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West Lakes Southern Circuit

West Lakes Southern Circuit

6 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

6 km

Circuit

Walk

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

The West Lakes Southern Circuit is a circuit walk starting from the Inlet Reserve car park in West Lakes. This pet-friendly track offers excellent views and beaches for you to rest & sunbathe in. Keep an eye out for pelicans while doing so. Additionally, there are toilets along the way. The track is easy and has a smooth flat path, making it accessible to prams and wheelchairs. However, the track is usually about a metre wide. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pets

Environment

Urban

Bus

Starting from the Goondooloo Ridge Day Visitor Area off Blowhole Beach Road, Deep Creek National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit past the Goondooloo Ridge Lookout and Picnic Area via the Aaron Creek Circuit Hike. Deep Creek National Park protects the largest portion of remaining native vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula, providing habitat for a diverse range of native wildlife, including western grey kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas and over 100 bird species. This moderately challenging hike initially meanders through revegetated and remnant native bushland past the Eagle Waterhole Campground, then descends through the eucalypt forest to Aaron Creek. After passing a small seasonal waterfall, the hike climbs past the newly-built lookout and picnic area at Goondooloo Ridge, which offers spectacular views of Aaron Creek Valley, Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island. On a clear day, the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse can be seen on the island's easternmost point. Kangaroos can often be seen grazing in the open fields or resting under eucalypts along the way. The walk begins at the Goondooloo Ridge Day Visitor Area, which has picnic tables and accessible toilets. This loop consists of wide and narrow walking trails, with compacted natural surfaces, uneven natural surfaces and short steep hills, suitable for moderate fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Aaron Creek Circuit

6 km circuit

2 h to 3 h

Environment

Starting from the Goondooloo Ridge Day Visitor Area off Blowhole Beach Road, Deep Creek National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit past Aaron Creek Cove and the Goondooloo Ridge Lookout via the Aaron Creek Hike. Deep Creek National Park protects the largest portion of remaining native vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula, providing habitat for a diverse range of native wildlife, including western grey kangaroos, short-beaked echidnas and over 100 bird species. This challenging hike initially meanders through revegetated and remnant native bushland past the Eagle Waterhole Campground, then descends through eucalypt forest to Aaron Creek. An optional return side trip follows the creek towards the coast, ending with a steep rock scramble down to a small rocky cove. After passing a small seasonal waterfall, the hike climbs past the newly-built lookout and picnic area at Goondooloo Ridge, which offers spectacular views of Aaron Creek Valley, Backstairs Passage and Kangaroo Island. On a clear day, the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse can be seen on the island's easternmost point. The walk begins at the Goondooloo Ridge Day Visitor Area, which has picnic tables and accessible toilets. This loop consists of wide and narrow walking trails, with compacted natural surfaces, uneven natural surfaces, steep hills and rock scrambling sections, suitable for moderate fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Aaron Creek Beach

6 km circuit

3 h to 4 h

Environment

Starting from the Day Visitor Area car park at the end of Park Road, Mambray Creek, this walk takes you to the Old Baroota Cemetery and back via the Baroota Hike. The Baroota Hike meanders through red river gums and native pine forest along Mambray Creek, exploring the Old Baroota Cemetery and the Baroota Homestead Ruins, which provide an insight into the early pastoral history of Mount Remarkable National Park. The hike initially follows the Mambray Creek Walk, with interpretive signage explaining the importance of water to the area, then branches off along a trail that ends at the cemetery, passing a side trip to the ruins. Established in 1851, the 'Baroota Run' operated from the homestead and thrived for twelve years, until the area was struck by the Great 1860s Drought. This hike consists of mostly flat gravel and dirt trails, with some irregular surfaces and creek crossings, suitable for average fitness levels. Dogs are not permitted in this park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Baroota Hike

6 km return

1 h 30 min to 2 h

Environment

Starting from the Gate 3 car park on Perseverance Road, Tea Tree Gully, this walk takes you on a circuit around Anstey Hill Recreation Park via the Yellowtail Loop. The Yellowtail Loop is a moderately challenging circuit that encircles Anstey Hill Recreation Park, taking in picturesque landscapes, historic sites and diverse wildlife. The track passes the ruins of Newman's Nursery, which was established in 1854 and was once the largest plant nursery in the southern hemisphere. Further ahead, an optional side trail passes a lookout with a picnic table, where walkers can stop and enjoy the views over the park and Adelaide. Diverse wildlife can be spotted in the park, including birds, koalas, and kangaroos. This circuit consists of wide, flat and well-signposted fire tracks, with some steep sections that can be slippery in places due to loose gravel, and is suitable for walking, running and mountain biking. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Yellowtail Loop

6.1 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Pets

Environment

Bus

Stringybark, Cup Gum and Currawong Ridge Loop

Stringybark, Cup Gum and Currawong Ridge Loop

6.1 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 3 h

Starting from Gate 3 at the intersection of Matthews Road and Scott Creek Road, Dorset Vale, this walk takes you on a circuit within Scott Creek Conservation Park via the Bandicoot, Currawong Ridge, Stringybark and Cup Gum tracks. This conservation area is home to more than 400 native plant species and about 125 bird species. Walking in the park provides excellent opportunities to spot southern brown bandicoots, western grey kangaroos, koalas, and ringtail possums. In spring, you will be greeted with colourful displays of wildflowers dotted along the trails. The route is mostly on wide fire trails with clear signage throughout and a mild gradient. The hike ascends gradually on the Stringybark Track, descending gently along the Cup Gum and Currawong Ridge tracks back to the car park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Montacute Conservation Park Loop

Montacute Conservation Park Loop

6.1 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h

Starting from the Gate 1 car park at the end of Valley Road, Montacute, this walk takes you on a circuit around Montacute Conservation Park via the Heysen and Mawson trails. Montacute Conservation Park contains 200 hectares of remnant bushland, home to a diverse range of native birds and animals, with several small creeks running through the park. The creek banks are lined by tall river red gums with a low understorey of grasses and flowering plants, while the higher slopes support stringybarks and blue gums. This challenging hike incorporates sections of the Heysen and Mawson trails, winding through the park's rugged hills, native vegetation and ancient rock formations, offering excellent views of the surrounding areas. The trail also passes outcrops of Precambrian dolomite rocks, which are over 570 million years old. This loop consists of well-marked fire tracks and walking trails, suitable for moderate fitness levels, with some fairly steep hills. Dogs are not permitted in this park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the September Beach Campground off Donington Road, Lincoln National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit around the Donington Peninsula via the Donington Loop Hike. Lincoln National Park is a rugged peninsula that boasts some of the most scenic coastlines in South Australia, with granite headlands, sheltered bays, sandy beaches and offshore islands, featuring an extensive network of walking trails that pass through native scrub and woodland, across beaches and along clifftops where visitors may spot sea-eagles, dolphins or whales. The park encompasses the vast Sleaford-Wanna sand dune system and the beautiful Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area, protecting important coastal vegetation of the Eyre Peninsula and providing habitat for rare fauna such as heath goannas, western whipbirds and the bush stone-curlew. This moderately challenging walk explores the Donington Peninsula, offering spectacular views of September Beach, Port Lincoln and Donington Island, which is home to Australian sea lions and long-nosed fur seals. Western grey kangaroos, emus and goannas can often be spotted near the Cape Donington Lighthouse, a 32 metres high hexagonal tower built in 1905. The trail also passes the historic Donington Cottage, built in 1899 and now used as holiday accommodation. Both Donington Beach and September Beach have safe, sheltered waters that are ideal for swimming. The walk begins from the September Beach Campground, which is suitable for tents, caravans, camper vans and camper trailers and has toilets and fire pits. This loop consists of narrow, gently undulating walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces, sandy surfaces and steps, suitable for average fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Donington Loop Hike

6.3 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h

Environment

Starting from the car park near the Old Government House on Queens Jubilee Drive, Belair National Park, this walk takes you on a circuit past the Lower and Upper Waterfalls via the Waterfall Hike. The Waterfall Hike is one of Belair's more challenging walks, showcasing the park's beautiful views, waterfalls and rock escarpments. The trail leads through the Echo Tunnel to a viewing platform at the Lower Waterfall, then runs along the escarpment above the Upper Waterfall. Plenty of wildlife can be seen along the walk, including kangaroos, koalas, and emus, and in spring, there's an abundance of blooming orchids and wildflowers. Both waterfalls are seasonal and best viewed after heavy rainfall. This loop consists mostly of dedicated walking trails, with some short steep hills, and can be done in either direction. Caution is advised along the cliff edges near the Upper Waterfall, which are unfenced and can be slippery. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall Hike

6.4 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h

Environment

Starting at the Pines Car park near the end of Queens Jubilee Drive, Belair, this circuit walk takes you through Belair National Park via the Lorikeet, Yurrebilla and Waterfall tracks. As you walk through Echo Tunnel, spend some time at lookouts and soak in the view over the beautiful waterfalls. The lookouts are not fenced, so take care. In spring, you can see a plethora of wildflowers, including large-leaved bush peas and hairy pink bells. Keep a lookout for koalas and echidnas, as well as the endangered southern brown bandicoot. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Waterfall Circuit

6.4 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 3 h

Waterfall

Environment

Para Wirra Southern Border

Para Wirra Southern Border

6.4 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

6.4 km

Circuit

Walk

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

Starting from the intersection of Humbug Scrub Road and Bassnet Road, this circuit track gives you a tour of the southwestern corner of the Para Wirra Conversation Park, crossing Mack Creek multiple times along the way. This family-friendly trail is easy to follow, well-signposted and wide enough for comfortable walking. Dog walking is also permitted on this trail (on lead). Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife along the way, including white-winged choughs, wattlebirds, emus, scarlet robins and blue wrens. The area is particularly lively when the gums and wattles are flowering. Emus can often be heard making their unique drumming sounds as they roam around the picnic grounds. Visitors are advised not to feed the emus, as they may try to steal food. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pets

Environment

Little River, Lakeview and Walk the Dog Track Loop

Little River, Lakeview and Walk the Dog Track Loop

6.4 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h

Starting from the Blackwood Oval car park on Craigburn Road, Craigburn Farm, this walk takes you on a circuit around Sturt Gorge Recreation Park via the Little River, Lakeview and Walk the Dog tracks. This hike initially heads through Blackwood Hill Reserve, then explores the open grasslands and woodlands of Craigburn Farm in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. The walk follows the hillside contours along the Little River Track, offering excellent views of the spring-fed creek. Further ahead, the Lakeview Track meanders around a small picturesque lake, providing a serene picnic spot. Many animals can be seen in the park, such as kangaroos, koalas and echidnas, as well as an abundance of native birds. The river and lake are best seen in winter or after heavy rains. This loop consists of shared-use fire tracks and walking trails, suitable for walking, running and mountain biking, with some uneven surfaces and moderate hills. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park at the Welcome Mine off Arkaroola Road, Arkaroola, this walk takes you on a circuit around Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary via the Bararranna Gorge Walk. Located in the northern Flinders Ranges, Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary is a spectacular private wilderness sanctuary founded by the Sprigg family in 1968, home to a wide range of birds, reptiles and mammals, including the endangered yellow-footed rock-wallaby. The sanctuary is a haven for outback explorers, featuring rolling countryside, rugged mountains, gorges, creeks, waterholes and many unique rock formations. This loop explores the complex geology of Arkaroola, from the ancient fossil seabeds now forming near-vertical cliffs in Bararranna Gorge to the ancient glacial rocks from past ice ages at Stubbs Waterhole, winding across shaly hills and passing between the high walls of Arkaroola Creek. The hike starts and ends at the Welcome Mine, an old copper mine located to the west of the Arkaroola Village, usually accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles. This loop consists of narrow walking trails, with some short steep hills and uneven natural surfaces, suitable for moderate fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bararranna Gorge Walk

6.7 km circuit

2 h to 3 h

Bararranna Gorge Walk

Environment

Stringybark, Mount Bold Ridge and Shingleback Track Loop

Stringybark, Mount Bold Ridge and Shingleback Track Loop

6.7 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

6.7 km

Circuit

Walk

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Run

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Starting from the Gate 3 car park at the intersection of Matthews Road and Scott Creek Road, Dorset Vale, this walk takes you on a circuit around Scott Creek Conservation Park via the Stringybark, Mount Bold Ridge and Shingleback tracks. Scott Creek Conservation Park features some of the most diverse native vegetation in the Adelaide Hills, with dense stringybark forests, steep-sloped valleys and seasonal creeks that provide habitat for an abundance of birds and animals, including southern brown bandicoots, western grey kangaroos, koalas and ringtail possums. In spring, plenty of wildflowers can be seen dotted along the trails. This relatively easy and straightforward loop begins by entering the stringybark forest along the Bandicoot Track, then ascends steadily along the Stringybark Track, offering excellent views of the park. The next section is fairly flat and easy-going, following the Mount Bold Ridge Track alongside the road before descending along the Shingleback Track back to the car park. This loop consists of well-signposted fire tracks, with some uneven natural surfaces and short steep hills, suitable for average fitness levels. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Birdwatching

Environment