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Amazing insight into a unique rhino-sized partnership, linking world famous zoo conservation with an ambitious gin distillery. Head behind the scenes for your exclusive gin tasting and take the Walk of the Brave Lions 360 experience (ask us for an upgrade to feed the Lions or ‘Meet the Rhino’ behind the scenes session for groups of 6 or more!).
Tour Includes:
· Lions 360 Walk of the Brave experience
· Gin Distillery Tasting experience
· 1 x main meal lunch at Haus Restaurant Hahndorf
· Insightful and light-hearted commentary on your journey, about townships and locations between destinations
· Tour departs and returns to Ambleside Distillers.
In November 2018 Monarto Safari Park teamed up with Ambleside Distillers in Hahndorf to form an ambitious fundraising partnership. ‘Kifaru Gin’ and ‘Kiboko Gin’ was inspired by native botanicals from the Monarto region and were limited edition of 500 bottles sold at a time. Enter the third edition ‘Monarto Safari Gin’ and the combination of these three has seen over $90,000 from sales proudly been donated towards conservation. Specifically, the aim is to keep them Rhinos safe from poachers and helping to create a viable insurance population outside of Africa should the species become extinct.
This partnership was crafted with a wonderful vision in mind, and we now celebrate this achievement by offering a behind the scenes tour of both venues.
Walk of the Brave Lions 360 at Monarto Safari Park We take your sense of adventure to the next level as you experience Australia’s only 360-degree lion encounter, giving you a prey’s eye view into the world of these awe-inspiring predators. Guaranteed to leave you in even more awe than when you entered, you’ll walk through a tunnel and emerge within clawing range of one of Australia’s largest lion prides. Enjoy a jaw-dropping, absolutely safe encounter knowing this hair-raising and unique experience will help Monarto Safari Park continue their work as a conservation charity raising awareness for all endangered species.
* Ask us for an upgrade to ‘Meet the Rhino’ behind the scenes session or to feed the Lions – private group tours only.
Monarto Wild Safari Gin Tasting at Ambleside Distillers in Hahndorf be guided through a tasting experience by one of Ambleside’s most experienced team and learn about their passion for creating award winning South Australian Gin.
· Tour departs at 09:00am Ambleside Distillers, corner of Ambleside and Mt Barker Roads, Hahndorf or 08:00am Arnold Park Mannum (upon request).
· A minimum of 6 confirmed passengers is required before the tour will depart.
· This tour is not a private charter unless the maximum of 16 passengers is reached by numbers in your group. This means you may be sharing the ride with others. Private charters are available on request, and the full capacity fare may be charged accordingly.
· Read our full Terms and Conditions.
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Firstly Kelly has the best personality for conducting any tour. She was a perfect host dealing with my last minute booking request and internet issues smoothly and flexibly and with joy!
Her customised presentation to suit her tourism industry audience was the perfect balance of information about the history of the DarkSky place and the kind of data tourism people pour over.
The meal at the Mannun Pub was excellent - what a location set on the limpid Murray. The comfortable new buses, including the Party Bus, were excellent transport.
And the Stargazing experience? well it was wonderful. The view was clear of clouds and the instruction by Joe was clear and informative. Who knew Alpha Sentori was actually three stars?
As fellow member of the DarkSky community via our DarkSky Approved Lodging - Kestrel Nest EcoHut, I came along to support a fellow operator. As we have our own DarkSkies, I didnt expect to be dazzled by the stars, but I was. But more? I was dazzled by the whole experience , AND am taking away ideas of how we can further improve the DarkSky experience for our guests.
Congratulations Kelly and team and congratulations on your awards and recognition.
It included a private cruise along the Murray River on sunset which was so informative as we learnt about the wildlife. Following this we enjoyed dinner while hearing from Kelly (owner of Juggle House) about the International Dark Sky and how her business began. We were then taken to the International Dark Sky Reserve on a private property; astronomers met us there and explained in detail the star constellations along with so many other interesting facts.
We strongly recommend this tour. Kelly was a great host and is a credit to the tourism industry of South Australia
The Highlights tour was about visiting the Murray River region by road.
Kelly is a local and tour guide, who is so passionate about the area and this came across with her perfectly balanced itinerary.
My mum, sister and I had the most amazing time and highly recommend this company for any of their adventures if our trip was anything to go by.
Great work Juggle House Experiences 😊😊
We got to see Jupiter, Mars, shooting stars, and countless constellations through the telescope—it was truly fascinating. Huge thanks to Joe for his entertaining and insightful guidance. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and made everything so engaging.
Also, a big thank you to Kelly for the delicious hot chocolate and treats—they were the perfect addition to a magical night under the stars!
At the end of the session, I’d recommend opening the SkyView Lite app on your phone—it’s amazing to see the constellations take shape and gives you extra support for everything Joe explained.
Highly recommend this experience!
Highly recommend this experience - you won’t regret it 😊
Review of Small-Group River Murray Dark Sky and Sunset Tour with Dinner
Kelly was an excellent host for this night of stargazing. Joe and his fellow astronomers were informative, incredibly knowledgeable, and passionate without being too technical. They were happy to chat and answer all questions.
The views through the powerful telescopes were amazing, and it helps to have some knowledge of what you are looking at.
We went over finishing time, as everyone was keen to see and learn more. I'm keen to go back in winter to see the Milky Way in its full glory.
I highly recommend this dark sky tour experience.
The views through the powerful telescopes were amazing, and it helps to have some knowledge of what you are looking at.
We went over finishing time, as everyone was keen to see and learn more. I'm keen to go back in winter to see the Milky Way in its full glory.
I highly recommend this dark sky tour experience.
I chose the Adelaide Hills Cheese and Chocolate tour, with a couple of tweaks.
Our daughter’s 30th is two days after mine and it turned into a wonderful joint celebration with thoughtful touches from Kel including a 60 and 30 balloon as well as a special chocolate treat for us both.
Once we were all aboard the Entertainer Limo, we were treated with a glass of bubbles (or water) which we enjoyed en route to our first destination at Melba’s Chocolates. Their tills ran hot with purchases before it was time to reboard the Limo to journey to our next stop at Hahndorf Hill Winery.
Our group enjoyed a paired chocolate and wine tasting experience in the ViewTube, overlooking the vineyards. Differing dietary needs of the group were catered for with a cheese platter and non alcohol option. The knowledge of Dee who looked after our group was amazing and the service was great. Beautiful ambiance as well.
Our next destination was Grünthal Brewing with Cheese Fondue by Udder Delights. With dietary needs once again satisfied every member of the group enjoyed the experience.
Beerenburg was next where we were treated to a sample of their famous strawberry icecream and sorbet, with a special surprise for the birthday girls which consisted of a totally edible miniature chocolate pot plant with flower. We also had the opportunity to purchase some of Beerenburg’s yummy jams and pickles or just browse in their new Farm Shop.
It was lucky we all saved some room for coffee and cake at The Haus!
I couldn’t fault the service and attention to detail we had at each venue.
We have travelled with Kel before and can’t wait to book another tour at sometime in the future.
Thank you Kel for a truly amazing day, when I think back I have feelings of joy and can picture everyone smiling!
Kelly, who was the Master Juggler were really taking care of us by giving out some really warm blankets and hot chocolate.
The tour then had a few stops overlooking the river, wildlife, and beautiful cliffs just before sunset. The views were incredible. We then stopped for a quick dinner at the Swan Reach Hotel. During dinner, our host Kelly, shared a fun and informative talk about what we would be seeing the rest of the evening.
We then drove a few minutes to an Aboriginal site. It was particularly interesting to me to learn that people have lived on this site for about 8,000 years. Indigenous hosts shared their knowledge of the site which gave me a real appreciation of the history of this area and all who have lived here.
Juggle House Experiences and Kelly took us to the Dark Sky site where we were me by astronomer Joe and his wife Lynn. Joe had his sophisticated telescope set up for us to view through but also shared his extensive knowledge of the skies. I saw more stars that night than I ever have before and learned a great deal from Joe. Kelly also shared hot chocolate and of, course, Milky Way bars, while we were viewing the skies.
Finally, we were driven back to where we started at the completion of the tour. This was a very fun and informative experience. I can highly recommend Juggle House Experiences and Kelly!
We started with some good bubbles and introductions. Then we headed to see the Murray River cliff faces, as the sun was setting. The lighting was beautiful. The Murray river and its cliffs were the reason for our travel to South Australia, part of looking at things we hadn't seen before. We loved seeing the Big Bend.
Dinner at the Swan Reach hotel, with a good choice meals.
A night tour of Ngaut Ngaut Conservation Park with Ivy & Sam, the information they told us & their personal stories were interesting.
Onto the Dark Sky Cliff top star gazing. Joe and Lyn are passionate astronomers, very knowledgeable. Could have been a little long, Joe loved to share lots of information about the night sky with us.
Back to town around 11:30pm.
Not having to do the driving in the evening was good, you could sit back and relax and share stories with other guests from all around the world.
We would recommned this tour.
at Old Tailem town to go back in time. Being 80, so much of the displays brought back childhood memories. What a treasure this place is! A thoroughly beautiful weekend. Could recommend!!
Our host was so welcoming and very knowledgeable. We discovered so much of the region's history, whilst tempting our taste buds at the same time.
Highly recommended
Growing up in the area, we have previously travelled to some of the places visited.
It was fantastic to see it from a new perspective, to learn more about the region whilst travelling in comfort of the entertainer limo.
Kel gave informative commentary in a fun & engaging way. We had stops along the way to stretch our legs & enjoy the views.
You can't beat a good pub meal & Swan Reach Hotel definitely delivered. I can also recommend the special Dark Sky's gin.
It was then onto Ngaut Ngaut conservation park where Ivy & Sam welcomed us to a beautiful stretch of the Murray River, sharing educational stories under the cliffs.
Our final stop to view the night sky under the amazing & knowledgeable guidance of Joe. This is something you just need to experience.
Thanks Kel for a memorable night. Highly recommended.
Growing up in the area, we have previously travelled to some of the places visited.
It was fantastic to see it from a new perspective, to learn more about the region whilst travelling in comfort of the entertainer limo.
Kel gave informative commentary in a fun & engaging way. We had stops along the way to stretch our legs & enjoy the views.
You can't beat a good pub meal & Swan Reach Hotel definitely delivered. I can also recommend the special Dark Sky's gin.
It was then onto Ngaut Ngaut conservation park where Izzy & Sam welcomed us to a beautiful stretch of the Murray River, sharing educational stories under the cliffs.
Our final stop to view the night sky under the amazing & knowledgeable guidance of Joe. This is something you just need to experience.
Thanks Kel for a memorable night. Highly recommended.
I got to see the rings of Saturn and Jupiter and two of its moons.
Unfortunately, clouds did obstruct our view of the stars but during the times we were able to view them, they were pretty spectacular.
I certainly learnt a lot about dark skies and how important it is to protect areas where darkness prevails. I thoroughly enjoyed my tour.
Winery tastings at Chateau Yaldara & Keis Winery great! Lunch at Keis very yummy and Maggie Beer Shop amazing.
Loved the entire day & highly recommend to all.
Thank you to Mardi at Juggle House for an unforgettable experience!




















































