Discover Orienteering: Mindful Navigation
Discover Orienteering - at your own pace
Plant the seeds of adventure with Orienteering SA at Nature Festival! Whether you're a family, nature lover or trail runner, orienteering is a navigation sport that provides the ultimate 'brain and body' connection for all ages and fitness levels.
Our mappers have designed special orienteering courses for Discover Orienteering at Thorndon Park. We look forward to introducing you to this exciting new way to enjoy nature while learning the lifelong skill of mindful navigation. It's a great activity for families, groups and solo explorers.
Pick Up Your Map & Explore
Come to our registration desk near the Pavilion to pick up your map. Our friendly coaches are on hand to provide navigation instruction. From there, you're free to explore and navigate your way around 3 different courses designed for your enjoyment.
Take It Fast or Slow – Your Choice
Choose your own adventure. You can give it your all, test your fitness, and really push yourself against the clock. Or you can take your time, soak in the mental challenge, and become mindfully absorbed in the natural surroundings. No matter how fast or slow, nothing beats the satisfaction of successfully finishing an orienteering course!
When & Where to Find Us
Start Window: Arrive any time between 10:00 AM and 1.30 PM to start your experience.
Event Close: We will be packing up the courses at 2.00 PM.
Location: Near the Pavilion at Thorndon Park Reserve, Paradise
Google Map Reference: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qYbm7bcghE6gEXdF7
Bonus Challenges Seeking More Adventure? Make it a Trifecta!
Two other fun orienteering events will be taking place in the same park at the same time. Why not try them all?
FAQs
- What is orienteering?
Orienteering is a fun outdoors navigation sport that challenges you to find checkpoints on a special map. Orienteering began in Sweden in the late 1800s and has been adopted in all corners of the globe because of its unique benefits for health and mind. These days, orienteering takes place across Australia, in forests, bushland and urban parks, schools and university campuses.
Orienteering SA is the peak body that manages, promotes, and coordinates the sport throughout the state. We manage local clubs and offer resources such as coaching, training programs, permanent DIY courses and the MapRun app. We host regular competitive and ‘just for fun’ events, for all ages and fitness levels. Look out for Learn To Orienteer sessions in your area! - Do I need to bring a compass or any equipment?
You do not need to bring any orienteering equipment as we provide everything - maps, compasses, and SI timer sticks that allow you to record your time from checkpoint to checkpoint around the course.
Do bring along water in a container that is easy to carry, in a small pack for instance. You'll need to have your hands free to carry your map and compass. - Do I need specific clothing?
Dress as you would for a walk or run that includes some grassy and forested areas as well as trails and paths. Comfortable walking or running shoes are recommended. Dress for the weather. Bring snacks and drinks but travel light when you're out on your course.
- It sounds like fun but I don't know anything about orienteering - will someone show me how it works?
Our friendly volunteers are experienced orienteers who are there to help show you all the basics of orienteering, such as what to look for on the map, and to help you follow your course.
- Can I go out with some friends or do I have to go out on the course alone?
All our orienteering courses, even our regular competition events, are suitable for friends and family to enjoy together.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
