10 Best Walking Trails in Adelaide
Well-known as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, Adelaide has no shortage of trails that will get you itching to get your shoes on. With a plethora of gorgeous natural sites, you’ll find some of the best walking trails in South Australia in and surrounding the city. Here, we’ll look at ten of the most rewarding trails for walkers of all levels.
Belair Waterfall Hike
Situated in Belair National Park, this family-friendly trail gives a great overview of the park’s beauty over a 6-kilometre loop. You’re going to see plenty of lush vegetation, and jaw-dropping waterfalls, and you might even encounter some natives like koalas on this moderately easy trail.
Mount Lofty from Waterfall Gully
One of the most iconic and popular trails in the area, this 4-kilometre uphill climb is a bit more of a challenging workout, but the views are definitely worth it. Starting from Waterfall Gully, you climb upwards to see some of the best panoramic views of Adelaide and beyond you’ll ever see, with cascading waterfalls and native bushlands making for some great sights along the way.
Marion Coastal Walking Trail
Stretch your legs alongside ocean views with this 7.2-kilometre trail. All the charms of Adelaide’s southern coastline will be right beside you, with boardwalks, lookouts, and plenty of geological oddities keeping it constantly varied and interesting.
Wine Shanty Hike
A longer walk at 10 kilometres, but moderate enough, this trail in the Cleland Conservation Park takes you through the heart of open woodland and native forests, as well as providing lovely views of the Adelaide Hills. Excellent for those who want to truly experience the tranquility of nature.
Morialta Falls Loop Hike
One of the standout walks in the stunning Morialta Conversation Park, this 5-kilometre circuit is great for walkers of all abilities. What’s more, it presents a snapshot tour of Adelaide’s natural beauty, from three seasonal waterfalls to scenic lookouts over its rugged cliffs.
Deep Creek Circuit Hike
Deep Creek Conservation Park offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery, and this challenging 12-kilometre trail is one of the most rewarding ways to experience it with its dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and stunning ocean views amongst seas of wildflowers.
Onkaparinga Gorge Hike
Dramatic landscapes and unique ecosystems await in this 8-kilometre trail through Onkparinga River National Park. Hug steep cliffs, relax at serene rock pools, and marvel at shaded gullies in this wild trail for the more adventurous hikers.
Aldgate Valley Nature Walk
If you prefer something a little more gentle, this 7-kilometre trail is incredibly romantic, with its quiet bushland, bubbling creeks, and small bridges, with plenty of native birds and wildflowers to delight along the way.
Plateau Hike
A moderately difficulty 4.3-kilometre loop in Black Hill Conservation Park, this one offers some immense views of Adelaide’s Skyland after climbing through a cornucopia of diverse native flora, with plenty of birdwatching opportunities along the way.
Warren Tower Hike
Located in the Mount Crawford Forest, the Warren Tower Hike is a moderate 5-kilometre trail that leads to a historic fire tower. The hike offers expansive views of the forested landscape and surrounding hills. It’s a peaceful escape, perfect for a day trip from Adelaide.
Adelaide has a ton to offer with its diversity of walking opportunities, whether you’re a seasonal hiker or just starting out. These ten are just some of the examples well worth checking out.