by Carla Caruso

There’s nothing like playing tourist in your own backyard.

Couple Sahan and Menasha, originally from Sri Lanka, are among those who love adventuring in South Australia - their new home.

So much so, in fact, they’ve created their own blog and YouTube channel based around their travel capers.

We recently spoke to them about what made them fall head over heels for SA - in particular, your Open, Green, Public Adelaide Park Lands.

Hi! Please tell us who’s behind your site and how it came to be.

We are Sahan and Menasha, the duo behind Travel Couple SA. We started our YouTube channel, @TravelCoupleSA, in 2017 and released our website, travelcouplesa.com, last year as a way to document our travels around South Australia and other States.

We both take on different roles – Sahan focuses on video production and photography while Menasha focuses on writing and keeping community engagement going.

We both have full-time jobs in a completely different field [the IT industry]. However, creating content for our travel channel and website is our way of unwinding and appreciating the beauty around us.

Have you always had a passion for travel? And what interesting places has the venture taken you to?

Exploring South Australia has always been our main goal … although, we love to add other States in Australia to the mix.

We have been blessed with the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of this beautiful region, from the rugged outback to the picturesque coastline.

We believe that the journey is just as important as the destination, which is why we prefer to take road trips. We find that travelling by car allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the local culture and take in the stunning scenery at our own pace.

Whenever possible, we love to camp and enjoy the great outdoors. If camping is not an option, we opt for an Airbnb, which offers us a more authentic and local experience.

What’s your favourite park in the Adelaide Park Lands, and why? 

It’s hard to pick one! However, we’ve been visiting Veale Gardens [in Veale Park / Walyu Yarta - Park 21] most often. Located off South Terrace, it is a truly unique and versatile destination that offers something for everyone.

The Gardens have a rich history and are home to beautiful flowerbeds and a rose garden. In the spring, the wisteria is in full bloom, and it is a sight to behold.

Additionally, the park is near the Himeji [Japanese] Garden [in Peppermint Park / Wita Wirra - Park 18], which adds to the overall ambience of the place. There’s also a playground for kids [Marshmallow Playspace nearby, on the opposite side of Glen Osmond Road, in Pelzer Park / Pityarilla - Park 19], which makes it perfect for families.

One of the best things about Veale Gardens is the water feature that runs through it, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Lastly, our favourite, the Walyu Yarta Community Garden [also in Park 21] boasts a great selection of veggies. We’ve had the chance to speak to some of the contributors and learn about the cultural and personal significance of various plants.

How often do you frequent the city’s Park Lands?

We frequent the Adelaide Park Lands often – usually once a week. We love to go for walks and picnics there.

The Park Lands offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

Do you think the Park Lands could be even better promoted?

The Adelaide Park Lands could be better marketed. One great way to better promote them would be to collaborate with local content creators since there’s amazing talent in our state.

We also believe having a mobile app that allows visitors to access information about [each] park –including maps, walking trails, and events – could be a great way to make the Park Lands more accessible and user-friendly. [Editor’s note: That’s what our Trail Guides are for!]

Finally, what’s coming up for you this year travel-wise?

Kangaroo Island is definitely on our list of must-see destinations, being known for its amazing wildlife and stunning landscapes.

That said, we don’t have a specific plan yet. We’re excited to see where the road takes us and discover hidden gems along the way. We’re open to new experiences and can’t wait to see what this year has in store for us travel-wise.