Spirited Strolls Down Under: Adelaide’s Top Walks
- The Onkaparinga River Hike
- Adelaide Botanic Gardens
- Coast Park Walking Trail
- The Marion Coastal Walk
- First Falls Valley Walk
- Beaumont Circuit
- Sugarloaf Circuit
- Yellowtail Loop
- Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit Hike
- The River Torrens Linear Trail
- Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens’ Nature Trail
- Alligator Gorge Ring Route
- Deep Creek Circuit Hike
- Three Falls Grand Hike
- Aldgate Valley Nature Walk
Ah, Adelaide, where even strolls are epic adventures.
Forget boring walks; we’re talking about navigating the Coast Park Walking Trail, where every step reveals coastal splendor. Or perhaps you’re up for the Onkaparinga River Hike, where the only thing deeper than the river is your thirst for excitement.
If you’re intrigued, get the scoop in this article and embark on epic walks with us!
The Onkaparinga River Hike
– From MARK & CHARLI
Address: Onkaparinga River National Park, Port Noarlunga, SA 5167
Contact Details: (08) 8552 0300
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: Gate 15, Chapel Hill Rd
Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Onkaparinga River Hike ain’t no walk in the park, folks. It’s a descent into valleys that start flat but gradually become steeper, especially once you reach the stunning gorge.
The breathtaking scenery of rugged cliffs and inviting waterholes, though, make this 4.2-kilometer hike worthwhile.
In addition, you’ll rub shoulders with a couple of native plants: the river bottlebrush with fiery red blooms and the coastal daisy bush, rocking delicate white daisy-like petals.
| Tips: Wear sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes with good traction to navigate various terrains. Carry a trail map or GPS device to stay on the right path, as the trail can be a bit challenging to navigate at times. |
Adelaide Botanic Gardens
– From Walk 4k Today
Address: North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000
Contact Details: (08) 8222 9311
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Thu – 7:15 am to 6:30 pm
- Thu to Fri – 7:15 am to 7 pm
- Sat to Sun – 9 am to 7 pm
Starting Point: North Terrace, Plane Tree Dr, and Frome Rd gates
Difficulty: Very easy
Adelaide Botanic Garden boasts a whopping 50 hectares of well-groomed greenery, showcasing plants from both the land Down Under and foreign countries. The landscape here is also smoother than a well-ironed shirt, making it a breeze to traverse.
You can also choose to tag along for a chillaxing 1.5-hour guided walk, where guides will serve you juicy nuggets of plant knowledge.
We usually head to the First Creek Wetland full of water-wise plants, too. Then, we’ll swing by the Amazon Waterlily Pavilion for a taste of exotic flora.
| Tips: If you’re feeling peckish, you can grab a snack at the Garden Shop. Hikers should familiarize themselves with the Adelaide Botanic Gardens’ map. Check if any special events, like cultural tours and art exhibits, are happening during your visit. |
Coast Park Walking Trail
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: North Haven
Difficulty: Moderately easy
If you’re looking for a rad coastal adventure in Adelaide, check out the epic 70-kilometer walking and cycling path from North Haven down to Sellicks Beach.
No need to follow a strict agenda; you can start and stop wherever your heart desires. This trail has routes ranging from a breezy 2 kilometers (Grange to Henley Sq) to a more challenging 9.1 kilometers (Willunga to Sellicks Beach).
But if you’re all about the highlights, Port Noarlunga South to Moana is where the party is at. This stretch has primo coastal views of Gulf St Vincent and access to fam-friendly picnic grounds, parks, and play zones.
| Tips: Check the weather forecast for the day and prepare accordingly. Coastal weather can change rapidly. Given the coastal location, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun’s intense rays. Take breaks at mesmerizing locations like Semaphore Beach, Hallett Cove Conservation Park, and Glenelg Beach. |
The Marion Coastal Walk
– From LeoScotia Travels
Address: 59B The Cove Rd, Marino, SA 5049
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: Hallet Cove Boardwalk
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
The 5.1-kilometer Marion Coastal Walk is a seaside hike stretching from Marino to Hallett Cove and offers a wild trek along Adelaide’s coastline.
If you’re the type who wants to earn those nature points while staying fit, this walk is your jam due to its topography.
With staircases galore, you’ll be huffing and puffing your way through steep gullies as you stare at jaw-dropping cliffs and reef platforms. The numerous switchbacks with an elevation gain of up to 235 meters also add to the challenge.
| Tips: The trail has beach sections, so be aware of the tide. Dogs are permitted on the trail between Clifftop Crescent, Hallett Cove, and Kingston Park. However, please note that dogs are not allowed in Hallett Cove Conservation Park. You can find two cafes on the trail: Marino Rocks Cafe Restaurant and Boatshed Cafe. |
First Falls Valley Walk
– From 2dogs4birds1girl
Address: Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde, SA 5072
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: Lower car park on Stradbroke Rd or Morialta Conservation Park’s top car park
Difficulty: Easy
The 1.7-kilometer First Falls Valley Walk leads you straight into Morialta Gorge, promising a lineup of cliffs and waterfalls. You’ll also spot critters to keep things interesting—kangaroos, koalas, and even a kookaburra or two.
We suggest wandering alongside Fourth Creek as it gently escorts you to the center of the gorge. The flat path here is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
Also, keep in mind that in the scorching summer, the creek is dry, but come autumn and winter, it transforms into a 30-meter waterfall. We suggest visiting during the wet seasons for more mesmerizing views.
| Tips: There’s a public transport option to get you to the heart of the action. Take bus routes H30S and H33. Take pics of First Falls from the high viewing platform for better snaps. Be careful on the way here, as the path can be slippery. Carry an adequate supply of water, as there are no readily available water sources along the trail. You can take a break at the trail’s midway point, where a designated picnic area with tables is available. |
Beaumont Circuit
– From heavymetaloverr
Address: Burnside, SA 5066
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: Burnside
Difficulty: Moderate
Beaumont Circuit is 3.5 kilometers of unspoiled greenery, majestic bushlands, and beautiful vantage points providing views of Burnside and the CBD.
We kicked off our adventure at the intersection of Sherwood Terrace, Caithness Ave, and Hayward Dr. From there, it’s usually a rollercoaster of tight switchbacks leading to Mount Osmond Reserve’s hill.
Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos gracefully hopping through the bush, and don’t be surprised if you spot koalas lounging in the treetops. Have a picnic atop the hill, where the magical sunset makes the tiring ascent worthwhile!
| Tips: Search for the plaque commemorating the birthplace of Adelaide’s first commercial quarry, way back in 1838 at Caithness Avenue. If you’re driving to the trailhead, consider parking in the available roadside areas near 12 Hayward Drive and Mt Osmond. |
Sugarloaf Circuit
– From Nikitin Family Adventures
Address: Cleland, SA 5152
Contact Details: (08) 8339 2444
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: Cleland National Park
Difficulty: Easy
Sugarloaf Circuit is a 3-hour, 5.8-kilometer walking journey with Chambers Gully and Woolshed Gully as your backdrop, plus stellar views of the city and coast.
Here’s the lowdown: start your expedition by parking at Waterfall Gully Rd, then dive into the Chambers Gully Track. If you’re feeling extra adventurous and those premier city views are calling your name, follow the signs to Long Ridge Lookout.
On the lookout, you’ll find a seat underneath trees, perfect for dates and picnic breaks. Kangaroos and emus also roam the area, while koalas inhabit the gum trees you’ll find along the way.
| Tips: Stay updated on the weather. Sugarloaf Circuit is a nightmare to hike during rainy days. There are no nearby amenities, so pack essentials, like a fully charged mobile phone, a basic first-aid kit, a whistle, and any necessary medications. |
Yellowtail Loop
– From georginagentle
Address: Perseverance Rd, Tea Tree Gully, SA 5091
Contact Details: (08) 8523 7700
Operating Hours: Daily – 6:30 am to 7 pm
Starting Point: Gate 2 on North East Rd and Gates 3 and 7 Perseverance Rd
Difficulty: Hard
Yellowtail Loop is a 7.5-kilometer hard hike around Ansteys Hill Recreation Park. This ain’t your Sunday stroll; it’s a heart-pounding series of steep climbs ideal for more experienced hikers.
If you’re up to the task, prepare for dramatic views over the Adelaide Plains and wildlife encounters with wallabies and kangaroos. You’ll also experience a free tour of the plant-filled Newmans Nursery ruins.
Your furry pals can tag along, but just make sure they’re on a leash for the safety of other hikers and animals.
| Tips: Visit the Silver Mine. You can enter the mine, but make sure to bring a light source. This trail has smooth blue Dolomite fire tracks (a cleared pathway in a forested area), with a few slippery curveballs like the steep Ridge Top Walk track and the Boundary Walk track. Be on the lookout for water pipe artwork along the trail. You can access the main car park at Anstey Hill Recreation Park’s Gate 2. |
Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit Hike
– From Free State EsPy
Address: Waterfall Gully Rd, Waterfall Gully, SA 5066
Contact Details: (08) 8278 5477
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: Waterfall Gully Carpark
Difficulty: Moderate
It’s not an article about Adelaide’s best walks without a mention of the super famous, brief, and breezy Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit Hike.
Casual walkers and runners flock to this 7.8-kilometer trail due to its serenity, wildlife, and panoramic views of Adelaide’s natural landscapes. Unobstructed views of the CBD’s cityscapes also await at Mt Lofty’s clean and green zenith.
The trail’s steep sections are also hotspots for pro hikers looking to train for more difficult hikes. Moreover, there’s a chic cafe at the top, and their mouthwatering smashed avo and French toast are the perfect rewards for finishing the trek.
| Tips: Begin your hike early in the day to avoid the heat and crowds, especially on weekends. Sunrise is a spectacular time to experience the trail. Dress in layers to accommodate changing weather conditions. It can be cooler at higher elevations, even in summer. |
The River Torrens Linear Trail
– From Medo’s Walks
Address: Henley Beach to Athelstone, Henley Beach, SA 5022
Contact Details: (08) 7424 7677
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hrs
Starting Point: Torrens Lane Linear Park
Difficulty: Easy to hard
The River Torrens Linear Trail is a whopping 35-kilometer scenic path shaded by river red gums and lined with reed beds. This setup transforms the city and suburbs into a green paradise.
This long but flat walking haven is for everyone, complete with playgrounds, picnic nooks, prime duck-feeding areas, and restrooms. You can tackle this trail in style by sauntering down one side of the river and making a triumphant return on the other.
With pathways on both riverbanks connected by a web of bridges and road crossings, it’s a playground for walkers, cyclists, and those who appreciate a smooth ride.
| Tips: Prepare for sneaky inclines near Athelstone. There are also a few portions with rough gravel paths, so wear sturdy footwear. Consider renting a bike or bringing your own if you’d like to cover more ground and explore the trail’s entirety. |
Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens’ Nature Trail
– From TagaQuisao
Address: 16 Lampert Rd, Crafers, SA 5152
Contact Details: (08) 8370 8370
Operating Hours:
- Mon to Fri – 8 am to 4 pm
- Sat to Su – 8:30 am to 7 pm
Starting Point: 16 Lampert Rd
Difficulty: Moderate
The 800-meter Nature Trail meanders through a seven-hectare slice of untouched wilderness right in the heart of the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens.
Prepare to mingle with Mother Nature’s ever-changing cast of native plants here. Expect vibrant wattles in spring, brown messmate stringybarks in summer, colorful grevilleas in autumn, and hardy banksias in winter.
The Nature Trail is also an alternative route for the Heysen Trail. It has a steep 100-meter drop in some spots, so be ready to tackle those hills.
| Tips: Look for southern brown bandicoots that call this spot home. Consider starting your hike early in the morning when the gardens are often less crowded. |
Alligator Gorge Ring Route
– From Wander Explore Discover
Contact Details: (08) 8634 7068
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 Hrs
Starting Point: Willmington, SA
Difficulty: Moderate
The undulating 8.8-kilometer Alligator Gorge Ring Route circuit hike is a VIP pass to the remarkable Alligator Gorge. This one serves the full scenery package of crags, streams, and ancient geological formations with wildflowers like wattles.
The centerpiece here is the Narrows, a gorge with over 100 meters of depth. Then there’s the Terraces, a lineup of crags where a clean creek takes a graceful plunge downward.
You’ll also pass by a charming campground at Eaglehawk Dam, so bring your picnic essentials. Additionally, this spot teems with eucalyptus trees, so shade shouldn’t be a problem.
| Tips: Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction, as the terrain, especially in the Narrows, can be rocky, slippery, and uneven. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including reptiles, birds, and kangaroos. Bring binoculars for a closer look. |
Deep Creek Circuit Hike
– From Rambler Kitty
Address: Deep Creek, SA 5204
Contact Details: (08) 8598 0263
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: Deep Creek National Park
Difficulty: Hard
The 12-kilometer steep Deep Creek Circuit Hike has the perfect recipe for a top-notch trek. Prepare for hills that will get your heart pumping, heavenly hilltop panoramas, and even some waterholes for a refreshing dip.
Additionally, kangaroos, echidnas, and blue tongue lizards grace the area, although the pesky flies might be too much if the breeze takes a breather.
The diverse ecosystems will also leave you in awe as you pass through Xanthorrhoea-covered hillsides and verdant hilltops. Moreover, you’ll be walking to steamy valley nooks and majestic canopies of eucalyptus.
| Tips: Hike with a partner or group, as this one isn’t a walk in the park. Check the coastal view at Tannappa Lookout, one of this trail’s highlights. There are markers along Deep Creek Circuit Hike that can get you here. |
Three Falls Grand Hike
– From Endurance Swimmer Australia
Address: Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde, SA 5072
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: Morialta Conservation Park
Difficulty: Moderate
The 7.3-kilometer Three Falls Grand Hike at Morialta Conservation Park is the ultimate waterfall trifecta.
Here, you’ll walk along the gorge’s edge, taking in jaw-dropping cliff views, and then follow Fourth Creek to visit First Falls, Second Falls, and Third Falls.
Be careful though; this trail is extremely steep, and it’s slippery during wet seasons. Additionally, it’s famous among runners, hikers, and casual tourists, so always pay attention to your surroundings.
| Tips: Hikers usually begin their walk from Morialta Conservation Park’s top car park. However, you can opt for Stradbroke Rd’s lower car park if you want extra length and views. Assess your fitness level and choose your pace accordingly, as this trail can be quite challenging. |
Aldgate Valley Nature Walk
– From adelaide.explorer
Address: Adelaide Hills, SA 5000
Operating Hours: Daily – 24 hours
Starting Point: Aldgate Valley Rd
Difficulty: Moderate
The 14-kilometer Aldgate Valley Nature Walk (Valley of the Bandicoots) connects various nature reserves and peaceful countryside trails.
This adventure commences in Mylor, waltzing through Mylor Parklands, and then diving into the wild wonders of Aldgate Valley’s native bushland.
And if you’re in the mood for a post-hike coffee or a hearty meal, you’re in luck. The Aldgate Pump Hotel’s pub awaits at one end, while the Verte Kitchen in Mylor beckons at the other.
| Tips: Bring your kids to the playground near the Mylor trailhead. Search for the elusive southern brown bandicoots, kangaroos, possums, echidnas, and those iconic koalas. Cyclists must stick to the road at certain points because bikes are prohibited in areas like the Mylor Parklands and Aldgate Valley Reserve. |
