Search bushwalks Page 6

Starting from the Gate 3 car park at the intersection of Matthews Road and Scott Creek Road, Dorset Vale, this walk takes you on a circuit around Scott Creek Conservation Park via the Stringybark, Mount Bold Ridge and Shingleback tracks. Scott Creek Conservation Park features some of the most diverse native vegetation in the Adelaide Hills, with dense stringybark forests, steep-sloped valleys and seasonal creeks that provide habitat for an abundance of birds and animals, including southern brown bandicoots, western grey kangaroos, koalas and ringtail possums. In spring, plenty of wildflowers can be seen dotted along the trails. This relatively easy and straightforward loop begins by entering the stringybark forest along the Bandicoot Track, then ascends steadily along the Stringybark Track, offering excellent views of the park. The next section is fairly flat and easy-going, following the Mount Bold Ridge Track alongside the road before descending along the Shingleback Track back to the car park. This loop consists of well-signposted fire tracks, with some uneven 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

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Run

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Birdwatching

Environment

Fifty Shades of Clay and Frogger Loop

Fifty Shades of Clay and Frogger Loop

6.8 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h

Starting from the car park on Majors Road, Seaview Downs, this walk takes you on a circuit around O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park via the Fifty Shades of Clay and Frogger tracks. Located in the southern suburbs, O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park, now part of Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta, consists mostly of grassy rolling hills with restored native vegetation that was formerly cleared for grazing. Walkers, mountain bikers, horse riders and dogs are welcome in the park, which offers a large open space with an extensive network of fire tracks and shared-use trails. This loop begins along a wide fire track before following a single track named Fifty Shades of Clay, winding across the hills with excellent views of the city and coastline. Continuing along a single track named Frogger, the loop passes a vantage point looking out across the Southern Expressway, then follows a gravel fire track along the western side of the expressway back to the car park. This loop consists of gently undulating fire tracks and shared-use trails, with some sections that may be muddy or overgrown, suitable for walkers and cyclists of 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

Pets

Environment

Bus

50 Shades of Clay & Frogger

50 Shades of Clay & Frogger

6.8 km circuit

2 h to 3 h 15 min

Starting from the car park of Majors Road, O'Halloran Hill, this circuit track gives you a taste of O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park (part of Glenthorne National Park- Ityamaiitpinna Yarta) via 50 Shades of Clay & Frogger tracks. This loop offers a great experience for horseback riders, mountain bikers, and bushwalkers alike. Beautiful grey box eucalyptus and river red gums are sprinkled along the trail, from which you can get great views of the city and coast. Walkers and bikers usually give way to horses, while cyclists give way to walkers. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The mobile phone coverage is generally good in the park. However, the trail can get very 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

Bus

Sturt Gorge Circuit via the River Trail

Sturt Gorge Circuit via the River Trail

6.8 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h

Starting from the Sturt Gorge Gate 12 carpark on Broadmeadow Drive, Flagstaff Hill, this walk takes you on a circuit within Sturt Gorge Recreation Park via the River, Fire, Wattle and Lomandra tracks. Sturt Gorge Recreation Park has a large network of shared-use mountain bike and walking trails, a spectacular rugged gorge with internationally recognised geological significance, cascading waterfalls, rockpools and creeks. This scenic and peaceful hike takes in the rugged beauty of Sturt Gorge while passing through a variety of vegetation communities along the way. Walk among the steep slopes of grey box grassy woodlands and Sturt tillite rock formations, and look out for the diverse range of native animals that come to drink at the waterholes along the river. Koalas, kangaroos, echidnas, kookaburras, cockatoos and rosellas are often seen in the park. Be sure to check out the amazing views over the gorge from the lookouts at the top of the Sturt River dam wall, near the end of the walk. This is an adventurous trail, with many river crossings and some rock scrambling. Take care on the trail surfaces, which are uneven and rocky in some areas, with narrow and slippery sections and occasional steep inclines and descents. After rain the rivers water levels may rise, and the stepping-stones across the river crossings may become submerged. There are no facilities in the park, so be sure to carry sufficient water, food and supplies for the entire hike. 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

Sturt Gorge River Trail Circuit

Sturt Gorge River Trail Circuit

7.2 km circuit

2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

7.2 km

Starting from the end of Edgar Street, Bedford Park, this walk takes you on a circuit within Sturt Gorge Recreation Park via the Edgar, River and Lomandra tracks. As you’ll be walking through this geologically important area be mindful that the trees surrounding you are the Grey Box eucalyptuses that are a threatened species. The track takes you out of the gorge for some breathless views over Adelaide before taking you back down to the gorge. The trails are well-formed and have clear signage throughout. Some tracks are pretty narrow and can get slippery after rain. There are also several river crossings and tricky rock scrambles along the way. 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

2 h 15 min to 3 h 30 min

Environment

Currawong Ridge, Mount Bold Ridge and Shingleback Track Loop

Currawong Ridge, Mount Bold Ridge and Shingleback Track Loop

7.6 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

7.6 km

Starting from the car park at the intersection of Matthews Road and Scott Creek Road, Dorset Vale, this walk takes you on a circuit around Scott Creek Conservation Park via the Currawong Ridge, Mount Bold Ridge and Shingleback tracks. Scott Creek Conservation Park encompasses some of the most diverse native vegetation in the Adelaide Hills, with dense stringybark forests, steep-sloped valleys and seasonal creeks that provide habitat for an abundance of wildlife and native birds. This relatively easy and straightforward loop begins by entering the stringybark forest along the Bandicoot Track, then ascends steadily along the Currawong Ridge and Cup Gum tracks, offering excellent views of the park. The next few kilometres are fairly flat and easy-going, with the hike following the Mount Bold Ridge Track alongside the road before descending along the Shingleback Track back to the car park. This loop consists of well-signposted fire tracks, suitable for most 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

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Run

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Environment

Sturt River Linear Park Trail

Sturt River Linear Park Trail

7.6 km oneway

1 h 30 min to 2 h

1 h 15 min to 2 h 15 min

Starting from Pine Avenue near the intersection with Willoughby Avenue, Glenelg North, this walk takes you to the Warriparinga Wetlands near the Southern Expressway via the Sturt River Linear Park Trail. The Sturt River Linear Park is a continuous open public space along the Sturt River, between Glenelg North and Coromandel Valley, featuring an excellent shared-use bitumen pathway that runs from Pine Avenue, Glenelg North, to Main South Road, Bedford Park. Named after Charles Sturt --a British explorer of Australia-- the trail meanders along the river, passing many reserves, parks, playgrounds and historic sites, including former market gardens, with interpretive signs providing historical, cultural and environmental information. Towards the end, the trail passes through the Warriparinga Wetlands, a large open space used for recreation and education, home to the Living Kaurna Cultural Centre, containing walking trails, boardwalks, ponds, native vegetation and diverse birdlife. This walk consists of wide, shared-use bitumen pathways, with some busy road crossings, suitable for walkers and cyclists of all fitness levels, as well as prams and wheelchairs. 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

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

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

2 h 15 min to 3 h 45 min

Run

1 h 15 min to 2 h

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

Captain McKenna Pathway

7.9 km return

1 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min

Captain McKenna Pathway

7.9 km

Return

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

1 h 45 min to 3 h 15 min

Environment

Bus

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

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

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

3 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Sturt Gorge River Trail(One-Way)

Sturt Gorge River Trail(One-Way)

9.1 km oneway

3 h to 4 h 30 min

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

Starting from the end of Edgar Street, Bedford Park, this walk traverses the entire length of Sturt Gorge Recreation Park via the River Trail, taking in the rugged beauty of the gorge while passing through a variety of vegetation communities. The trails and junctions are fully signposted, and there are map boards at the trailheads. Learn about the old stone Horners Bridge. This is quite an adventurous walk, with numerous river crossings and some rock scrambling. After rain, expect the river to be higher, and the stepping-stones across the river crossings may become submerged. 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 Chambers Gully car park just off Waterfall Gully Road, Burnside, this walk takes you on a circuit within Chambers Gully Park via the Chambers Gully, Bartrill Spur and Long Ridge tracks. Enjoy meandering through the cool sanctuary of Chambers Gully on this walk. Keep a lookout for koalas, kangaroos, cockatoos, echidnas and bandicoots as you follow the track fringed with ferns. A steep climb winds up to a ridge, where splendid views of the city and coast are revealed. The terrain is varied, with some tracks that are wide and flat, and others that are narrow and uneven. 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

Chambers Gully Circuit

9.3 km circuit

3 h 15 min to 5 h

Chambers Gully Circuit

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

Environment

Devil's Nose, Lizard Rock and Hissey Circuit

Devil's Nose, Lizard Rock and Hissey Circuit

9.8 km circuit

3 h to 4 h 30 min

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

Starting from the Devil's Nose Track carpark on Para Wirra Drive, Para Wirra Conservation Park, this walk takes you on a circuit via the Devil's Nose, Quarry and Knob tracks. This hike extends the Devil's Nose Hike from a return 5.0km to a 10.5km circuit hike by including the Lizard Rock Nature Walk and the Hissey Walk. Descend towards the South Para River at the northern end of this hike, and glimpse views of the unique sandstone outcrop of Devil's Nose from below as you head towards the lookout. From the lookout atop Devil's Nose there are stunning views towards Gawler and the South Para River gorge. After enjoying the views, take the Quarry Track through a landscape dotted with old gold mining shafts and tunnels. Take care when walking in this area. The trail ascends gradually towards the small rounded hill of the Knob, where you'll find picnic tables nestled in peaceful surroundings. From the Knob, the trail goes past North Oval and along the Lizard Rock Nature Walk. This scenic walk takes you through stands of Pink Gum, Golden Wattle and Native Cranberry to a large granite outcrop known as Kadno or Lizard Rock, that provides views into the valley of Wild Dog Creek. Following Wild Dog Creek upstream, the hike ends with the Hissey Walk along the edge of the lake, leading back to the carpark. 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