Arid Explorer’s Children’s Garden

If you haven’t taken the kids through here yet, you’re missing out on one of Port Augusta West’s better-kept secrets. It’s built right alongside the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden, so the whole setup feels like a proper adventure rather than just another trip to the park. The themed design actually teaches kids something about arid landscapes without feeling like a school excursion — mine were asking questions the whole time. Paved pathways throughout make it easy to get around with prams or wheelchairs, and there’s parking on-site so you’re not circling the street. Tack on a walk through the trails nearby and you’ve easily filled a solid half-day.