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Environment

Starting from the Wilpena Pound Visitor Centre on Wilpena Road, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit around Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park via the Boom and Bust Loop. 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 relatively short and easy loop initially follows a dirt road through the Pound Gap, following Wilpena Creek through tall river red gums and pines, then turns off onto the Mount Ohlssen Bagge Hike before looping back to the Pound Gap. In the early 1900s, sheep were raised and wheat was grown within the Pound, but the boom and bust cycle of flooding rains followed by drought put an end to cropping and eventually reduced sheep numbers below a profitable level. The walk features interpretive signage detailing how plants and animals in the area have adapted to survive these conditions, and in spring, there's an abundance of colourful native wildflowers. The walk can be extended to the summit of Mount Ohlssen Bagge, which involves a steep rocky climb and offers panoramic views of Wilpena Pound. This loop consists of narrow, gently undulating walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces and compacted natural surfaces, suitable for most 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

Boom and Bust Loop

3.1 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Environment

Starting from the Gate 3 car park on Church Hill Road, Hackham, this walk takes you through the western end of Onkaparinga River National Park via the Old Coach Link Trail. This moderately challenging walk begins by crossing the Onkaparinga River before following the Old Coach Road fire track, climbing steeply up the open grassy ridge to the top of the hill, offering excellent views across Old Noarlunga and the Onkaparinga Estuary. Once at the top, the walk follows the Pipeline Track and the Tea Tree Track before emerging at Gate 29 at the intersection of Sheoak Road and Barytes Road, from where the walk can also be started. Multiple species of birds can be seen along the track in spring, as well as colourful displays of wildflowers. Cycling is also permitted on this track. This walk consists of wide fire trails, with compacted natural surfaces, steep hills and river crossings, and is suitable for moderate 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

Old Coach Link Trail

3.1 km oneway

1 h to 1 h 30 min

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

Environment

Rural

Bus

Starting from the car park near the information office on The Valley Road, Belair National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit around Belair National Park via the Lorikeet Loop Walk. The Lorikeet Loop Walk winds through red gum, blue gum and grey box woodlands, passing the Old Government House, the State Flora Nursery and the Adventure Playground. The park is home to an abundance of wildlife, including kangaroos, koalas, echidnas, emus and bandicoots. The blossoming gums attract nectar-feeding birds throughout the year, such as lorikeets and rosellas, and there are colourful displays of wildflowers in spring. The trail also passes several barbecue and picnic areas, public toilets and tennis courts, with information signs along the way detailing the park's history and wildlife. This loop consists of gently sloping bitumen and gravel trails, suitable for families, prams and most fitness levels, and can be done in either direction. 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

Lorikeet Loop Walk

3.2 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Environment

Ratalang (Basham Beach) CP

Ratalang (Basham Beach) CP

3.2 km oneway

45 min to 1 h 15 min

The Ratalang (Basham Beach) CP is a one-way walk starting from the car park off The Cutting. You can spot Southern Right Whales in this well-known whale-watching spot during winter. Whales aren't the only animals you can see here; bird species such as the oystercatcher and the double-banded plover are also present. The Pleasant Banks homestead, with its restored buildings, was built here in 1856 after Charles Basham acquired ownership of the land. Don't get distracted by all the wildlife and history here; relish the panoramic coastal views. Dog owners will appreciate the flexibility of having areas where dogs can be both on and off leash, although they need to check the restrictions/schedule beforehand to avoid disappointment. Long sandy beaches, picnic facilities, playgrounds and toilets are available. Prior to walking on the beach, it's advisable to check the tide levels to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. 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 Gate 1 car park on Scott Creek Road, Heathfield, this walk takes you on a circuit around Mark Oliphant Conservation Park via the Bandicoot Trail. This moderately challenging loop winds through native vegetation along well-maintained trails within Mark Oliphant Conservation Park, taking walkers through many of the different environments that the park has to offer. The trail meanders through the centre of the park, then follows Evans Drive, a public unsealed road, before heading back into the park. Keep an eye out for southern brown bandicoots along this trail, which dig and turn over the soil throughout the park, hunting for fungi and insects. This loop consists of narrow walking trails, fire tracks and unsealed roads, 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

Bandicoot Trail

3.2 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from the Gate 18 car park on Range Road South, Houghton, this walk takes you on a circuit around Anstey Hill Recreation Park via the Silver Mine Loop. The Silver Mine Loop showcases the historic silver mines in the northeastern corner of Anstey Hill Recreation Park, following a wide track through grassy eucalypt woodlands. After a short distance, an optional side trail branches off the main track and passes a lookout with a picnic table, where walkers can stop and enjoy the views over the park and Adelaide. Further ahead, the track passes an old silver mine shaft, with protective fencing in place and interpretive signage detailing the local mining history. This circuit consists mostly of flat and well-signposted fire tracks, excluding the side trail to the lookout, and is suitable for walking, running and mountain biking. 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

Silver Mine Loop

3.2 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Environment

Bus

Starting from the Pingle Farm Trail Carpark on Commercial Road, Port Noarlunga South, this walk takes you on a circuit via the Pingle Farm Trail. The trail goes past the former home of one of the early farming families in the area. The ruins of the shed and farmhouse provide a glimpse into the lives and work of early settlers. The trail also goes through a replanted eucalyptus and sheoak woodland. There is ample signage along the trail, including informative displays at the trailhead with a map of the park and available trails. 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

Pingle Farm Circuit

3.3 km circuit

45 min to 1 h 30 min

Environment

Onkaparinga Gorge Link Trail

Onkaparinga Gorge Link Trail

3.3 km oneway

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Starting from the Sundews Trails (Gate 11) car park on Piggott Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, this walk takes you across the Onkaparinga River via the Onkaparinga Gorge Link Trail. This moderately challenging walk initially follows a wide fire track along Sundews Ridge at the eastern end of Onkaparinga River National Park, then descends into the gorge and crosses the Onkaparinga River. The walk continues following the fire track for another kilometre, offering views over nearby vineyards before emerging at Gate 20 on Chapel Hill Road, from where the walk can also be started. Cycling is also permitted on this trail. The descent and ascent in and out of the gorge are steep and may be slippery after rains, and the river is often impassable during wet periods. This walk consists of wide fire tracks with compacted natural surfaces, steep hills and river crossings, and is suitable for moderate 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

Environment

This walk takes you on a circuit via the Cascades Walk and Wymans Hike tracks, starting near the Blue Gum Car park on Spring Gully Road, Spring Gully. As you walk through Spring Gully Conservation Park, be mindful of the rare red stringybark tree. Stop at the gentle waterfall, especially if walking after rain, before returning to the car park. There’s a picnic area and a great lookout at the start, making it a great beginning or end to 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

Wymans Hike

3.3 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from the Sundews Lookout Car park on Piggott Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, this circuit walk takes you past Sundews Lookout via the Sundews Ridge Hike. This hike leads to Sundews Lookout with spectacular views over the gorge. Keep a lookout for kangaroos while walking along the ridge toward the car 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

Sundews Ridge Circuit

3.3 km circuit

1 h to 2 h

Sundews Ridge Circuit

Environment

Starting from the Boatshed Café car park at the end of Heron Way, Hallett Cove, this walk takes you on a circuit around Hallett Cove Conservation Park. This scenic family-friendly loop explores Hallett Cove Conservation Park, an area of geological and archaeological significance, protecting some of the earliest evidence of glaciation and Aboriginal settlement in Australia. The park also has a beach for swimming and fishing, as well as several lookouts with stunning coastal views and interpretive signs detailing the area's history, geology, sea life and Aboriginal and European heritage. The walk initially follows a bitumen path to Black Cliff Lookout, then heads along a boardwalk across Waterfall Creek, passing a side trip to the Shore Platform. Once the boardwalk ends, the walk turns inland and climbs towards Second Street, then follows a wide fire track past the Shepherd's Hut Ruins. After crossing the creek again, the walk continues towards Tornado Avenue, and then descends back to the car park. This loop consists of gently undulating bitumen paths, boardwalks and fire tracks, with many steps and some short steep hills, suitable for average fitness levels. The first section leading up to the lookout near Waterfall Creek is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, but beyond that is a series of steps. 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

Hallett Cove Loop

3.4 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from the Gate 1 car park on Ayliffe Road, St Marys, this walk takes you on a circuit within Shepherds Hill Recreation Park via the Ridge and Viaduct tracks. Shepherds Hill Recreation Park is a vast area of natural bushland adjoining the Waitparinga Reserve to the east and Saddle Hill Reserve to the north. It contains grey box woodlands on the hillsides and massive ancient gums along the Viaduct Creek. The area is a suburban goldmine, rich with native bird and plant life, sweeping views, and things to see and do. The Seaview Loop trail climbs steadily up hills to the south, rewarding you with panoramic views of the city, coastline and surrounding areas. This walk is popular with dog walkers and runners. The route is mainly on a wide fire trail, with some steep sections as you head towards the ridge. 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

Seaview Loop

3.4 km circuit

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from Hayward Drive, Glen Osmond, Beaumont Circuit (D) winds through the hills of Mount Osmond Reserve via mostly the Pioneer Women's Trail, following a series of narrow switchbacks up a steep hill. The well-contoured trail offers stunning views of the city and the Adelaide Plains, with heaps of wildflowers on the side. Along Caithness Avenue, walkers can see a plaque marking the first commercial quarry mined in 1838 to construct the current Supreme Court of South Australia. The trail is marked with large street signs and shared with mountain bikes. Dogs are allowed on lead. However, there are some vandalised or missing trail markers within Mount Osmond Reserve, so walkers should pay attention to stick to the trail. 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

Beaumont Circuit (D)

3.5 km circuit

1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min

1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min

Mtb

Environment

Urban

Bus