Baby Steps: Adelaide’s National Parks Baby-Friendly Walks
- North
- Anstley Hill Recreational Park’s Little Quarry Loop
- Para Wirra Conservation Park’s Lake Discovery Walk
- South
- Hallett Cove Conservation Park’s Black Cliff Lookout
- Belair National Park’s Wood Duck Walk
- Belair National Park’s Lorikeet Loop Trail
- Onkaparinga River Recreation Park’s Wetlands Loop Trail
- Onkaparinga River National Park’s Punchbowl Lookout Trail
- Deep Creek National Park’s Goondooloo Ridge Walk
- East
- Cleland National Park’s Steub Trail
- Morialta Conservation Park’s Fourth Creek Trail
- Morialta Conservation Park’s Morialta Falls Valley Walk
Looking to explore Adelaide’s picturesque National Parks with your little one in tow? We’ve got the perfect guide just for you, mums and dads.
We’ve rounded up pram walk paths, from Morialta Consevertaion Park to Semaphore, where you can savor the sights, sounds, and fresh air while your baby enjoys a front-row seat to nature’s wonders!
North
Anstley Hill Recreational Park’s Little Quarry Loop
Address: Perseverance Rd, Tea Tree Gully SA 5091
Contact Details: (08) 8523 7700
Operating Hours: Daily – 6:30 am to 7 pm
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 20 mins
Duration: Around 1 hr
Website
The highlight of this loop is the easy-peasy trail: the surface is gravel, providing a rustic aesthetic.
This 650 m pram-friendly walking trail is nestled in the picturesque Anstey Hill Recreation Park.
You may park at the loop’s trailhead, where you can find comfy gazebos.
Additionally, there are three charming picnic areas to choose from. The park’s picnic areas are equipped with BBQ grills and are also shaded by stately trees.
Also, if you’re worried about untimely calls of nature, don’t worry because there are a couple of toilets near Gate 1, just down the hill.
The fresh air was a huge positive during our visit, and we think you’re little ones will love it too!
Tips: Got a budding biker? Little Quarry Loop is the perfect training ground for beginner-level bike riders.
Para Wirra Conservation Park’s Lake Discovery Walk
Address: Yattalunga, SA 5114
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hrs
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 1 hr
Duration: 30 mins
Website
At the 1 km Lake Discovery Walk, our team’s kiddos enjoyed the majestic Para Wirra Lake and the waterbirds and bush birds calling the area home.
You can start your walk from the East Lake car park and follow the signposts throughout the trail.
You’ll be looping the lake on a hard-packed gravel path with a few gentle rises.
Tips:
- Your little ones can indulge in the park’s new nature play space, where they can let their imagination run wild.
- When hunger strikes, you can head to the park’s picnic spots to savor a delicious snack amid nature’s embrace.
South
Hallett Cove Conservation Park’s Black Cliff Lookout
Address: Hallett Cove SA 5158
Contact Details: (08) 8130 9050
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hrs
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 1 hr
Duration: 1 hr
Website
Craving some coastal views and a pram-friendly adventure? If so, the 1.1 km Black Cliff Lookout Trail in Hallett Cove Conservation Park is where it’s at.
This walking trail underwent an upgrade in August 2017 to accommodate prams. The once-damaged boardwalk was repaired and extended to reach the Field River mouth.
In addition, the boardwalk’s closed sections were reopened, while portions spanning from Gray Road to Kurnabinna Terrace were rebuilt.
Worrying this spot might be challenging? Fret not!
This trail’s impressive span of 1.1 km, extending from the park’s southern entrance to the awe-inspiring Black Cliff, boasts a meticulously paved surface that ensures a breezy and slip-free journey.
Tips:
- If you need a caffeine fix or a snack attack, the Boat Shed Café awaits, ready to satisfy your cravings.
- You can opt for a 925 m trail leading to the lookout near Waterfall Creek, offering a shorter yet equally impressive walk.
Belair National Park’s Wood Duck Walk
Address: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair SA 5052
Contact Details: (08) 8278 5477
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 7 pm
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 1 hr
Duration: 30 mins
Website
Wood Duck Walk is where young adventurers, stroller-pushing parents, and even those with a taste for quacky wildlife experiences delightfully flock to.
As the name suggests, you’ll be seeing a lot of ducks on this 1 km beginner-friendly circuit trail.
The cherry on top? Your furry friends are welcome here, too!
Just make sure they stay leashed and under your command, as a duck-chasing detour is the last thing you want to happen.
Tips:
- Don’t forget to take advantage of the picturesque picnic spots along the trail. Pack a delicious spread and indulge in a lakeside feast while enjoying the soothing quacks and serene atmosphere.
It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable family outing.
- Feeding the ducks can be tempting, but you must resist the urge. Feeding them human food can result in health issues, plus it will disrupt the biodiversity’s balance.
Belair National Park’s Lorikeet Loop Trail
Address: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair SA 5052
Contact Details: (08) 8278 5477
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 7 pm
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 1 hr
Duration: 1 hr and 25 mins
Website
For those seeking a longer trail in Belair National Park, the 3 km Lorikeet Loop Trail is a perfect choice, offering natural beauty and baby-friendly fun.
Along the way, you’ll stumble upon the Adventure Playground, where little ones can unleash their wild energy or enjoy a well-deserved rest.
The trail itself is lined with stately old blue and red gums, so shade isn’t a concern here, especially on the foliage-covered pathways leading to the Old Government House.
You’ll also pass an endangered ecosystem of grey box woodland. Don’t forget to snap pics!
Tips:
- If you feel tired, look for smooth and flat rocks scattered along the trail, as they can serve as fantastic rest stops.
- We also suggest finding a quiet spot, such as Wood Duck Walk or Valley Loop Hike, where you can stand or sit in serenity to witness the colorful display of Belair’s most beautiful, treasured birds.
From nectar-feeding lorikeets to graceful rosellas, these feathered showstoppers might leave you and your little ones in awe!
- Also, don’t miss the trail’s wildflowers, mostly blooming in spring. Just make sure your child isn’t allergic to them for a risk-free detour.
Onkaparinga River Recreation Park’s Wetlands Loop Trail
Address: Sauerbiers Rd, Seaford Meadows SA 5169
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 1 hr
Duration: 2 hrs
Website
The 3 km Wetlands Loop Trail has a mix of gravel paths and boardwalks.
Perrys Bend is our go-to spot here. It has parking, a much-needed toilet, and even a picnic area perfect for post-walk snacks.
To kickstart this walk, we headed to the car park on River Road near Gate 12, conveniently located near the boardwalk.
And as we proceeded to the wetland trail with our Billy lids, we were guided by informative signs spilling the tea on the local flora and fauna. This spot teems with birds and plant life, like river red gums and paperbarks!
Tips:
- Consider visiting during quieter times to fully immerse yourself in the wetland wonderland.
Early mornings or late afternoons often provide a more intimate experience, where you can truly connect with the wildlife and soak in the natural beauty without the crowds.
- Also, bring insect repellent. Don’t let those pesky mosquitoes or buzzing insects ruin your family fun.
- Don’t leave home without checking the weather. Sunscreen, hats, and light layers are your allies against the heat.
If there’s a chance of rain, we suggest postponing your trip to a sunnier time. Rain turns this easy wetland trail into a challenging one.
Onkaparinga River National Park’s Punchbowl Lookout Trail
Address: Port Noarlunga South SA 5167
Contact Details: (08) 8552 0300
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 1 hr
Duration: 1 hr
Website
For a dose of one of nature’s finest theaters, the 2 km Punchbowl Lookout Trail in Onkaparinga River National Park is where it’s at. With a consistent one-meter width and compacted gravel surface, this trail is a fantastic and accessible viewing platform.
The gentle gradients make it a breeze to navigate, whether you’re rocking a pram, a wheelchair, or simply relying on your own two legs.
However, a bit of support might be needed on the return trip, as the path goes downhill.
Fortunately, there’s seating midway along the trail, perfect for those moments when you and your little one need a breather.
Tips:
- When it comes to parking convenience, Gates 8 and 9 on Piggot Range Road are your best bets.
- Since the snacking area is a bit far from this trail, you should pack some delicious snacks to keep those little bellies happy and energized throughout the expedition.
Deep Creek National Park’s Goondooloo Ridge Walk
Address: Deep Creek SA 5204
Contact Details: (08) 8598 0263
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 1 and 45 mins
Duration: 2 hrs
Website
Our team loves the re-vegetated and remnant native bushland of Goondooloo Ridge Walk, which was easy and took us around 2 hrs to complete.
Its crowning glory is the brand-spanking-new lookout and picnic area that awaits at the end.
As we made our way along the trail, we spotted some show-off kangaroo superstars, joyfully grazing and hopping in the open fields and under the shade of eucalyptus trees!
Tips:
- For the perfect starting point for this wild outing, we suggest heading to the Aaron Creek picnic area, conveniently located near Goondooloo Cottage.
- Oh, and here’s a bonus: Deep Creek is the only national park within a 100 km radius of Adelaide that offers bush camping!
So if you’re up for a family adventure, we recommend pitching your tents at one of the accessible campgrounds.
- Echidnas are some of the most sought-after animals in Deep Creek National Park. If you want to see them in action, be an early bird, as they’re more active during the day’s cooler hours!
You may try to look for them during the night, but we believe it’s a bad idea considering you’ll probably have your little one with you.
East
Cleland National Park’s Steub Trail
Address: Cleland SA 5152
Contact Details: (08) 8339 2444
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 20 mins
Duration: 1 hr and 30 mins
Website
The 3.8-km Steub Trail is for parents who want to reach Mt Lofty’s summit with their little ones. Normally, you’ll have to take the steeper Waterfall Gully Trail, which is doable but not easy for hikers pushing prams.
The trail is a gentle journey through forest woodlands that allows even those with reduced mobility to reach the summit without breaking too much sweat.
The main draw is the mountain’s peak, but the breathtaking vistas of the gullies are remarkable too.
Tips:
- Don’t forget to look high and low and channel your inner David Attenborough because Cleland National Park is packed with fascinating creatures, such as wombats, emus, and kangaroos—all waiting to be discovered!
- After your thrilling wildlife encounters and exhilarating hike, treat yourself and your tiny adventurer to a scrumptious meal at the café perched on Mount Lofty Summit.
It’s the perfect spot to refuel, relax, and savor delicious food while taking in the sweeping views across Adelaide. It’s like a feast for your taste buds and your eyes.
Morialta Conservation Park’s Fourth Creek Trail
Address: Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde SA 5072
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 1 hr
Duration: 2 hrs
Website
The Fourth Creek Trail is a 3-km loop.
The path is a mix of compacted gravel and smooth bitumen. We appreciate how there are no bumps in the road or hurdles to overcome here!
Our team followed the calm Fourth Creek meandering through peaceful streets and parks to complete this one. It’s like a silent tourist guide that led us from the Morialta Playground to the splendid River Torrens Linear Park.
Tip: Feeling a bit of a history itch? Scratch it with the Fourth Creek Heritage Notes, offering a glimpse into the intriguing stories of the area.
These are info boards found near Stradbroke House, Gurners Reserve, and Cosford House. Hey, a walk can also be educational!
Morialta Conservation Park’s Morialta Falls Valley Walk
Address: Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde SA 5072
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Travel Time from the CBD: Around 1 hr
Duration: 45 mins
Website
Morialta Falls Valley Walk is a stroller-friendly, 1.7-km natural trail that takes you deep into the heart of the gorge.
The creek leads to the breathtaking 30-m-tall First Falls.
You have two options to kickstart your adventure here: either begin from the top car park or make your way from the lower car park on Stradbroke Road. We prefer the top car park because of the view and cooler air.
Tips:
- This is a no-brainer, but you have to wear comfortable shoes that can handle the slightly wet terrain near the waterfalls. You’ll be strutting your stuff alongside your little ones, so make sure your footwear can keep up with the adventure.
- Keep an ear out for the harmonious melodies of native birdlife. From lorikeets’ cheerful chirps to kookaburras’ melodic trills, the avian performers of Morialta are always ready to serenade you and your tiny entourage.
- In springtime, Morialta Falls Valley blooms with a delightful array of wildflowers, including colorful native species such as golden wattle, purple daisies, pink heath, and delicate flannel flowers.
If you and your little one are not allergic to any of these, we highly suggest visiting the park during this season!
