List of Bushwalks in Mount Barker District Council

The Chookarloo Walk is a short circuit starting from the Chookarloo Campground, partially following the Heysen Trail. The walk takes you through the shady pine forest and is pet-friendly, making it a great option for those travelling with pets. Additionally, the fallen trees around and along the trail are excellent opportunities for kids to have fun. Keep an eye out for interesting butterfly species as well. The track is marked with yellow & green markers and is shared with bikes. There is one toilet available at the start of the walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Chookarloo Walk

1.1 km circuit

20 min to 30 min

Environment

Rural

Totness Recreation Park North

Totness Recreation Park North

1.1 km circuit

20 min to 30 min

Starting from the end of Milne Road, Totness, this circuit walk pivots around a small lake and gives you a tour of the northern section of Totness Recreation Park. This experience offers a tranquil escape with its picturesque lake and peaceful atmosphere. Bird lovers can spot a variety of species such as the Superb Fairywren, Australian Golden Whistler or even the elusive White-throated Treecreeper if lucky. The park is also a popular spot for dog walking. Keep in mind that the tunnel along the track is narrow and dark. Although the park is located near the motorway, it still offers a serene setting for a stroll. The surface can get a little muddy after rainfall. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Mount Summit Road, Mount Barker Summit, this walk takes you on a circuit around Mount Barker Summit, then leads to the summit and back. This relatively easy hike initially follows a short loop around the summit of Mount Barker, winding around the hill through silver banksia, manna gums and blue gums. Once back at the car park, the hike follows an easy trail to Mount Barker Summit, passing a lookout area with picnic tables before reaching the summit. From an elevation of 517 metres, the summit provides views of the township of Mount Barker, as well as Mount Lofty in the northwest, the Bremer Valley in the east and as far south as the Coorong. This loop consists of narrow dirt trails, suitable for moderate fitness levels, with some uneven surfaces, natural obstacles, steps and gentle hills. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mount Barker Summit Loop

1.7 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

Mount Barker Summit Loop

Views

Environment

Totness Recreation Park South

Totness Recreation Park South

2 km circuit

40 min to 1 h

Starting from Haines Firetrack, Paechtown, this circuit walk gives you a tour of the southern section of Totness Recreation Park. This is a beautiful walk through manna gum, blue gum and stringybark trees. The area is home to various bird species, such as Buff-rumped Thornbill, Grey Shrike-thrush, and the occasional Red-browed Finch, so keep your eyes peeled for them. This walk is more demanding compared to the northern section, although the challenge might be attractive to some. To access the start of the walk, you'll need to pass by a couple of "Fire Track – Authorised Vehicles Only" signs along the path, and it can get quite muddy after rainfall. Keep in mind that the track is not marked, so it's essential to be mindful of your surroundings. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Laratinga (Lartingga-parri) Wetlands

Laratinga (Lartingga-parri) Wetlands

3.2 km circuit

45 min to 1 h 15 min

The Laratinga Wetlands circuit walk starts from the car park on Bald Hills Road, Mount Barker. This easy, smooth flat path takes you through a rural wetland landscape, perfect for birdwatching or a walk with your dog. The wetlands are home to 150+ bird species, including the vulnerable Blue-Billed Duck. The bird hides along the way may help you spot one. Besides the birds, four species of frog and two species of possum can be seen here. Wheelchair users can enjoy this track as well. Picnic areas with BBQs, benches, shelters and toilets are present. Keep your dog on a lead and enjoy a pleasant stroll through the wetlands. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Birdwatching

Environment

Rural

Totness Recreation Park Northern and Southern Loop

Totness Recreation Park Northern and Southern Loop

4.2 km circuit

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Starting from the Gate 1 car park at the end of Milne Road, Totness, this walk takes you on a circuit around the northern and southern sections of Totness Recreation Park. Popular for bushwalking and birdwatching, Totness Recreation Park protects remnant unique vegetation, including stringybark, blue gum and manna gum woodlands, and contains a former railway dam in the northern section, built in 1884 to supply water for steam engines travelling to Victor Harbour. This fairly easy loop initially follows the central fire track to the historic dam, with a boardwalk section across the boggy areas at the edge of the dam. Near the freeway, a creek flows into the dam through a 1.4m tall stormwater pipe, which walkers can head through and explore the larger, more rugged southern section of the park, where there are often fewer people and more wildlife. Continuing along the fire track around the dam, the walk offers glimpses of rural farms and livestock. This loop consists of gently sloping fire tracks and narrow walking trails, suitable for most fitness levels. There are no toilets, facilities, or interpretive signs in the park. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Hahndorf to Bridgewater Circuit

Hahndorf to Bridgewater Circuit

18.4 km circuit

5 h to 8 h 30 min

Starting from the Pioneer Memorial Gardens on Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf, this walk takes you on an 18km circuit past Bridgewater. The walk mainly follows country roads, laneways and bush tracks through a delightful section of the Adelaide Hills with historic homes, deciduous trees and native bushland. Along the way, you'll go past the great artist Sir Hans Heysen's home, The Cedars. Many of his original works of art can be seen on display in the house and the nearby studio. Some sections of the trail are slightly technical, and there are a couple of river crossings along the way which may be slippery after recent rainfall. This is a long walk, best suited for reasonably fit and experienced walkers. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the Pioneer Women's Memorial Garden on Mount Barker Road, Hahndorf, this walk takes you to Beaumont via the Pioneer Women's Trail. Experience the amazing journeys undertaken by the Prussian Lutheran women and girls who walked from Hahndorf to Adelaide, carrying fresh produce for the hungry townsfolk during the early years of European settlement. The Pioneer Women's Trail honours these women, for they were instrumental in saving the young colony of South Australia from starvation. The walk follows country roads, laneways and bush tracks through a beautiful section of the Adelaide Hills, passing historic buildings, deciduous trees and native bushland, with interpretive signs detailing the area's history along the way. The walk initially crosses the Onkaparinga River before joining the official trail at Verdun, then winds through Bridgewater and follows Cox Creek past the historic Old Bridgewater Mill. After traversing Mount George Conservation Park, the trail passes the Stirling Golf Club and heads through Stirling, a picturesque village with many cafés, restaurants and boutique shops. The trail continues through Crafers and Cleland Conservation Park, then follows the Old Bullock Track, emerging to stunning city views before descending to the historic Beaumont House. This walk consists of wide and narrow, gently undulating walking trails, fire tracks and roads, with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces and sealed surfaces, suitable for moderate fitness levels, and can be done in either direction. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pioneer Women's Trail

24.4 km oneway

6 h, 10 h to 2 days

Pioneer Women's Trail

Environment