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Connecting with nature

Nature is such an important part of being alive, and is essential to living a happy, healthy and meaningful life.

We are fortunate to have so many ways to enjoy nature, through play, exercise, exploring and volunteering, as well as a diverse choice of places to visit - including our yards, parks, community gardens and coast.

Here are some ways you can connect with nature in the City of Marion.

100 Ways with Nature

We have developed a series of resources to help residents to engage with nature in our city. Together, the resources highlight 100 ways you can experience nature in Marion. Hard copy versions can be collected from Marion libraries, neighbourhood centres and Council offices. Or download them below:

  • 30 Ways to Nature Play in the City of Marion - a resource with ideas on places and practical ways families can spend time together in nature. It is aimed at parents of children aged 0-12 years.
  • 40 Places to Experience Nature in the City of Marion - a map which will inspire you to visit, explore and engage with the key natural areas in Marion. It includes conservation and recreation parks, coast and marine areas, wetlands and rivers, parks and playgrounds, community gardens, linear trails and more.

Let the kids play outside

Whether it’s in your own yard, the local playground or in the bush, giving kids the time and space to play outside lets them connect with nature while developing strength, coordination and balance – among a whole range of other benefits.

Learn more about:

Have fun contributing to science

Get involved in various ‘citizen science’ projects run by UniSA, where you can get up close with nature, have fun and contribute to science at the same time. Find out more on our citizen science webpage.

Restore native bush

Make a difference that not only lasts but continues to grow with time. There are many conservation groups seeking new members, who are working to protect and restore the precious wild places we have left.

Learn about the different conservation groups in the City of Marion.

Discover local wildlife

Whether it’s in your backyard or the local park, we share our city with a whole range of native wildlife that need shelter, food and safety from predators and herbicides. Discover how to attract birds and beneficial insects to your garden, and get to know more about the different species you meet.

Learn more about how to make your garden wildlife friendly:

Visit the Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board Plants and Animals' website. There are a range of fact sheets and identification charts including ‘Creating a wildlife friendly garden’ and ‘Butterflies of the Adelaide region.’

Visit the faunNature website to find out about wildlife in our region.

Grow food and make friends at community gardens

Community gardens are a great place to learn how to grow food while making new friends. They are a friendly, welcoming space for people to connect with other locals, gain some skills, and be exposed to all different kinds of foods from various cultures.

See our Community Gardens page to learn more.

Get active with getting around

Whether it’s for fun, fitness or practical reasons, walking or riding a bike gets people outside and in nature. City of Marion has a wide range of stunning walks and rides, from the Coast to Vines Rail Trail that winds along Marino’s magnificent coastal cliffs and through the foothills of the renowned McLaren Vale wine region.

The Coastal Walking Trail takes you along 7.2kms of rugged and rocky coast, and inland there are numerous walking and cycling routes to get you about in nature.

Visit our Walking and Cycling page to find out more.

Explore our natural beauty

We have so many natural wonders on our doorstep that the hardest part is choosing what to visit first! Enjoy breathtaking views while exploring the heathlands at Marino Conservation Park or when learning about the glacial history at Hallett Cove Conservation Park.

Visit Warriparinga Wetlands, home to the last remaining natural stretch of river on the entire Adelaide Plains and start of the Kaurna Tjilbruke Dreaming Tracks. Oaklands Wetland has become a haven for birds and other wildlife, and O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park is home to the beautiful grey box eucalypts and river red gums.

Learn more about:

Explore Warripari Sturt River Trail

Walk or cycle the trail, which features the 'Reclaiming Sturt River' public artworks and tree tags following the Sturt River linear trail.