8 best walks around Adelaide

We’re so lucky to have beautiful scenery and amazing walking trails to explore in South Australia. In fact, an international publication recently named Adelaide as the most beautiful city in the world!

Our team and community love to get outside and walk in SA – it’s great for wellbeing and an amazing way to see our state. So, we asked the team to share their favourite trails and compiled the top 8 best walks in Adelaide for you to try.

1. Pioneer Women's Trail

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At about 22km long, the Pioneer Women’s Trail is one of Adelaide’s most scenic walks. Commencing at Verdun, walkers follow beautiful country roads, laneways, and bush tracks through to Beaumont.

The track honours early Hahndorf settlers who followed this path to supply Adelaide with fresh produce. Women and young girls would leave Hahndorf around midnight and follow the track to Adelaide markets where they would sell and exchange produce for things like sugar, tea and sewing kits.

You can spot many historic homes, deciduous trees and native bushland on the trail, and even stop for a meal, coffee or snacks in the beautiful cafes that litter the town of Stirling. Don’t worry if you can’t do the whole trail – there are plenty of entry and exit points along the way!

2. Mount Lofty

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Only a 20-minute drive from Adelaide CBD, Mount Lofty summit provides spectacular panoramic views over Adelaide’s city skyline. There are about 9 different trails to get to the summit, ranging from about 4km long to up to 15km long. However, Waterfall Gully is the most popular starting point and attracts a range of people: some casually walking, others using it as a training walk or for running. It also hosts a café at each end of the trail, a well-made path and regular seating.

3. Brownhill Creek, Mitcham

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The Brownhill Creek is a 51-hectare park that offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park’s nar­row creek flows through a steep sided val­ley with majes­tic riv­er red gums, some of which are more than 300 years old. This area was once a favourite camp­ing, hunt­ing and gath­er­ing ground for the Kau­r­na Abo­rig­i­nal People.

The hiking loop criss-crosses the Brownhill Creek valley through to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, up the Yurrebilla Trail and into Belair National Park. With great views over the Adelaide Plains, the park used to be a quarry and is largely undeveloped.

4. Black Hill, Athelstone

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Enjoy the undulating hills with native scenery of rugged ridges and a variety of native plants and animals along Black Hill Conservation Park’s extensive network of walking trails. The park contains a wide variety of flora that offers a stunning display of native flowers in the spring, including many delicate and colourful orchid species. The park also boasts a landscaped Wildflower Garden, offering a beautiful getaway for nature lovers.

The circuit is about 4km long and steep in some places, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.

5. Morialta Conservation Park

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Morialta Conservation Park is a very well-loved recreational escape just 10km east of Adelaide CBD. With its woodlands, gorges, gullies and stunning waterfalls, there’s something to do for everyone. Although it is great to visit all year round, spring is an especially good time to visit because the water flow is at its strongest and the orchids and wildflowers at their brightest.

Morialta is also a great place to engage your adventurous side with a spot of rock climbing. It’s one of the most popular spots in South Australia for it, with climbs that vary in intensity and impressive views to behold. Or if relaxation is more your thing, enjoy a picnic and keep an ear or an eye out for the wildlife around you. Plus, kids love the wonderful nature playground that requires no hiking at all!

6. River Torrens Linear Trail

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If you prefer walking on a flatter terrain, the River Torrens Linear Trail may be a great option. The 30km-long track stretches on either side of River Torrens, from Athelstone in the Adelaide Hills all the way down to Henley Beach. Lined with River Red Gums, the track hosts numerous picnic spots, playgrounds and duck-feeding spots along the way. You can also walk a section of the trail as a circuit by walking down one side of the river and returning on the other side.

Since the trail is generally flat, it is also suitable for people with mobility issues.

7. Glenelg to Seacliff Coastal Walk

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The Glenelg to Seacliff Coastal Walk is a beautiful 6km trail in Adelaide’s premier seaside suburb. The trail features scenic beach views, jetties, parks, sculptures and sites of Aboriginal cultural significance. You can also stop by at one of the many cafes, pubs and restaurants and soak up the spectacular coastline while enjoying waterfront dining. The track is shared between pedestrians and cyclists, and is also suitable for people with accessibility needs.

8. Marion Coastal Walk

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The Marion Coastal Walk is a fantastic section of Adelaide’s coastline, featuring rugged cliffs and rocky reef platforms. It is a great option for people looking for a challenging walk as there are numerous sets of stairs ascending and descending the many steep gullies along the route. The walk also features the famous geological formations at Hallet Cove and some Aboriginal sites.

This article is intended as general information only and has been prepared without taking into account the personal situation of the reader.