Walking Areas - Adelaide & Surrounds

Adelaide Hills (Mount Lofty Ranges)

The Adelaide Hills formed largely of ancient Pre-Cambrian rock comes to within six kilometres of the centre of Adelaide, rising to a height of 700 metres at Mount Lofty. The rainfall varies from about 500mm to 1000mm per annum, so the climate is much wetter than most other walking areas in South Australia.

The area has long been settled with small towns, orchards, vineyards, market gardens and general farming but still retains, particularly in National Parks and forestry land, some of the sclerophyll forest from before white settlement. Walks are undertaken in National Parks, forests, minor roads and undeveloped road reserves passing through a considerable variety of vegetation, valleys and hills from which are extensive views of the surrounding plains and Gulf St Vincent.

A number of the most popular national parks, conservation reserves and forestry areas are featured in this section including Cleland, Black Hill, Belair, Morialta and Para Wirra.

The Mount Lofty Ranges form a backdrop to Adelaide, and Mount Lofty summit with the television towers can be seen from Adelaide. Mount Lofty has always been a popular destination for visitors as it has a wonderful view over Adelaide. The Ash Wednesday bushfires in 1983 destroyed most of the buildings on the summit, but now a new complex has been built which includes an Information & Interpretive Centre and a restaurant. The Cleland Wildlife Centre is a short distance from Mount Lofty. Native animals and birds can readily seen there.

The Heysen Trail passes through the area close to Mount Lofty. Near Hahndorf, "The Cedars" the former residence and studio of the famous artist Sir Hans Heysen is open to the public.

The walking season is usually between April and October, but the best time to see wildflowers is in late winter and during spring. Adelaide's winter is usually sufficiently mild to allow walking at any time in this season if equipped with waterproof clothing.

During the summer period it is not advisable to set out on a walk if the temperature is in excess of 32° C, and it is always advisable to carry at least 1 litre of drinking water. Conservation, recreation and forestry areas are closed to the public on Total Fire Ban days. Parts of the Heysen Trail are closed during the Fire Ban Season usually 1 November to 30 April.

There are many marked walking trails in the parks and reserves, ranging from an easy stroll along a forest track to an exhilarating climb following a rough bush track. Most walking in the hills close to Adelaide is suited to the day walker, as there are not many campsites available to the overnight traveller.

There are campsites shown on the Heysen Trail maps, but many recreation and conservation parks do not allow overnight camping. The overnight bushwalker would probably need to book a YHA Hostel or stay in a local caravan park. Camping is allowed in the forest reserves, but a permit is necessary and there are usually designated campsites.

Most parks have a printed brochure with a sketch map of the area showing the tracks, description of the local flora and fauna together with a short history of the region.

Adelaide Hills A selection of popular parks and reserves

Kangaroo Island

A recent addition to National Parks and Wildlife SA regional parks guides is the "Walking Trails in Kangaroo Island Parks" leaflet. This outlines 14 walks of varying lengths and is a good starting point for visitors interested in getting some Island experience on foot. Where you go will depend on your interests and your fitness level.

Flora varies with soil type and climate (Island rainfall varies from 400mm to 1000mm) but there is plenty about for those interested. Wear long pants if you want to fossick about in the scrub.

Wildlife experiences can happen in unexpected places for those observant enough to see animals before the animals see them, and the patience to stand still for a while. The kangaroos around Flinders Chase Park HQ are very obliging, and apart from the Australian Sealions at Seal Bay, there are many colonies of New Zealand Fur Seals on the south and west coasts. Water-fowl abound at Murray Lagoon and eagles (Osprey, Wedge-tailed Eagle and White-bellied Sea Eagle) can often be seen soaring high. Serious bird-watchers will find plenty to interest them on the Island. Notably the Glossy Black-Cockatoo can be observed in some higher places near the north coast.

Want to experience the might of the Southern Ocean? Go to the south or west coast, but keep your distance. The sand on these beaches varies, but is generally coarser and heavier to walk on than the fine white sand of the north coast beaches.

(Note: Swimming on south coast beaches can be dangerous.)

Like a scramble? Try the gorge below the waterfall in Western River Conservation Park. The waterfall is a bit dry except soon after heavy rain.

Complete tranquillity? Try Pelican Lagoon on a calm day.

Want a Guided Walk? Ask at the Island Gateway visitor centre. As with any area you can make your own walks once you become aware of the hazards. One of these is lack of drinking water in Summer. The National Parks and Wildlife Service maintains tanks at selected locations but local advice should always be taken before venturing off the beaten track.

Kangaroo Island Walking Club usually has a walk each month on a Saturday or a Sunday with about 20 to 30 walkers participating. Visitors are welcome to join in these Club walks. Phone 8559 2222 or 8553 5257 or 8553 2610.

Flinders Chase National Park the largest reserve on Kangaroo Island has wonderful coastal scenery with high cliffs and sandy bays and includes Remarkable Rocks, huge granite tors weathered into unusual shapes. Best walking time spring and autumn. Water can be limited and water drops may need to be organised if planning an extended trip.

Access: Air, car ferry. Cars and bikes can be hired on Island. Activities: Walking on marked trails, bushcamping, coastal scenery, photography, birdwatching, viewing native animals.

Maps: 1:50,000 Topographic sheets

Borda (covers Harvey’s Return & Ravine de Casoars)

Vennachar (West Bay to Cape du Couedic)

Grainger (Remarkable Rocks, Kelly Hill Cons. Park)

Other Places of Interest:

• Kelly Hill Caves - guided tours of caves .

• Seal Bay Conservation Parks - protected area. Guided walks to view the seals.

• Cape Gantheaume - wilderness area.

• Murrays Lagoon - walks for birdwatchers.

Fleurieu Peninsula

The Fleurieu Peninsula, south of Adelaide, takes in an area of attractive coastline stretching from Aldinga Bay in the Gulf of St Vincent to the Murray Mouth and Encounter Bay on the Southern Ocean.

There are a total of twenty-one Conservation Parks and Game Reserves on the peninsula. These parks boast an array of natural environments from coastal heath and mallee scrubland to temperate stringybark forests and freshwater wetlands.

The Heysen Trail traverses the peninsula from its beginning at Cape Jervis, along the southern coast through Deep Creek and Newland Head Conservation Parks then inland through Second Valley Forest, Myponga, Yulte and Kyeema Conservation Parks and Kuitpo Forest on its long northern journey.

The major conservation parks of the peninsula, Deep Creek, Newland Head, Myponga, Kyeema and Cox Scrub also offer an extensive network of walking trails to cater for all levels of walkers.

The proximity to Adelaide makes the Fleurieu Peninsula an ideal area for both day and overnight walks. The areas along the southern coast generally offer more temperate summer weather than Adelaide.

Major Walking Areas of the Fleurieu Peninsula