Step into Serenity: Wetland Walking Trails in Adelaide
There’s something undeniably soothing about the gentle energy of a wetland’s walking trails—with its shimmering waters, lush greenery, and the enchanting melodies of feathered virtuosos.
From Hallet Cove Conservation Park to First Creek Wetland, here are our picks for the top wetland walking trails in and near our beautiful Adelaide.
Marion Coast Park Path
Address: Hallett Cove SA 5158
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: Hallet Cove Conservation Park’s clifftop boardwalk
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Level of Difficulty: Slightly challenging
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You can technically complete this 7.2 km trail by traversing the boardwalk perched on rock formations, but we recommend taking the beachside route, as it’s less physically demanding.
Your only obstacles are sand on your toes, waves on your soles, and the rare aggressive seagull if nature isn’t on your side. Plus, the tidal pools in Hallet Cove’s shoreline give this wetland trail access to the world of tiny crabs and fish!
But if the beach’s easy-as-pie wetland trail isn’t cutting it, you may hit the boardwalk again and take the series of stairways (a lot of them) leading to countless gullies.
Tips:
- Opt for sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or shoes that provide excellent traction. It doesn’t matter if you take the boardwalk or the shoreline, as the trail has muddy sections and uneven terrain. So keep your feet dry and secure.
- This is a wetland trail, so you should anticipate getting wet. We suggest donning clothing with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep you dry and topping it off with a waterproof or water-resistant outer layer.
The Paddocks Reserve
Address: Maxwell Rd, Para Hills West SA 5096
Contact Details: (08) 8406 8222
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: The Paddock Reserve’s Oval 1 Turf
Duration: 30 mins to 1 hr
Level of Difficulty: Very easy
Website
Lakeside bliss and a break from the city’s noise and smog are why we excitedly muddied our walking boots in the unspoiled and foliage-covered 1.10 km trail of Paddocks Reserve.
The first 500 m start dry, but once you reach The Paddocks section, creeks, ponds, and lakes become more frequent, unveiling stunning pathways at every turn.
Tips:
- If mud stains don’t suit your style, we advise using the bridges connecting these bodies of water. The view is still spectacular, plus you won’t get stuck in the muck.
- The lush landscapes surrounding Paddocks Reserve are slices of picnic paradise, so take a breather from time to time by resting in the area’s shady spots.
The Paddocks Reserve Playground is our top choice for this, especially if you have little ones looking to run non-stop on expansive meadows and play all day on climbing obstacles and slides.
Noarlunga Wetlands Trail
Address: River Rd, Noarlunga Downs SA 5168
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: Eastern trailhead of the Noarlunga Downs Wetland Trail on River Road
Duration: 30 mins
Level of Difficulty: Easy
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This 1.2 km wetland loop is a testament to the power of transformation, taking what was once a sludge lagoon near a wastewater treatment plant and turning it into a thriving sanctuary.
The Onkaparinga River takes center stage, luring walkers with its tranquil presence, especially during the warmer months when it flows gently.
Along the trail, you’ll also encounter Paul Herzich’s thought-provoking sign installations that weave together the story of the river, wetlands, water, and the land’s traditional owners.
Tips:
- This trail is free of predators, allowing you to focus on nature’s beauty without worrying about unexpected crocodile encounters.
- The trail welcomes people of all abilities, including those with mobility issues and wheelchairs. The compacted gravel path ensures a smooth and enjoyable journey for everyone. Plus, the upgraded car park at the western end of the boardwalk means even wheelchairs can roll in style!
- Here’s a little heads-up: a section of the trail restricts access for prams, bicycles, and wheelchairs through bollards.
First Creek Wetland
Address: Hackney Rd, Adelaide SA 5000
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: In the Australian Forest northwest of the Bicentennial Conservatory
Duration: 20 to 25 mins
Level of Difficulty: Easy
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The First Creek Wetland is nestled in Adelaide Botanic Garden’s southeastern portion and offers a laid-back passage boasting crystalline ponds, the titular First Creek, and water plants.
For view-seekers, viewing platforms are built in this area, ensuring jaw-dropping wetland vistas.
There’s more than one way to conquer this trail, but we’ll spill the tea on our favorite route—the loop at the Australian Forest, where pathways are lined with eucalyptus and acacia trees.
Tips:
- Let the meandering First Creek guide you until you reach the First Creek Wetland. From there, you can either go the dry route north to the International Rose Garden or cross the watery walkways toward the Sunken Garden.
- The trails suggested above are short and total about 500 m. If challenges make your walks more enjoyable, we advise starting at the Chauve-souris Lookout and finishing in the botanic garden’s Goodman Building Carpark.
Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi Wetland
Address: Victoria Park / Pakapakanthi Wetland, Victoria Park, Adelaide SA 5000
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: Senna Chicane Monument
Duration: 30 mins
Level of Difficulty: Easy
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It’s hard to beat Victoria Park Wetland’s simple and sublime splendor. With over 100,000 new plants and 120+ trees blossoming in this area’s fertile soil, you should prepare your eyes for sights that look like real-life postcards.
Also, wooden bridges play a crucial role here, ensuring seamless connections between waterways and opening new destinations on the trail.
Tip: The revival of vegetation within this wetland has sparked a remarkable wildlife comeback, transforming the area into a vibrant hub for native critters to call home.
Keep your camera primed for serenading magpies and lizards slithering along the trail!
River Hike
Address: Port Noarlunga South SA 5167
Contact Details: (08) 8552 0300
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: North of the Pinkgum Campground
Duration: 2.5 hrs
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Website
This one is for true-blue adventurers seeking the thrills of a tricky wetland trail. River Hike starts on even terrain and gradually descends into a heart-pounding journey through slippery and steep passages, leading to Onkaparinga Gorge’s heart.
Don’t forget to pause and appreciate the majestic vegetation, river views, and dramatic rock formations making this difficult trail worthwhile. Additionally, once you reach the end of the course, try not to be too quick to pack up and head back.
Tips:
- We encourage you to venture a short distance downstream to connect with the Gorge Hike, adding an extra twist to your river-bound escapade.
- With the trail’s steep and slippery portions, having proper shoes with good traction is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. So, leave those flimsy flip-flops behind and opt for footwear that will keep you steady on your foot.
St Clair Wetlands
Address: St Clair SA 5011
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: St Clair Avenue and Woodville Station
Duration: 30 mins
Level of Difficulty: Very easy
St Clair Wetlands is a 2.1 km circuit trail regarded for its accessible pathways and novice-friendly, flat terrain.
The star of this radiant oasis is the glistening pond. Visitors love to set up picnics around its vicinity.
The cheeky ducks inhabiting the pond are also worth a look, waddling their way into the joggers and walkers’ hearts—including ours!
Tip: The sunset and sunrise here are total knockouts. St Clair’s lack of towering infrastructure ensures a view of the regal sun in all its glory—plus, the encircling mountain ranges further enhance the golden hour view!
Kensington Garden Reserve
Address: 422 The Parade, Kensington Gardens SA 5068
Contact Details: (08) 8366 4200
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Starting Point: James Partington Tennis Clinics on the northwestern entrance of the reserve
Duration: 1 hr
Level of Difficulty: Very easy
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As the most significant recreational hub in Burnside, Kensington Garden Reserve packs more than just a lagoon and the tranquil Stonyfell Creek.
This wetland wonderland boasts a playground, tennis courts, and picnic areas, all situated within an easy-to-navigate terrain.
Our team explored every corner of this reserve, and the distance totals about 1 km, each step revealing something new—like the partially shaded rope climbs and the outdoor grills that made us wish we had lamb chops and kebab in our coolers.
Tip: The wetland plants are still growing in this reserve. Keep in mind that they are off-limits.
Just appreciate their beauty from a distance.
Aldinga Washpool Lagoon
Address: Aldinga Beach SA 5173
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: Button Road Parking
Duration: 30 mins
Level of Difficulty: Easy
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Aldinga Washpool Lagoon is a play zone of local and foreign wildlife—some of the birds you’ll see here are from Japan and China—so you better not leave home without your trusty camera or binoculars.
The shallows, clear as top-tier quartz, showcase the busy ecosystem of tiny crabs, fish, and waterbirds.
To reach this serene spot, just drive east of Button Road until you reach the parking area.
Then, better lace-up kicks you won’t mind getting grimed, as the way to this lagoon is muddy and marshy, especially if you take it up a notch and head to Silver Sands Creek.
Tip: Aldinga Washpool Lagoon is recognized as one of the important wetlands in Australia. We remind you to maintain the area’s cleanliness and not disturb the fauna.
Oaklands Wetland and Reserve
Address: 237-265 Oaklands Rd, Oaklands Park SA 5046
Contact Details: (08) 8375 6600
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: Sturt River Footbridge
Duration: 30 mins
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Website
With zero elevation and open spaces seemingly expanding to the horizon, the chances of you experiencing walking struggles in Oaklands Wetland are low.
The reserve harbors protected species you won’t see daily, such as the aptly-named grey-headed flying fox and purple-spotted gudgeon.
The crystal-clear ponds are also explorable, all thanks to the wooden and stone structures that aside from being super convenient, also make the reserve look like a page from a fairytale book.
Tip: Night walking is huge here, especially for animal lovers and wildlife photographers looking to discover what the wildlife of the reserve looks like when night falls.
We suggest giving it a go. Just don’t forget your headlamps or flashlights, or you’ll learn why there’s ‘wet’ in ‘wetland.’
Hart Road Wetland
Address: Hart Rd, Aldinga Beach SA 5173
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 hrs
Starting Point: Either Rowley Rd on the east or Hart Rd on the south
Duration: 27 mins
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Not in the mood to meet other walkers? Well, we recommend heading to the lesser-known Hart Road Wetland, a coastal flatland 2 km away from Aldinga’s coastline.
There are plenty of waterfowl here, and the local vegetation creates a striking contrast with the deeply brown soil and glistening waterways used to store rain and stormwater.
We suggest exploring the entire area, considering the wetland only spans approximately 300 m.
Additionally, the entire space is interconnected through gravel pathways and bridges, so getting from point A to B is breezy.
Tip: Don’t forget to carry water and food, as there are no shops nearby. Yes, there are a few houses here, but it’s better to pack your supplies rather than disturb a probably chilling Aldinga Beach native.
