Fall Wanderlust: Adelaide’s Best Autumn Walking Trails
- Morialta Conservation Park
- Third Falls Hike (Challenging Walk)
- First Falls Hike (Casual Walk)
- Plateau Hike (Challenging Walk)
- Belair National Park
- Heritage Tree Walk (Casual Walk)
- Adventure Loop Trail (Challenging Walk)
- Adelaide Botanic Garden
- International Rose Garden (Casual Walk)
- Economic Garden to Palm House (Casual Walk)
- Palm House to the SA Water Mediterranean Garden (Casual Walk)
- Hallet Cove Conservation Park
- Glacier Hike (Casual Walk)
- Marion Coast Park Path (Challenging Walk)
- Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
- Lakeside Trail (Casual Walk)
- Nature Trail (Casual Walk)
- Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Trail (Challenging Walk)
- Sturt Gorge Recreation Park
- Little River (Casual Walk)
- Tapa Turrungka Trail (Casual Walk)
Ah, autumn in Adelaide—a time when vibrant foliage adorns our city’s walking trails.
With nature’s paintbrush at work, the flowery walkways, like the ones in Adelaide Botanic Garden and the pathways toward Waterfall Gully, become more worthy of your time, adventurer.
Now itching to explore Adelaide’s wallpaper-worthy trails during fall? Well, get ready to lace up those walking shoes, as our team’s bonafide bushwalkers and hikers got the insider scoop on the best autumn walking spots in our city!
Morialta Conservation Park
Address: Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde SA 5072
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Website
Third Falls Hike (Challenging Walk)
Starting Point: South of Morialta Conservation Park, near Heysen Trail
Duration: 3 hrs and 30 mins
Morialta Conservation Park is a treat for our nature-loving team. For starters, we hit the Third Falls Hike, a 7.3 km trail of winding pathways brimming with fiery red and brilliant golden hues during fall.
This trail may be long, but the reward you’ll reap is a chance to dip your foot or go full Michael Phelps at the majestic Third Falls, a crystal-clear waterfall hidden amid the park’s forested zones.
First Falls Hike (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: Fourth Creek, north of Morialta Conservation Park’s car park
Duration: 2 hrs
Looking for a shorter but no less enchanting adventure? We recommend taking the First Falls Hike, a compact 1.6 km trail that packs plenty of natural wonders.
Here, you can journey through the captivating Morialta Gorge, pass by the intriguing Giants’ Caves, and eventually reach the star of the show—the magnificent First Falls.
Plateau Hike (Challenging Walk)
Starting Point: Fourth Creek, north of Morialta Conservation Park’s car park
Duration: 1 hr and 30 mins
If you need a riskier and more complex trail to get rid of the walking bug, the 2.5 km Plateau Hike is where it’s at. It might be short, but the paths here are steeper and more slippery.
The prize for overcoming this challenge? Seeing Adelaide’s green landscapes atop high vantage points like the Kookaburra and Eagles Nest Lookout!
Walking Wisdom: Begin your hike in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of your time in the park. It’s a popular spot, so arriving early allows you to enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the surroundings without too many people around.
Belair National Park
Address: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair SA 5052
Contact Details: (08) 8278 5477
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 7 pm
Website
Heritage Tree Walk (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: Belair National Park’s Sequoia Plantation in the west
Duration: 20 mins
What makes Belair National Park unique during autumn is its 1 km Heritage Tree Walk, an easy trail that will have you feeling like you’re strolling through a Bob Ross painting, especially since the spot teems with mighty poplars and pines.
Adventure Loop Trail (Challenging Walk)
Starting Point: The Valley Rd on the eastern section of the park near Walnut Paddock
Duration: 6.5 hrs
The 13 km Adventure Loop Trail also becomes more alluring during autumn with its leaf-covered concrete pathways and its purely natural walkways.
This one is a real workout, too, as it takes you on a series of uphill and downhill trails. Stretching is a must!
Walking Wisdom:
- Oh, did we mention the kangaroos? Belair National Park is practically their playground, especially in autumn. Try to spot and take snaps of these graceful hoppers.
- Moreover, keep your eyes peeled for native bird species, like the colorful rainbow bee-eater which is always ready to join a tropical vacation brochure photoshoot.
Adelaide Botanic Garden
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8222 9311
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 7:15 am to 5 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 5 pm
International Rose Garden (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: Northern entrance of the Bicentennial Conservatory
Duration: 20 mins
With 126 acres of flower-filled pathways, walking at Adelaide Botanic Garden during autumn should be a no-brainer.
Take a stroll through the well-tended 200-m International Rose Garden, where you’ll be greeted by a ravishing display of foreign and local rose varieties!
Economic Garden to Palm House (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: Northern entrance of the Bicentennial Conservatory
Duration: 10 to 15 mins
Another spot not to be missed is the 90-m Palm House, a trail connecting two of the gardens’ architectural gems, both housing an impressive collection of tropical flora. Try to find exotic plants like elephant ears and Guzmania.
Palm House to the SA Water Mediterranean Garden (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: Palm House, west of the garden’s Public Toilet 2
Duration: 20 to 25 mins
This 200-m path toward the SA Water Mediterranean Garden is also worth the walk, especially since the autumn climate makes the temperature around this spot gentler.
Furthermore, some plants in the Mediterranean Garden, such as sage and Mexican marigolds may exhibit late-season blooms during fall.
Walking Wisdom: If you prefer walking in a spot right next to a body of water, the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion is our recommendation. If you’re lucky, you might catch the stunning Amazonica water lily blooming as you stroll!
Hallet Cove Conservation Park
Address: Hallett Cove SA 5158
Contact Details: (08) 8130 9050
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Website
Glacier Hike (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: A short walk to The Sugarloaf’s northwestern area
Duration: 2 hours
During autumn, Hallet Cove Conservation Park’s trails provide dramatic golden views of rugged cliffs, the sparkling ocean, and the surrounding vegetation.
The 3 km Glacier Hike is our first option here, as it’s quite easy and leads to ancient geological formations. This trail’s rocky outcrops stand out in autumn, with their ashen color creating a striking contrast with the vibrant yellow and brown undergrowth!
Marion Coast Park Path (Challenging Walk)
Starting Point: The westernmost corner of Hallet Cove Conservation Park’s boardwalk
Duration: 3 to 4 hrs
If you’re longing to experience the invigorating nip of the autumn breeze close to the beach, we suggest embarking on the Marion Coast Park Path. This one-way and scenic route spans a distance of 7.2 km.
Walking Wisdom: If the entire distance feels a bit too ambitious, feel free to tailor your journey to your preferences and enjoy as much of the path as you desire. Why not create your loop and name it however you want to?
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden
Address: 16 Lampert Rd, Crafers SA 5152
Contact Details: (08) 8370 8370
Operating Hours: Daily – 8:30 am to 4 pm
Website
Lakeside Trail (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: Near the lower entrance of the garden, adjacent to the Lower Car Park.
Duration: 30 mins
Walking at Mount Lofty Botanic Garden during autumn is like stepping into a nature postcard brought to life.
Our team’s top autumn walking trail here? We have to go with the 1.4 km Lakeside Trail, a popular path that winds around the picturesque lake in the garden.
It offers a peaceful and jaw-dropping setting for a stroll, with brown and yellow leaves decorating the calm waters.
Nature Trail (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: Near the lower entrance of the garden, adjacent to the Lower Car Park.
Duration: 1 hr
Our team’s bushwalkers are also drawn to the 2 km Nature Trail which showcases the region’s native flora, such as banksias, wattles, and eucalyptus trees. These Australian plants often display their unique autumnal colors as early as the first day of fall!
Walking Wisdom: Before you go here, check the garden’s website or inquire at the visitor center for any guided walks or special events taking place during your visit.
Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Trail (Challenging Walk)
Address: Waterfall Gully Rd, Waterfall Gully SA 5066
Contact Details: (08) 8278 5477
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Website
Starting Point: In Waterfall Gully, west of the Waterfall Gully Rd and about 1 km north of the Waterfall Gully Car Park
Duration: 2 hrs and 30 mins
We couldn’t help but be enticed by the autumn beauty that unfolds along the 7.8 km uphill Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Trail.
The trail winds through a tapestry of natural wonders, including color-changing groves, still valleys, and Mount Lofty’s breathtaking peak.
As the name suggests, the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Trail sets off from the pristine Waterfall Gully, offering a tempting invitation for a refreshing swim.
However, it’s important to remember that conserving energy is key to conquering the challenges of this long trek.
Your patience and hard work will be worthwhile when you’re at Mount Lofty Summit looking at the horizon and beyond!
Walking Wisdom: Come prepared with a thick jacket or sweater, as the altitude brings a noticeable drop in temperature, especially during the autumn season.
Sturt Gorge Recreation Park
Address: Flagstaff Hill SA 5159
Contact Details: (08) 8130 9050
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hours
Website
Little River (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: About 400 m from the park’s entrance and northwest of the Sturt Dam River Wall
Duration: 30 mins
Sturt Gorge Recreation Park stands out as a fantastic spot for autumn walking, offering a unique blend of natural splendor and cultural significance.
Since the park is surrounded by gentle creeks and rivers, we highly recommend venturing along the 1.5 km Little River Trail. This trail provides a breezy journey toward the area’s bird and lizard-filled riverbanks!
Tapa Turrungka Trail (Casual Walk)
Starting Point: About 400 m from the park’s entrance and northwest of the Sturt Dam River Wall
Duration: 30 mins
Explore the 3.5 km Tapa Turrungka Trail, too. Beyond its mellow autumn temperature, this trail offers a unique perspective on the Kaurna people who once called this woodland home!
Walking Wisdom: Bring a pair of binoculars to fully appreciate the abundant birdlife and catch sight of the park’s feathered residents up close!
