natural bush vegetation throughout the park. There is a Country Club for those who want a touch of class while visiting the most famous park in Adelaide. The park is equipped with seventeen toilet facilities.
There are many things to do when visiting this park in Adelaide. There are five walking and hiking trails that are clearly marked throughout the park. For those who have disabilities, the park has the Wood Duck Walk, which is a fifteen-minute trail around Playford Lake. The area is paved, and perfect for guests who have a little trouble getting around. The most demanding trail is the one to the waterfall, which is around a three-hour hike, covering six and a half kilometers.
The park has paved trails that are appropriate for bicyclists. They also have trails that are marked for those who bring their horses to the park. Both those on horseback and bikes must give the right of way to pedestrians while in the park. Also, any waste the horse makes must be removed. Dogs are also welcome in the park, as long as their owners keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
One of the highlights of visiting this park in Adelaide is a visit to the Old Government House. This was a summer residence for the vice-regal in the late 1800s, and both Governor MacDonnell and Governor Daly used it. The house is open for tours throughout the day. It has a very unique stone make-up and is a nice place to visit.
Belair also has a plant nursery that is found near the Old Government House. Here visitors can see young plants of native Australian species. There are man plants and gardening materials for sale at the nursery. For children, Belair National Park in Adelaide has an adventure playground. There are benches for parents to rest on while children explore playground equipment and a wooden fort that were put there for the children’s enjoyment. There are picnic facilities near the playground. This is one of the most popular attractions for families visiting the park.