Find it at: Woorabinda Dr, Stirling

“Woorabinda Lake is a magical place where biodiversity and poetry co-exist”

Just a small distance from the centre of Stirling is Woorabinda Lake, part of Woorabinda Bushland Reserves – a 34 hectare park with approximately 4 km of walking trails. Loved and appreciated by locals and those in the know, Woorabinda is a magical place to visit.

Woorabinda Lake is a bushland oasis that provides a habitat for birds, fish, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. It’s the perfect spot for walking, picnicking and watching wildlife.

As you walk around Woorabinda Lake watch out for the poetry bench, sit down and read other people’s musings.  The Woorabinda Lake Poetry Station has a beautiful back story – in 2010 a local woman had cancer and would walk along the lake for enjoyment and solace. When she died her husband put in a commemorative bench at her favourite spot. A year after her death he sat on the bench and wrote the most beautiful poem about her and left it on the bench. He went back a week later and found the poem – someone had laminated it and left it there for people to read. From then on the ‘Poetry Pouch’ was born. On the bench there is a hessian pouch with paper and pencils so that people can sit, take in the view, reflect and write a poem. You can then leave the poem in the pouch and someone (a dear unknown person) laminates it. The Poetry Pouch is full to the brim with laminated poems – from small kids writing about what they see to beautifully written life affirming verse.

Also watch out for Members of the Stirling Marblehead Yacht Club race their beautiful remote-controlled boats on Woorabinda Lake each Wednesday

Watch the short video below for a taste of what to expect.

Woorabinda Bushland Reserves – Stirling’s hidden gem – Part One from Stirling Adelaide Hills on Vimeo.

You might also be interested in

  • Billabong Reserve Para Hills

    Billabong Reserve playground in Para Hills is set in a homely, quiet neighbourhood and is surrounded with a lot of trees and vegetation which partially block it from the road (although it's not fully fenced in). The Billabong Reserve playground was new in 2018 and has many different parts to keep the whole family entertained. There is a climbing frame with a couple of small slides and monkey bars. Nearby there are also 3 different swings, listening horns and even a see-saw ride that an adult could sit on with their child. There's also a transparent clock for children to explore. For families who enjoy wide open space to kick a ball, there is also a soccer field with goals at each end. Kids in Adelaide love the idea of these little community libraries, where you're encouraged to 'Give-a-book, Take-a-book' so remember to bring one along when you visit Billabong Reserve in Para Hills. With lots of seating, it's the perfect place for a picnic with the family. There are no toilets or cooking facilities. Find Billabong Reserve on the corner of Billabong Road and Manooka St, Para Hills. [wpgmza id="138" cat="1" marker="575" zoom="16"]

  • Find it at: Wilkinson Road, Para Hills The City of Salisbury has spruced up the (FULLY FENCED) play space at Prettejohn Gully Reserve in Para Hills, with new play equipment including a multi play unit, activity box, monkey bars, musical equipment, talking tubes, carousel, two-person springer, sandpit and swings. While the kids play under the recently constructed shade structure, you can relax under the new shelter which features a picnic setting. Wheelchair access to the colourful play space is available from the Para Hills Community Hub carpark. There's some public toilets inside the Para Hills Community Hub right next door and also outside the Hub (along the brick wall you can see in the first photo). This one looks fantastic and such a great facility for the Para Hills community. The Woolworths is really close too if you need supplies for that last minute picnic or if you just want snacks because everyone loves playground snacks right? Image: City of Salisbury Image: City of Salisbury Image: City of Salisbury Image: City of Salisbury

  • Find it at: 36 Cecelia Street, North Brighton Ah beautiful North Brighton, so close to some of the best beaches in Adelaide and also some of the best playgrounds. Dulcie Perry Reserve is another hot spot which the whole fam will love. A nice and updated playground with equipment suitable from toddlers through to the 10-12 range, there is also a lot of well maintained grass with heaps of room for footy/picnic/frisbee/kite/nap time on a blanket. Lacking a bit of shade we must say which would be a bit of a downer in the hotter month, and not a lot of natural shade either. Toilets are also missing here and would be a welcome addition to an otherwise fab spot. No tables but there were some bench seats but overall a nice playground for the locals to let the kids burn off some energy. Equipment wise we loved the climbing equipment which is great for the older kids, but the toddlers were looked after with a nice slide and climbing set which was really popular on our visit with other families. Plenty of swings and other small bits and pieces to keep the kids entertained as well.