Cycling on Footpaths, Response to New Regulations

Walking SA is the peak body for walking in South Australia representing the diverse range of walking interests of our members as well as the interests of walkers/pedestrians generally.

Whilst promoting increased walking in the community, for a wide range of individual and community benefits, we are concerned fundamentally with the safety of all pedestrians, whether it be those walking in the local neighbourhood through to those hiking in the bush.

We are concerned that cycling on footpaths, as allowed by the new regulations, increases the risk to pedestrians generally, and specifically for those more vulnerable such as children, the elderly and those with disabilities. We are also concerned that the impact of the change will be to discourage walking because of the perceived risks.

We note that there are many existing paths and trails that are for multipurpose users and the need for respect and tolerance between pedestrians and cyclists in these instances is paramount. This is not always the case in practice. Our anecdotal observations are that generally faster commuter cyclists would continue utilising existing shared paths and roads, with and without bike lanes. Those cyclists that do not feel safe in that environment are likely to use footpaths.

Walking SA would prefer for the regulation allowing cycling on footpaths not to have been implemented. Whilst acknowledging it has we would be seeking ways and means to minimise risks to both pedestrians and cyclists using footpaths so that injuries to either do not occur.

We are also concerned that the debate that has occurred around these regulations is of an “us and them” approach whether it be vehicle users and cyclists or cyclists and pedestrians. It is far more important to determine and implement solutions that encourage mutual respect and tolerance than encouraging conflict. There are many benefits to the community in both increased walking and cycling.

We highly recommend that:-

  • There be appropriate speed limits for cyclists on footpaths.
  • There be restrictions on cycling in heavy pedestrian traffic areas.
  • There be an education campaign to ensure appropriate understanding of the regulations and promoting a harmonious approach to footpath use.
  • That there be a campaign to encourage walking of all forms for the benefit of the community.
  • There be a review process to assess the impact of this change and modify as determined.

10 Great Bushwalks Accessible by Public Transport

There are plenty of great hikes accessible by Adelaide Metro bus and train.

We’ve outlined 10 below. Explore more hikes accessible by public transport in our Find a Place to Walk directory by selecting the Transport filter.

Throughout October share your “view from my walk” photo via social media using the hashtag: #walktoberSA

Ten Great Hikes Accessible by Train or Bus

Three Falls Grand Hike, Morialta1.

Three Falls Grand Hike, Morialta

7.3km, 3.5 hours

A hike that visits all three of the waterfalls in Morialta Conservation Park, skirting around the gorge up Fourth Creek past First Falls, Second Falls and Third Falls.

To commence this hike, get off the Adelaide Metro bus at bus stop 27 on Stradbroke Road, and walk up the Fourth Creek Walk to the top carpark.


River Trail, Sturt Gorge2.

River Trail, Sturt Gorge

9.8km, 4-5 hours

The River Trail follows the Sturt River through Sturt Gorge. It explores the rugged beauty of the river, including waterfalls, flowing creeks and rocky gorges.

The trail could be walked one-way by using Adelaide Metro public bus to return, from Bus Stop 28 Main South Road to Bus Stop 37B Coromandel Parade


Brownhill Creek and Belair Hike Loop3.

Brownhill Creek and Belair Hike Loop

13.7km, 3-5 hours

This loop hike traverses the Brownhill Creek valley, through and beyond Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, up the Yurrebilla Trail and into Belair National Park.

Catch the Adelaide Metro train to Belair Train Station (on the Belair Line) and commence walking there. The directions commence from the base of Brownhill Creek, but you could easily start your loop mid way at direction #12, at Belair Train Station.


Mylor to Aldgate Loop along the Heysen Trail4.

Mylor to Aldgate Loop along the Heysen Trail

10.2km, 2-3 hours

A 10km circuit hike along the Heysen Trail, through Mylor Conservation Park and Aldgate Valley.

Commence from Aldgate, walking the Aldgate Valley Nature Walk to Mylor, and returning via the Heysen Trail through remnant woodland in Mylor Conservation Park. Aldgate Valley Nature Walk connects a series of nature reserves and some quiet country lane walking.

Commence this hike from the Adelaide Metro bus stop 42 Mt Barker Road, Aldgate.


Anstey Hill Loop5.

Anstey Hill Loop

7.5km, 2-3 hours

This 7.5km loop walk around Ansteys Hill Recreation Park includes some steep climbs, superb views over the Adelaide Plains, some of the wildlife of the park, and the ruins of Newmans Nursery.

Access this hike from the Adelaide Metro bus stop 51B, North East Road, Tea Tree Gully, on route 557, or the 542 to bus stop 52 North East Road (700m from park entrance).


Lynton Reserve and Sleeps Hill Reserve Loop6.

Lynton Reserve and Sleeps Hill Reserve Loop

5.7km, 2 hours return

A loop walk through the Lynton Reserve and Sleeps Hill Reserve walking trails. The park borders the Adelaide Plains and Belair, providing for some good climbs, city views, and walking through intact Grey Box grassy woodlands.

Access this loop hike from the Lynton Train Station, on the Adelaide Metro Belair Line.


Waterfall Hike7.

Waterfall Hike, Belair National Park

6.5km, 3 hours

The most challenging trail in the park takes you through Echo Tunnel and to the picturesque rock escarpments of the Upper and Lower Waterfalls.

Catch the train to Belair Train Station (on the Adelaide Metro Belair Line) and commence walking there. Follow the Microcarpa Hike to the trailhead near Pines 1 & 2, commencing the Waterfall Hike there.


Mount Lofty to Bridgewater on the Heysen Trail8.

Mount Lofty to Bridgewater on the Heysen Trail

7.5km, 2-3 hours one way (15km return, 4-6 hours return)

Highlight walk of the Heysen Trail, from Mount Lofty Summit, views over Piccadilly Valley, the forest in Mount George Conservation Park, two tunnels, the Fairy Garden in Deanery Reserve and on to Old Bridgewater Mill.

Although this is a one-way hike, public transport can be easily used to avoid returning by the same route, or to avoid using two cars. Catch the Adelaide Metro bus, route 864, from bus stop 46 on Mount Barker Road Summit Road to Crafers Interchange, where you can transfer to an 823 bus service to bu stop 26 at Mount Lofty Summit. The 823 bus only runs 3-4 times a day, so be sure to check out the timetable first.


Shepherds Hill Viaduct Track Loop9.

Shepherds Hill Viaduct Track Loop

6.1km, 2-3 hours

Explore the trails in Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. Follow River Red Gum Loop then through Watiparinga Reserve to the old railway tunnel and viaduct remains.

This hike can be accessed via:


Wine Shanty Hike10.

Wine Shanty Hike, Cleland National Park

10km, 4 hours

A circuit bushwalk through Cleland National Park, through stringbark forest, some steep climbs with gentler sections. Hike past Keirs Ruin, an old farm house abandoned in the 1900s.

Commence this hike at the park entrance gate from the Adelaide Metro Bus Stop 18 on Greenhill Road.


9 Ways to Hike Up Mt Lofty

The well-known and popular Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike is good – short and sweet (code for good, but steep).

There are eight other ways to hike up to the summit of Mt Lofty, outlined below. Some are gentler, some just as steep. Expect to see fewer people but more koalas and kangaroos.

Throughout October share your “view from my walk” photo via social media using the hashtag: #walktoberSA

Explore more walks in the 785 walks in our Find a Place to Walk directory.

Nine Ways to Hike Up Mt Lofty

Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike

Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike

3.9km, 1.5 – 3 hours return.

The most well known and popular walking trail up Mt Lofty, with a cafe at each end, a well made path and regular seating. It’s a great trail, but can be very busy.

We’ve outlined some alternatives below.


Steub Trail to Mt Lofty Summit

Steub Trail to Mt Lofty Summit

7km return, 3 hours

The Steub Trail gently climbs through heathy forest woodland communities from the Cleland Wildlife Park to Mount Lofty Summit. The trail is suitable for walking, prams, trail-running and mountain bikers. The trail has gentle, low-gradient access making it possible for those with reduced mobility to reach the summit.


Mt Lofty Summit from Chambers Gully

Mt Lofty Summit from Chambers Gully

15km return, 3-5 hours

This is our favourite alternate way to hike up Mt Lofty. Enjoy the cool sanctuary of Chambers Gully. This route joins the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike 600m from the top.


Heysen Trail Mt Lofty circuit

Heysen Trail Mt Lofty circuit

7.5km, 3-5 hours

Experience a Heysen Trail highlight on this 7.5km loop hike. The hike includes the summit of Mt Lofty, quaint cottages and small-scale farming in Piccadilly Valley, a walk through the Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens, and the stringybark forests of Cleland National Park.

We suggest walking clockwise for the easier gradients.

You could begin by parking in Mt Lofty Botanic Gardens (parking fees apply), or at a small parking area near Bus Stop 25 Summit Rd.


Mount Lofty to Bridgewater on the Heysen Trail

Mount Lofty to Bridgewater on the Heysen Trail

7.5km, 2-3 hours one way (15km return, 4-6 hours return)

Walk to Mt Lofty Summit from Bridgewater along the Heysen Trail. Walk through two tunnels, the Fairy Garden in Deanery Reserve, and through the tall forested Mt George Conservation Park. The final approach up the summit is steep, but the trail here is well made. Use Adelaide Metro bus services to walk one way, and catch the bus back.


Loop from Measdays Lookout along Adventure Trail and Measdays Hike

Loop from Measdays Lookout along Adventure Trail and Measdays Hike

6.8km, 2-3 hours

This route is serene. A walk from Measdays Lookout, along the Measdays Hike, an unnamed single track walking trail that passes a waterfall, and descend through the forest along Chinamans Hut Track on the Adventure Hike.

When you reach Attunga Track, continue along Chinamans Track to join the Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty summit hike 600m from the top.


Wine Shanty Hike

Wine Shanty Hike

10km, 4 hours

A circuit bushwalk in Cleland National Park, meandering through stringbark forest, some steep climbs with gentler sections. Hike past Keirs Ruin, an old farm house abandoned in the 1900s.

Use the Lodge Track to access Mt Lofty Summit, adding an extra 1.4km one way to the hike.


Adventure Trail from Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit

Adventure Trail from Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit

10km return, 3 hours

This hike provides an alternative route to Mt Lofty Summit from Waterfall Gully. Enjoy the forests as the fire track follows the ridges up Chinamans Hut Track.


Main St Crafers to Mt Lofty Summit

Main St Crafers to Mt Lofty Summit

4.5km, 2 hours one-way

The 4.5km walking track from Crafers to the Mt Lofty summit takes a different approach. Starting in Main Street Crafers, you are already high up. This gentle trail follows the backstreets through Crafers, past historic homes, then quiet walking paths winding through the forest. Option to use Adelaide Metro bus to hike one way, and return by bus.


2014/2015 Annual Report

Walking SA 2014-15 Annual ReportRead our Annual Report.

Highlights include:

  • nine highlights of the past year
  • read about the year’s achievements in the Chair’s Report
  • vision for a new walking trail: Adelaide100
  • 2015 Trails Audit
  • Members Survey
  • Trails walker statistics: Traker Tally Report
  • an overview of our membership
  • report from our new Executive Officer
  • Treasurers Report

7 Great Hikes for Warm Days

Warmer days don’t necessarily mean there are no opportunities for walking. Why not try a shorter hike, and start off early in the morning.

Throughout October share your “view from my walk” photo via social media using the hashtag: #walktoberSA

Explore more walks in the 150 walks in our Find a Place to Walk directory.

Seven Great Hikes for Warm Days

Wirraparinga Trail Loop, Brownhill Creek

Wirraparinga Trail Loop, Brownhill Creek

5.4km, 2 hours

The Wirraparinga Trail Loop meanders along the Brownhill Creek valley, through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A narrow creek flows through the steep-sided valley, with majestic river red gums, some more than 300 years old.


Measday Hike

Measday Hike, Cleland National Park

4.8km, 2 hours

Venture into the southern-most parts of the park, along this secluded track. Enjoy views over the gully below from the well-made track before plunging down to explore it at ground level.


Valley Loop Hike, Belair National Park

Valley Loop Hike, Belair National Park

3km, 1 hour

Follows the forested banks and lower slopes of Minnow Creek and passes the Railway Dam, with ducks and seating. The trail is suitable for most strollers.


River Red Gum Loop, Shepherds Hill Recreation Park

River Red Gum Loop, Shepherds Hill Recreation Park

2.3km, 1 hour

Explore the river red gums and wildlife along Viaduct Creek on this loop walk. A wide well-made trail suitable for prams which is shared with beginner-level cyclists.


Newman’s Nursery Ruins Walk

Newman’s Nursery Ruins Walk, Anstey Hill Recreation Park

3km, 1 hour return

A walk along Water Gully to the ruins of Newsmans Nursery. Established in 1854, the extensive nursery ruins were once the largest nursery in the southern hemisphere.


Aldgate Valley Nature Walk

Aldgate Valley Nature Walk

13.6km, 3.5 hour return

A walking trail connecting a series of nature reserves and some quiet country lane walking. The reserves and native bushland are home to Southern Brown Bandicoots, kangaroos, possums, echidnas and koalas.


Hallett Cove Boardwalk / Marion Coastal Walking Trail

Hallett Cove Boardwalk / Marion Coastal Walking Trail

7km

A clifftop boardwalk along the rocky coastline between Marino and Hallett Cove. There are lots of options as to how long to make this walk.


Bushwalk eMag Focuses on South Australian Walks

Bushwalk.com eMag October edition cover - Best South Australian WalksBushwalk.com has released their latest eMag – this month features on South Australia’s Best Walks, as voted by locals. We took up the opportunity to write the introduction for the featured walks.

The edition also features other SA focus articles:

Other articles include:

Innes National Park is the Parks SA Park of the Month (October 2015)

Innes National Park is the Parks SA Park of the Month (October 2015).

The park, on the Yorke Peninsula, is defined by spectacular coastal landscapes with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches that provide a beautiful backdrop to the Park.

Located 3.5 hours from Adelaide, it is a popular spring and summer destination for camping.

Check out Nature Play’s 20 Things to Discover in Innnes.

Here’s a short selection of great hikes in Innes National Park

Cape Spencer Lighthouse Walk

Cape Spencer Lighthouse Walk

600m, 1 hour return

This short walk provides spectacular views from Cape Spencer, including of the Althorpe Islands.


West Cape Headland Hike

West Cape Headland Hike

1.2km, 2 hours

A short hike taking in spectacular coastal views across the Spencer Gulf Marine Park & off-shore islands. 360 degree lookout just 100 metres down trail.


Inneston Historic Walk

Inneston Historic Walk

2km, 1 hour

Explore the ruins of the old mining town of Inneston. This popular trail takes you back to the early 1900s and the gypsum-mining era. Interpretive signs tell the story of the close-knit community of Inneston. Beware of unstable ruins.


Royston Head Hike

Royston Head Hike

5km, 2 hours

Experience amazing views of the rugged peninsula coast from the lookout point on the cliffs at Royston Head, including views of Wedge Island (32km west).


Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail Hike

Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail Hike

7.6km, 3 hours return

This hike follows the old wooden railway line that runs from Inneston to Stenhouse Bay, with a series of interpretive signs depicting the local environment and history.


Gym Beach Hike

Gym Beach Hike

12km, 4 hours

A hike through the unique flora and high sand dune areas between Browns Beach and Gym Beach. You may see a variety of birdlife and native orchids as you pass through the dense mallee vegetation.