Search bushwalks Page 18

Environment

Starting from the Angorichina Village car park on Parachilna Gorge Road, Alpana, this walk takes you to the Blinman Pools and back via the Blinman Pools Walking Trail. Located in a rocky creek bed at the foothills of the Flinders Ranges, the Blinman Pools are beautiful natural pools that have been popular picnic spots since the 1800s. This moderately challenging walk follows the Parachilna and Blinman creeks as they wind through the rugged landscape, forming pools surrounded by aquatic plants below small waterfalls, with sheer cliffs providing a spectacular backdrop. From a small information shelter, the trail descends into Parachilna Gorge behind the village, passing abandoned ruins of settler dugouts and crossing several footbridges along the creek bed, with towering red river gums providing shade along the way. The two spring-fed creeks keep the first pool filled with water all year round, while the second pool is often low in summer but fills up after heavy rains. After spending some time enjoying the pools, walkers can head back along the same route. This walk mostly follows a rocky creek bed, with no formal track, some gentle hills, creek crossings and uneven rocky terrain, 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

Blinman Pools Walk

11.6 km return

3 h to 5 h

Environment

Mount Crawford Forest Reserve Circuit

Mount Crawford Forest Reserve Circuit

11.7 km circuit

3 h to 5 h

1 h 15 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting near Chalk's Campground on Forest Road, Cromer, this walk takes you on a circuit within Mount Crawford Forest Reserve. This circuit walk takes you through the native and plantation forests around Mount Crawford. Keep a lookout for kangaroos, emus and colorful fungi along the way, and enjoy the beautiful sounds of birds singing. During spring months, there's an abundance of wildflowers along the trail. The terrain undulates gently, and the route consists of wide fire tracks and walking trails. There is clear signage throughout, and there's a boardwalk section along the creek toward the end. 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

Nature, Echidna, Bakers Gully and Sundews Ridge Loop

Nature, Echidna, Bakers Gully and Sundews Ridge Loop

11.7 km circuit

3 h to 5 h

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from the Gate 11 car park on Piggott Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, this walk takes you on a circuit around Onkaparinga River National Park via the Nature Trail, Echidna Trail, Bakers Gully Track and Sundews Ridge Hike. This challenging hike combines several trails in the eastern end of Onkaparinga National Park, with spectacular views over the narrow river valley of Onkaparinga Gorge. The loop was designed to stay on the same side of the river, which is often difficult to cross. The park protects some of the finest remnant vegetation in the region, providing habitat for native wildlife such as birds, koalas, kangaroos, possums and echidnas. The hike initially follows the Nature Trail through regenerating pink gum and grey box woodlands, then heads along the Echidna Trail, passing the ruins of an old cottage and a side trip to a seasonal waterfall. The hike continues along the Bakers Gully Track, descending to the river before returning along the Nature and Echidna trails, then follows the Sundews Ridge Hike past the Sundews Lookout, which offers great views over the river. This loop consists of fire tracks and narrow walking trails, with some short steep hills and creek crossings, 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

Environment

Mount Brown via the Heysen Trail

Mount Brown via the Heysen Trail

11.9 km return

3 h to 5 h

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Starting from the Gate 3 car park at the end of Richman Valley Road, Quorn, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Brown and back via the Heysen Trail. Mount Brown is one of the tallest peaks in the South Flinders Ranges, standing at a height of 964 metres, named by Matthew Flinders after Scottish botanist Robert Brown, who climbed the mountain in 1802. This hike initially follows a fire track for a short distance past Waukarie Falls, then heads south along the Heysen Trail. The first few kilometres through the valley are fairly easy-going, followed by a relentless climb up a long ridge towards the summit of Mount Brown. At the summit, there's interpretive signage and a lookout tower commemorating Robert Brown, which offers panoramic views over the surrounding area, including Richman Valley, the Dutchman's Stern and Mount Remarkable. This hike consists of narrow walking trails, with very steep hills and some uneven rocky surfaces, suitable for moderate fitness levels. All junctions are clearly marked, with yellow distance markers and checkpoints with maps along the way, and there are usually printed brochures in the metal box at the trailhead. 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

Yurrebilla Trail: Section 5(Morialta to River Torrens)

Yurrebilla Trail: Section 5(Morialta to River Torrens)

12 km oneway

4 h to 6 h

Starting from the 'Gate 9' carpark at the end of Moores Road, Woodforde, this walk leads to the northern end of Black Hill Conservation Park via the Moores, Fox Hill, Quarry, Black Hill, Banksia and Yurrebilla tracks. The trail meanders through eucalypt woodland teeming with wildlife, including many kangaroos and koalas. Along this hike, walkers are rewarded with excellent views back across the Adelaide Plains to the City of Adelaide, and further down to the Gulf of St Vincent. The hike starts along Moores Track, then continues along Fox Hill Track, passing Fox Dam, exiting Morialta Conservation Park onto Montacute Road. Follow Montacute Road alongside Fifth Creek, entering Black Hill Conservation Park via the Quarry Track, and continue along Black Hill Track. After a small detour to Black Hill Summit, the hike returns to Black Hill Track, continuing along the Yurrebilla Trail as it descends into Ambers Gully. The trail ends at Athelstone, near the River Torrens. There is clear signage throughout this hike, and the route is mostly along well-formed dirt tracks. There are some narrow sections with slightly rough terrain, and there are a few steep hills along the way, including a very steep downhill section at the end of the hike. 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

The Tinjella Trail is a versatile, well-signposted circuit walk that caters to trail runners, cyclists, and horse riders as well. The trail offers a great mixture of scenery through superb pine forests and eucalyptus trees. There are small teepees made from sticks along the trail. Nature lovers can appreciate the abundance of mushrooms along the trail, especially during winter. Dogs are allowed on lead. It's worth noting that there may be logging in the area, so be sure to check the ForestrySA website before setting off. 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

Tinjella Trail

12.1 km circuit

3 h 45 min to 6 h

Pets

Environment

Rural

Gym Beach from Browns Beach Campground

Gym Beach from Browns Beach Campground

12.4 km return

3 h to 4 h

Starting from the Browns Beach Campground on Browns Beach Road, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park, this walk takes you to the Gym Beach Campground and back via the Gym Beach Hike. Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is a remote coastal wilderness on the tip of the Yorke Peninsula, with a backdrop of rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, offering excellent opportunities for camping, bushwalking, birdwatching, fishing, surfing and discovering maritime history. This hike takes walkers through the unique coastal vegetation and high sand dune areas between Browns Beach and Gym Beach. A wide variety of birdlife can be seen while passing through the dense mallee vegetation, as well as delicate native orchids in spring. Browns Beach is one of South Australia's best salmon fishing areas and has a unique coastal formation, with a large outer reef that protects the main beach and forms a lagoon where huge schools of Australian salmon are found. The walk begins at the Browns Beach Campground, which is suitable for tents, caravans, camper vans and camper trailers and has toilets and fire pits. This hike consists of wide and narrow, mostly flat walking trails, with compacted natural surfaces and uneven natural surfaces, suitable for average fitness levels, and can be done in either direction. 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 on Sheoak Road, Crafers West, this walk takes you on a circuit within Belair National Park. The Adventure Loop Trail is the longest official trail in the park. As it descends into the valley, it then heads quite steeply up along a fire trail toward Yulti-Wirra Ridge for some great views over the area. This loop is suitable for walkers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. 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

Belair Adventure Loop

12.5 km circuit

3 h 45 min to 6 h

Belair Adventure Loop

Environment

Sundews, Bronzewing, Bakers Gully, Echidna and Nature Loop

Sundews, Bronzewing, Bakers Gully, Echidna and Nature Loop

12.6 km circuit

4 h to 6 h

Starting from the Gate 11 car park on Piggott Range Road, Onkaparinga Hills, this walk takes you on a circuit around Onkaparinga River National Park via the Sundews, Bronzewing, Bakers Gully, Echidna and Nature tracks. This challenging hike combines several trails around the Onkaparinga River upper gorge, covering a large area in the eastern section of the park, with views of the river gorge and the surrounding farmland. The hike initially follows the Sundews Track across the ridge, descending steeply into the gorge and crossing the river, then heads along the Bronzewing Track before venturing off-track along the park's eastern boundary towards the Pink Gum Campground. The hike continues along the Bakers Gully Track and the Echidna Hike, crossing the river again and passing a side-trip to a seasonal waterfall, then follows the Nature Hike though regenerating pink gum and grey box woodlands back to the car park. This loop consists of fire tracks and narrow walking trails, with some steep hills, overgrown sections and river crossings, suitable for moderately experienced bushwalkers with navigational skills. 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 Black Rocks car park on the Coffin Track, Coffin Bay National Park, this walk takes you to the coastline of Avoid Bay and back via the Black Rocks Hike. Coffin Bay National Park is known for its remote coastal scenery, with rocky islands, windswept cliffs, sweeping beaches and tranquil bays, making it a great place for boating, fishing, sailing, scuba diving and windsurfing. The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including emus, goannas and kangaroos, as well as seabirds such as albatrosses, ospreys, petrels and white-bellied sea eagles. This moderately challenging trail takes walkers through coastal mallee to the rugged coastline of Avoid Bay, with views overlooking Lake Damascus from the top of sand dunes along the way. Much of the trail can be quite sandy, and once it reaches the cliffs, the trail becomes unmarked, indistinct and quite rocky. From there, walkers can return via the same route or continue along the clifftops, with spectacular views of Black Rocks, Avoid Bay and Thorny Passage Marine Park. This walk consists of gently undulating walking trails, with some 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

Black Rocks

12.8 km return

3 h to 4 h

Birdwatching

Environment

Mount Remarkable Summit Hike

Mount Remarkable Summit Hike

13 km return

5 h to 7 h

Starting near the Melrose Campground at the end of Joes Road, Melrose, this walk leads to the summit of Mount Remarkable and back via the Mount Remarkable Walking Track. The hike to Mount Remarkable starts from the main trailhead at the Monument, past the caravan park. The terrain varies from lush green carpet, scree slopes, low-lying bushland and expansive dry eucalypt forest. As you ascend the mountain, you'll be rewarded with great views over the area. However, on the summit, there is no lookout, and dense vegetation obscures the view. The trail is long and slow, with a steady gradient winding around the side of the mountain. There are some challenging scree slopes with loose rocky terrain. The signage is clear, and the trail is relatively easy to follow. 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

River, Wattle and Lomandra Trail Loop

River, Wattle and Lomandra Trail Loop

13.1 km circuit

3 h to 4 h

Starting from the car park at the end of Edgar Street, Bedford Park, this walk takes you on a circuit around Sturt Gorge Recreation Park via the River, Wattle and Lomandra trails. Sturt Gorge Recreation Park conserves the threatened grey box grassy woodlands and contains a spectacular rugged gorge with major geological significance, as well as cascading waterfalls, rockpools, creeks, and a large network of shared-use trails. This challenging hike begins by entering the park and following the River Trail into the gorge along the Sturt River, with several river crossings, passing a Kaurna camp oven in a small cave before climbing above the flood control dam. Near the park's southern boundary, the hike follows the Wattle Trail and explores some of the park’s historic routes, then heads through sheoak and grey box woodland along the Lomandra Trail, which runs parallel to Broadmeadow Drive, with views over the Adelaide Plains. This loop consists of well-signposted fire tracks and walking trails, suitable for moderate fitness levels, with some uneven surfaces and short steep 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 Gate 3 car park at the end of Richman Valley Road, Quorn, this circuit walk takes you to the summit of Mount Brown via the Heysen Trail and the Mount Brown-Olive Grove Trail. The walk takes you past Waukarie Falls to Mt Brown summit. Take some time at the top to soak in the view from the lookout tower and read some information boards about Robert Brown in whose name the tower was built. All junctions are clearly marked, and there are usually printed walk brochures in the metal box at the trailhead. The track is relatively easy for the first couple of kilometres through the valley, and then a relentless uphill trek begins. Sturdy shoes are recommended, as some sections of this hike involve scrambling over rocky surfaces, which may become slippery after rain. 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

Mount Brown Summit Loop

13.1 km circuit

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Mount Brown Summit Loop

13.1 km

Circuit

Walk

4 h 30 min to 6 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from the Aroona Campground at the end of Aroona Valley Road, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park, this walk takes you to the Youngoona Campground via the Aroona to Youngoona walk. One of South Australia's most popular tourist destinations, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park is home to ancient rugged mountain ranges, dramatic gorges, peaceful tree-lined creeks and abundant wildlife. This moderately challenging walk tells the story of the region's rich pastoral heritage, passing through contrasting rock formations and plant communities, with spectacular views of the ABC, Heysen and Trezona ranges. The walk follows the footsteps of early shepherds, passing Frederick Hayward's Aroona homestead ruin and some of his ruined shepherd's huts, including Eddie Pumpa's homestead of pine and pug, built in 1925 and partially restored in recent years. At the northern end, the walk passes through the ABC Range, where cliffs show minor faulting. At the southern end, the walk passes through the Trezona Range, which contains evidence of some of the earliest known life forms on Earth, dating from the Ediacaran Period. In between are rolling hills of Brachina Formation siltstone. The walk begins from the Aroona Campground, which is suitable for tents, caravans, camper vans and camper trailers and has toilets and fire pits. This walk consists of narrow walking trails and fire tracks, with uneven natural surfaces, compacted natural surfaces, steep hills and creek crossings, suitable for moderate fitness levels, and can be done in either direction. 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

Aroona to Youngoona

13.3 km oneway

3 h to 5 h

1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Environment