Greenhills Adventure Park Explained

Greenhills Adventure Park
Location:Victor Harbor
Location2:South Australia
Location3:Australia
Opening Date:1982
Rides:Go-karts, rock-climbing, mini-golf, tennis, maze, dry slide, flying fox, adventure playground
Water Rides:Water slides, canoes, paddle boats, aquabikes

Greenhills Adventure Park was a theme park located near Victor Harbor, South Australia. It was established in 1982, and officially opened in March 1983 by Gavin Keneally, South Australia Minister for Tourism.

It closed on 1 May 2016, after the land was sold to property developers.

History

Origin

Greenhills Adventure Park was founded by Margaret and Bill McKenzie, with Rosemary and Tom Builder, in 1982, and opened in 1983.[1] It was a ten-hectare (about 25 acre) plot of land with over 20 attractions.[2] To assist in maintain the park during its peak season, Meg Whibley was hired as Managing Director, along with three full time staff and 30 seasonal staff.[3]

Closure

In 2009, Margaret and Bill McKenzie sold the land to land developers Daniel McOmish and Dean Kyros, who wished to build 66 property allotments over the course of a four-stage development plan.[4] The park continued to remain operational, as property, such as the overflow parking, was planned to be built on.

In mid-2015, it was announced that the park would close on 1 May 2016[5] due to interest in the first stages of development as well as increases in electricity and water bills. The park sold discounted tickets to commemorate their last season,

On 25 June 2016 the park hosted an auction, selling much of its equipment.[6]

Attractions

Attractions at Greenhills Adventure Park included:[7]

!Attraction!Description
Tractor-drawn trainA tractor-drawn train pulled customers around the park. The total ride time was approximately 15–20 minutes.
Dry slideThe park had a 50-meter dry slide, the largest dry slide on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Half court tennisThe park had a half court tennis field, with rackets and balls supplied from their kiosk.
MazesA wooden maze was located in the park.
ArcheryThe park had an archery range, with bows and arrows supplied.
CanoesCanoes were supplied for guests to canoe down the Hindmarsh River. The guests were able to paddle to the ocean, which would take around three hours.
Par 3 golfA nine-hole golfing course, with fairways ranging from 60 to 90 meters in length, was available. It was par 3 golf. Balls and clubs were supplied.
Aqua bikesThe park had aqua bikes which could be ridden along a lake. Visible on the lake were the River Red Gums.

External links

-35.5284°N 138.6241°W

Notes and References

  1. http://www.victor.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=333&c=7771 Greenhills Adventure Park
  2. Web site: Fancy a piece of history? Greenhills Adventure Park equipment goes to auction 25 Jun 2016. 2016-06-14. What's on for Adelaide Families & Kids. en. 2019-03-25.
  3. Web site: Greenhills Adventure Park to close, make way for housing blocks at Victor Harbor. Gailberger. Jade. 2015-09-14. The Advertiser.
  4. Web site: Greenhills open for at least another year. SIMMONS. MICHAEL. 2015-04-08. The Times. en. 2019-03-25.
  5. News: Closing date for Greenhills. Simmons. Michael. 2015-09-10. The Times. 2017-07-18. en. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108142715/https://www.victorharbortimes.com.au/story/3340565/closing-date-for-greenhills/. 8 Nov 2020.
  6. Web site: Last summer for Victor Harbor's Greenhills Adventure Park - Australasian Leisure Management. www.ausleisure.com.au. 2019-03-25.
  7. Web site: Attractions Overview – Green Hills. 2019-03-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20160121193504/http://www.greenhills.com.au/attractions-overview/. 21 Jan 2016.