Search bushwalks Page 15

Starting from the Cleland Conservation Park car park just off Mount Lofty Summit Road, Cleland, this circuit walk takes you past Sugarloaf Hill via the Long Ridge, Chambers Gully and Bartrill Spur tracks. The fauna within the park includes a variety of birdlife, as well as echidnas, southern brown bandicoots, kangaroos and koalas. This hike starts along a gravel road leading to the Long Ridge Lookout on top of Sugarloaf Hill. From the lookout, there are wonderful views over Adelaide to the coast and a couple of benches where you can rest and enjoy the view. The hike then returns down Sugarloaf Hill and enters the Chambers Gully Track, a narrow dirt track that winds its way through the bushes along the foot of the hill. Chambers Gully joins Bartrill Spur, following the creek through a lush green gully to complete the circuit. There are some gentle inclines and uneven surfaces along this hike. Some sections can get muddy and slippery after rain. The tracks are well-formed and aren't overly technical, suited for most ages and fitness levels. 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

Sugarloaf Hill Circuit

7.6 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Sugarloaf Hill Circuit

Waterfall

Environment

Nature, Echidna and Sundews Ridge Circuit

Nature, Echidna and Sundews Ridge Circuit

7.7 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

7.7 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

Run

1 h 15 min to 2 h

Starting from the Sundews Lookout Carpark on Piggott Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, this walk takes you on a circuit via the Nature, Echidna and Sundews Ridge tracks. Starting with the Nature Trail, this hike takes you though beautiful pink gum and grey box woodland. Reaching the Echidna Trail, a narrow track takes you over moderate slopes, passing by the charming stone ruins of an old cottage. On the eastern section of the trail you’ll have fabulous views of the gorge, and in winter and spring there are stunning displays of orchids along the way. The hike continues along the Nature Trail to Sundews Lookout, from where there are views of the rocky outcrops and the river flowing through the Onkaparinga Gorge. The hike is mostly on flat tracks, with plenty of shaded areas along the way. Some of the tracks are quite narrow, with slightly rocky and overgrown sections. The hills are gentle, and there are large directional signs throughout. 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

Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail

Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail

7.7 km return

2 h to 3 h

Starting near the horse stable ruins at the Inneston Historic Township off Pondalowie Bay Road, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, this walk takes you to Stenhouse Bay and back via the Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail Hike. Located within Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, Inneston was once a thriving and self-sufficient gypsum mining town, first settled in the late 1880s and abandoned in the 1930s after the Great Depression. In 1913, the jetty was built at Stenhouse Bay to enable the shipping of gypsum, which was transported from Inneston by a horse-drawn tram until locomotives were introduced. This hike follows the old wooden tramway that runs between Inneston and Stenhouse Bay, which is steeped in Colonial and Maritime history and has slowly been reclaimed by nature. The trail passes through regenerating coastal vegetation and sites rich in European heritage, with interpretive signs detailing the local environment and history. Along the way, walkers may find sections of the steel rails that replaced the original timber rails. The walk ends near the Stenhouse Bay Campground, which is suitable for tents, caravans, camper vans and camper trailers and has toilets. This hike consists of wide, gently undulating walking trails, with compacted natural surfaces, suitable for average 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

Environment

Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty

Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty

7.8 km return

3 h to 4 h 30 min

Starting from the Waterfall Gully Car park at the end of Waterfall Gully Road Waterfall Gully, this walk leads to Mount Lofty and back via the Waterfall Gully Track. This highly popular walk attracts a wide range of people. Keep an eye out for kangaroos, koalas, lizards, birds. If you’re lucky, you may even spot an echidna or a rare southern brown bandicoot. You will be greeted by panoramic views overlooking the Adelaide plains and Gulf St Vincent from the Mount Lofty summit. A significant upgrade of the trail was recently completed, including elevated boardwalks and directional and interpretative signage replacement. If you need to take a break, there are plenty of seats along the path and a cafe at each end. There is a steady ascent throughout the entire walk to the summit. Still, the track is well-maintained and comfortable to walk on. 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

Park Entrance to Pillie Lake

Park Entrance to Pillie Lake

7.8 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 3 h

Starting from the car park near the main park entrance on Donington Road, Lincoln National Park, this walk takes you to Pillie Lake. This moderately challenging bushwalk initially winds through diverse vegetation and near low coastal limestone cliffs along the sheltered coastline of Proper Bay, with excellent views across Proper Bay to Port Lincoln, then heads through inland mallee woodland to Pillie Lake, a picturesque seasonal saline lake. The walk is part of the Investigator Trail, a long-distance walking trail consisting of several shorter connected trails within Lincoln National Park. The walk begins near the Wisemans Shack Campground, which is accessible by 4WD only, suitable for tents and off-road camper trailers and has no facilities. This walk consists of wide and narrow, gently undulating walking trails, with uneven natural surfaces and compacted natural 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

Birdwatching

Environment

The Captain McKenna Pathway is a return walk starting from Beare Avenue, Netley. It provides views into the airport, and you can plane-watch as you make your way through. The track also follows Brownhill Creek as it drains out to Patawalonga River, where you can spot interesting bird species. It is a part of the Adelaide Airport Trails network (1 of 3). The flat bitumen surface makes it suitable for people with wheelchairs & prams. Additionally, there is a playground at the start. Dogs are allowed on lead. 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

Captain McKenna Pathway

7.9 km return

1 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min

Captain McKenna Pathway

7.9 km

Return

Walk

1 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min

Environment

Bus

Starting from the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre on Wilpena Road, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, this walk takes you to the Wangara Lookouts and back via the Wangara Lookout Hike. One of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is home to ancient rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, peaceful tree-lined creeks and abundant wildlife. This walk initially follows a dirt road through the Pound Gap, following Wilpena Creek through tall river red gums and pines. After crossing the creek and passing a waterhole, the road reaches an information shelter and splits in two. Up to this point, the walk is suitable for wheelchairs and prams, and there is also a shuttle bus service. From there, walkers can continue along the walking trail, which is easier, or along the road, which climbs above Sliding Rock. The walk continues past the historic Hills Homestead, where there are toilets, picnic tables and interpretive signs telling the story of the cottage's original inhabitants and their struggles with the harsh Australian conditions. From the homestead, the walk continues past an Adnyamathanha sculpture, then climbs up the Pound edge to the Wangara Lookouts, which offer panoramic views of the interior of Wilpena Pound. This walk consists of narrow walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces and short steep hills, suitable for average fitness levels. 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

Wangara Lookout Hike

8 km return

2 h to 3 h

Environment

Starting from the Mambray Creek Day Visitor Area at the end of Park Road, Mount Remarkable National Park, this walk takes you to the Sugar Gum Lookout and back via the Sugar Gum Lookout Hike. This moderately challenging bushwalk meanders through the Mambray Creek Valley to the Sugar Gum Lookout, following a wide fire track through ancient river red gums and native pine forest alongside Mambray Creek. The track features a mostly gentle gradient, with a short but strenuous climb to the lookout, which offers stunning views over the Mambray Creek Valley. Before reaching the lookout, the track passes Scarfes Hut, an old shepherd's hut, where there's interpretive signage detailing the hut's history and the lives of early shepherds. The walk begins near the Mambray Creek Campground, which is suitable for tents, caravans, camper vans and camper trailers and has toilets, showers and fire pits. This walk consists of wide fire tracks, with compacted natural surfaces, short steep hills and creek crossings, suitable for average fitness levels. 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

Sugar Gum Lookout Hike

8.1 km return

2 h to 3 h

Sugar Gum Lookout Hike

Environment

Anstey Hill Boundary Circuit

Anstey Hill Boundary Circuit

8.5 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Starting from the Gate 1 car park on North East Road, Tea Tree Gully, this circuit walk takes you along the edges of Anstey Hill Recreational Park via the Boundary, Water Gully, Range Road South and Ellis Way tracks. Anstey Hill Recreational Park offers unique experiences for walkers, including beautiful displays of wildflowers dotted along the trails and the extensive ruins of a 19th-century nursery. Discover this park's unique features, including ruins of the original Newman's Nursery. Keep an eye out for the many yellow-tailed black cockatoos, blue wrens, kangaroos, koalas and echidnas that live in the park. Gate 1 has toilet facilities, and there is clear signage throughout. Although the inclines on this walk are manageable, some steep sections and uneven surfaces can be moderately challenging. 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

Pets

Environment

Newland Head Coastal Cliffs Circuit

Newland Head Coastal Cliffs Circuit

8.6 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Starting from the Waitpinga Campground just off Dennis Road, Waitpinga, this circuit walk takes you along the coastline of Newland Head Conservation Park. The walk begins from the eastern end of the Waitpinga Campground, following the sandy Heysen Trail out to the rocky cliffs of Waitpinga, surrounded by coastal vegetation. Keep a lookout for kangaroos and echidnas along the way. The trail returns inland via the Ridgeway Hill Walking Trail, where Banksia and Correa flowers provide a colourful contrast to the emerald green trees and golden sand paths. From the junction, follow the Heysen Trail back to the campground. The trails in Newland Head Conservation Park are well marked with large green signs. Waitpinga Campground has sheltered sites, toilets, and barbecue and picnic facilities. It is situated behind the sand dunes and vegetation, which separate the beach from the car park and campground. This is a moderately challenging walk, with a few short steep hills and sandy paths along the way and some rocky areas around the coastal section. 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

Main Valley and Rockdale Hill Circuit

Main Valley and Rockdale Hill Circuit

8.6 km circuit

3 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min

8.6 km

Circuit

Walk

3 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min

Starting from the carpark at the end of Horsnells Gully Road, Horsnell Gully, this walk takes you on a circuit within the Horsnell Gully Conservation Park via the Main Valley, Mount Lofty, Yurrebilla and Rockdale Hill tracks. This hike is a hidden gem in the Adelaide Hills close to Adelaide, that takes you through forested valleys of majestic river red gums and South Australian blue gums. Keep an eye out for koalas in the treetops, and listen closely for sounds of southern brown bandicoots foraging in the undergrowth. The walk starts along the Main Valley/Waterfall Hike Track, leading uphill along a rough track that is often little more than a narrow, rocky creek-bed. Overgrown blackberry plants with thorns and occasional cobwebs make this quite a challenging section. The section at the end of Main Valley up on to the fire tracks on Rockdale Hill is very steep with some loose rocks, and involves climbing up a waterfall, which may be slippery after rain. The Rockdale Hill Track gradually descends back towards the car park, providing excellent views of the quarry and parts of the city of Adelaide along the way. This is quite a challenging walk, with a mixture of single track walking trails and fire tracks, steep ascents and some rocky sections. 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 Blue Gum Lookout car park at the intersection of Saw Mill Road and Spring Gully Road, Spring Gully, this walk takes you on a circuit around Spring Gully Conservation Park via the Western Boundary, Observation, Ridgetop, Wymans and Cascades tracks. Spring Gully Conservation Park features some of the region's most picturesque native landscapes and is the only reserve in South Australia to contain the red stringybark tree. The park is home to many animals and birds, and in spring, there's an abundance of wildflowers and orchids in bloom. This hike initially descends along Spring Gully Road through the Skilly Hills before climbing along the Western Boundary and the Observation tracks. Further ahead, the hike follows the Ridgetop Track, offering expansive views of the Adelaide Plains, then heads through grassy woodlands along the Wymans and Cascades tracks, passing a lookout above a small seasonal waterfall. This loop consists of well-signposted fire tracks and walking trails, suitable for average fitness levels, with some uneven surfaces and moderately steep sections. Dogs are not permitted in this park. 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

Spring Gully Loop

8.7 km circuit

2 h to 3 h

Waterfall

Environment

Starting from Watts Gully Road, Mount Crawford, this walk takes you on a circuit within Warren Conservation Park via the Warren Tower and Tower Hill tracks. The walk starts along a short boardwalk. The trail undulates uphill, going past Aldgate sandstone and magnificent large granite and moss rocks. Once on top, you’ll be awarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The Warren Tower Circuit has a moderate gradient and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels. 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

Warren Tower Circuit

8.7 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 4 h

Environment

Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound Lookout

Rawnsley Bluff and Wilpena Pound Lookout

8.8 km return

3 h 15 min to 5 h

Starting from the Rawnsley Bluff Carpark at the end of the Mawson Trail, near the Rawnsley Park Station, Flinders Ranges, this walk leads to Rawnsley Bluff and the Wilpena Pound Lookout via the Rawnsley Bluff Trail. Flinders Ranges has a beautiful, rugged and unique landscape with vivid red, yellow and green colours. It is a paradise for hikers, and presents a great opportunity to explore the outback of South Australia. From the carpark, the trail follows the creek bed for about 600m before you begin climbing the foothills of the main range. The trail gradually steepens to a climb until reaching the Lone Pine Lookout, from where there are views along the escarpment and towards Elder Range. From here, the worst of the climb is over and the trail becomes less steep as you approach the summit. Along the way you'll pass the Wilpena Pound Lookout, which provides an excellent view down the centre of Wilpena Pound. Further along, at the top of Rawnsley Bluff, there are panoramic views to the south and east overlooking Chace Range. This is a challenging hike, involving a very tough climb early on, and a lot of scrambling up rocks. The trail is generally well formed, and has clear signage. This hike is best suited for reasonably fit and experienced bushwalkers. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, as the trail is very rough in places. 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