Best summit hikes in South Australia

Hiking up to the summit of a mountain can be a rewarding experience. On the walk up you might wonder why you undertook such an adventure, but often reaching the summit is exhilarating.

We’ve outlined some of the best summit hikes in SA below.

Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with #WalktoberSA. View other lists of Best Walks.

14 of the Best Mountain Hikes in SA

Ridge Trail, Mount George Conservation Park1.

Ridge Trail, Mount George Conservation Park

2.4km, 2 hours

A short hike along fire tracks & walking trails, through a secluded forest to the summit of Mt George, with magnificent views from a rocky outcrop lookout.

Where: Located just off the freeway near Bridgewater, the hike makes an ideal evening adventure.

When to Hike: The park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.

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Walking events for the end of October – WalktoberSA

Find a walking event near you, social share

October is WalktoberSA – we’re celebrating walking throughout South Australia.

There are plenty of walking events to join in, here are some great events to get out this weekend to enjoy walking:

  • Sun 29/10: Walk in the Vines

    Healthy Active Lifestyles Onkaparinga (HALO) invites you to a morning of FREE fun and physical activity by participating in walk in the vines. Enjoy the beautiful Coast to Vines Rail Trail in McLaren Vale wine region and celebrate Walktober.

    – 4km or 6km (allow 1 to 2 hours depending on distance)
    – Level of difficulty: Easy

    View event details

  • Sun 29/10: Trailblazer by the Sea

    A coastal walk or run (5km, 8km, 28km or 50km) from Semaphore to Hallett Cove. All abilities and ages welcome. Teams or individuals.

    View event details

  • Sun 29/10: Onkaparinga River National Park by Friends of the Heysen Trail

    Explore the Nature Trail and new ridge walk Punchbowl Link Trail out to the Lookout, hosted by the Friends of the Heysen Trail. Walk fee $8, u18 $1.

    View event details

  • Sun 29/10: Belair National Park by Friends of the Heysen Trail

    A pleasant loop walk through and around the Park, up and down a few hills, on and off track and mostly away from the more popular trails in the Park. Hosted by the Friends of the Heysen Trail. Walk fee $8, u18 $1.

    View event details

  • Throughout October: Heart Foundation Walking Groups

    With many groups throughout SA, at different times and locations, this is a fun, social and easy way to get active. Join Australia’s largest network of free community-based walking groups, with walks from 30 minutes to several hours. Groups for all sorts of people, paces and places: over-50s, parents and prams, workplaces, cultural groups and more. Beginners welcome. Find walking groups close to you by entering your postcode into the Find a Walk search.

    View event details

  • Last minute opportunity!
    Oct 31 to Nov 6: Conquer KI Wilderness Trek

    Arthritis SA has one last minute vacancy on its amazing 7 day kangaroo island Wilderness trek. The walk is fully catered with tent sleeping on 4 nights and hotel accommodation. No fund raising required. Normally $2,500 all inclusive – available for $1,500.

    Contact Julie Black, CEO, Arthritis SA: julie.black@arthritissa.org.au

    The remote and spectacular new Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail will be traversed by a small band of people to draw attention to arthritis and raise money for research into treatments.

    View event details

Share your “view from my walk” for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October

Share your “view from my walk” photo using #walktoberSA for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October.

Take a walk in a nearby park, along the beach, along a river, in a national park or on your walk to work – anywhere in #SouthAustralia. October is ideal for walking – the temperatures are mild and the evenings are getting longer.

The weekly prizes for the fourth week, thanks to Rays, is a chance to win a $250 voucher. With Rays you can find gear to go for a hike, a paddle, or camp, and outdoor clothing and footwear for men, women and kids.

This week’s prizes will be drawn Monday 30/10/17.

Last week’s winners were announced just now on Facebook and Instagram, and the winning photos are displayed below.

Good luck and enjoy a walk! You’re just two feet from some of the best places in South Australia.

Enter via Instagram or Twitter. Facebook users can post direct to our page to share their photo.

View T&C.

The competition is part of Walktober SA – celebrating walking throughout October.

Week 3’s Winners

The winners for the third week of October, thanks to National Parks and Wildlife Service SA, have one of 6 National Parks Passes or one of two 2 Family Passes for Cleland Wildlife Park. Walk, cycle, holiday, hike, camp, 4WD, swim and more in inspiring natural places. From seemingly endless red sand dunes to rugged mountain scenery, sandy beaches, diverse bushland and cherished picnic and camping grounds, South Australia boasts an extensive and comprehensive parks system.

Share your “view from my walk” for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October

Share your “view from my walk” photo using #walktoberSA for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October.

Take a walk in a nearby park, along the beach, along a river, in a national park or on your walk to work – anywhere in South Australia. October is ideal for walking – the temperatures are mild and the evenings are getting longer.

The weekly prizes for the third week, thanks to National Parks and Wildlife Service SA, is a chance to win one of 6 National Parks Passes or 2 Family Passes for Cleland Wildlife Park. Walk, cycle, holiday, hike, camp, 4WD, swim and more in inspiring natural places. From seemingly endless red sand dunes to rugged mountain scenery, sandy beaches, diverse bushland and cherished picnic and camping grounds, South Australia boasts an extensive and comprehensive parks system.

This week’s prizes will be drawn Sunday 23/10/17.

Last week’s winners were announced yesterday on Facebook and Instagram.

Good luck and enjoy a walk! You’re just two feet from some of the best places in South Australia.

Enter via Instagram or Twitter. Facebook users can post direct to the Walking SA Facebook page to share their photo.

View T&C.

The competition is part of #walktoberSA – celebrating walking throughout October.

2017 Walking Awards recognising contributions to walking in South Australia

Liz O’Shea accepting her Walking SA Walking Award for Longstanding Contribution /Distinguished Service Award – Individual

Many volunteers and others have contributed to South Australia’s great walking trails, walking clubs, and walking promotion and opportunities for health, wellbeing, recreation and tourism.

In its second year, last night’s annual awards at Plant 4 Bowden recognised sustained and outstanding contribution to walking at all levels throughout South Australia.

Awards were presented to 19 organisations and individuals, celebrating their contribution to walking in SA.

If you know of someone who should be considered for 2018’s awards please do consider nominating them, we’re accepting nominations throughout the year.

2017 Annual Walking Award Winners

2017 Award Winner: Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

2017 Special Recognition Award – Group/Organisation

DEWNR has enhanced the development of walking in South Australia with the vision and implementation of this significant walking trail. …

2017 Award Winner: City of Salisbury

City of Salisbury

2017 Local Government Award – Organisation

The City of Salisbury has developed and delivered the Green Trails Masterplan to deliver cross-city (and beyond) trails including the Little Para River Linear Trail and Dry Creek Trails. In late 2016 the City of Salisbury opened the Lowie’s Loop Nature Play Trail at the Boardwalk at Greentree …

2017 Award Winner: City of Charles Sturt

City of Charles Sturt

2017 Local Government Award – Organisation

The City of Charles Sturt is demonstrating an ongoing commitment to improving walking infrastructure in the delivery of the Grange Lakes Shared Use Path. The strategic vision for this Accessible path is to create links between recreational and historic sites, public transport and other walking …

2017 Award Winner: District Council of Elliston

District Council of Elliston

2017 Local Government Award – Organisation

The District Council of Elliston has completed the Elliston Coastal Trail, a series of connected trail loops on the shores of spectacular Waterloo Bay between some of the most dramatic coastline on the Eyre Peninsula. With gentle well formed compact tracks over much of the four trail options, …

2017 Award Winner: District Council of Robe

District Council of Robe

2017 Local Government Award – Organisation

The District Council of Robe has formalized and consolidated the many informal walking trails through the coastal dunes and cliff tops around the Robe township into one trail. By surfacing the trail and controlling the access through the coastal areas the safety of trail users and enviromental …

2017 Award Winner: South Australian Recreation Trails Incorporated

South Australian Recreation Trails Incorporated

2017 Special Recognition Award – Group/Organisation

South Australian Recreation Trails have brought to life the vision of walking in the hills to the east of the Mt Lofty Ranges. The dedicated group of volunteers have engaged with local councils, landowners, community groups and local businesses to plan and implement the trail over a series of …

2017 Award Winner: Ian Pool, South Australian Recreation Trails Incorporated

Ian Pool, South Australian Recreation Trails Incorporated

2017 Special Recognition Award – Individual

Major contributor preventing the Lavender Federation Trail from stalling in 2004 The Lavender Federation Trail originally a part of Terry Lavenders vision of a long distance walking trail predominantly to the east of the Mt Lofty Ranges by 2004 had reached Tungkillo after planning started in …

2017 Award Winner: Chris Bushell, South Australian Recreation Trails Inc, Walking SA and ARPA Bushwalkers

Chris Bushell, South Australian Recreation Trails Inc, Walking SA and ARPA Bushwalkers

2017 Special Recognition Award – Individual

Chris has made significant and ongoing contributions over the past 13 years to South Australian Recreation Trails Inc who have been developing and implementing the Lavendar Federation Trail. With his past work with ARPA Bushwalkers and Walking SA he is recognised for this Special Recognition Award. …

2017 Award Winner: David Beaton, Friends of the Heysen Trail

David Beaton, Friends of the Heysen Trail

2017 Special Recognition Award – Individual

David first joined the Friends of the Heysen Trail in 1996, serving on their Council and volunteering at their office. In 2000 he was instrumental in the vision of providing a program for people to walk the entire 1,200km Heysen Trail in a series of supported day and weekend walks. The first …

2017 Award Winner: Denise Adams, Gawler Bushwalkers

Denise Adams, Gawler Bushwalkers

2017 Special Recognition Award – Individual

In 1995 Denise started the Gawler Bushwalking Club, leading walks and serving on the Committee in various roles. Now 22 years old, that vision has lead to a group of up to 25 local walkers participating on the fortnight hikes. …

2017 Award Winner: Gordon Begg, Bushwalking Leadership SA

Gordon Begg, Bushwalking Leadership SA

2017 Special Recognition Award – Individual

Gordon has spent many years volunteering and contributing to the management and ongoing operations of Bushwalking Leadership South Australia. The program has been training bushwalking leaders in South Australia since 1973, setting the training standards to a high level with a proud safety …

2017 Award Winner: Carlien Melrose, ARPA Bushwalkers

Carlien Melrose, ARPA Bushwalkers

2017 Special Recognition Award – Individual

Carlien was a founding member of ARPA Bushwalkers, and has gone on to inspire and assisted countless walkers with training programmes and suggestions for walks. …

2017 Award Winner: Des Barnett, ARPA Bushwalkers

Des Barnett, ARPA Bushwalkers

2017 Special Recognition Award – Individual

Des lead the first group of ARPA Bushwalkers to walk the length of the iconic 1,200km Heysen Trail. He has made valuable contributions to ARPA Bushwalkers by instigating summer camps in the Victorian and NSW High Country, organising the Heysen 2000 – where the whole Heysen Trail was walked in …

2017 Award Winner: Joan Mooney, ARPA Bushwalkers

Joan Mooney, ARPA Bushwalkers

2017 Special Recognition Award – Individual

Joan has made valuable contributions to ARPA Bushwalkers by serving on the
Committee, representing ARPA on the Walking Federation Board (now Walking SA), leading a Heysen 4 group, leading many day walks at all levels and assisting on a number of walking camps. …

2017 Award Winner: Jeremy Carter, Walking SA and Friends of the Heysen Trail

Jeremy Carter, Walking SA and Friends of the Heysen Trail

2017 Special Recognition Award – Individual

Jeremy has been a long standing member of the Friends of the Heysen Trail as well as Walking SA and has contributed widely to active promotion of walking in nature. Most specifically his website skills in developing sites for each of the Friends and Walking SA has ensured that the walking …

2017 Award Winner: Liz O’Shea, Walking SA, WEA Ramblers and the Friends of the Heysen Trail

Liz O’Shea, Walking SA, WEA Ramblers and the Friends of the Heysen Trail

2017 Longstanding Contribution /Distinguished Service Award – Individual

Liz joined the WEA Ramblers Bushwalking Club in 1979, and has since completed over 500 club hikes, and lead over 60 of these. She has served on their Committee, as well as the with the Friends of the Heysen Trail. She made a significant contribution to Walking SA by serving on our committees …

2017 Award Winner: Ron Jackson APM, Walking SA and Keep Walking

Ron Jackson APM, Walking SA and Keep Walking

2017 Longstanding Contribution /Distinguished Service Award – Individual

Although a relatively latecomer to organised walking, after retiring from the SA Police Ron devoted his considerable energy and creativity to the promotion and facilitation of better walking for all. For several years he was a very active committee member and in 2011 as the President of Walking …

2017 Award Winner: John Eaton, Walking SA and Retired Teachers Walking Group

John Eaton, Walking SA and Retired Teachers Walking Group

2017 Longstanding Contribution /Distinguished Service Award – Individual

John has saved many a potential walking route from being lost from public hands. He has spent many years working with Thelma Anderson on the Walking SA Trails Access Committee manually checking Government Gazettes to find and review potential road reserve closures that would impact on walking …

2017 Award Winner: Simon Cameron, Friends of the Heysen Trail

Simon Cameron, Friends of the Heysen Trail

2017 Longstanding Contribution /Distinguished Service Award – Individual

Simon has been an active member of the Friends of the Heysen Trail since he joined in 2001. Prior to this he was an active member and walk leader of Adelaide Bushwalkers (ABW). Simon joined at a time of growth of the Friends, promoting the Trail and walking, leading an End-to-End group and …

2016/17 Annual Report and Report on AGM

Walking SA 2016-17 Annual ReportWalking SA held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 12th October at Plant 4 Bowden, with a healthy attendance of member clubs, organisations and individuals. We greatly appreciate the attendance and engagement with those there on the night.

The AGM followed the presentation of the Walking Awards and was a relatively straight forward meeting.

Sean Benz, Senior Ranger, Visitor Services, Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges, from National Parks and Wildlife Service SA gave a presentation about how the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) has been working with Walking SA and other park user groups to encourage more people to use our parks

Sean Benz, Senior Ranger, Visitor Services, Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges, from National Parks and Wildlife Service SA

The AGM was preceeded by a presentation from Sean Benz, Senior Ranger, Visitor Services from National Parks and Wildlife Service SA (Natural Resources Adelaide & Mt Lofty Ranges, and Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources. Sean spoke about how DEWNR has been working with Walking SA and other park user groups to encourage more people to use our parks. He also outlined some future focus areas including autism friendly parks; trails and activities for accessibility and inclusion; developing more partnerships. His speech was followed by a Q&A session where some of our members were able to raise and discuss issues.

We’re delighted to appoint four new members to our Board. The range of skills and expertise complement the existing Board, and help towards the vision of representing and advocating all forms of walking including for health, transport and leisure.

  • Tuesday Udell
    We welcome Tuesday to the Board, which will bring her perspective on walking for health and transport. As Senior Policy Advisor with the Heart Foundation, she has a strong history of advocacy and creating healthy liveable neighbourhoods. With her experience in working with state and local government, policy development and strategic planning, she will strengthen the position and advocacy work of Walking SA.
  • Ian Radbone
    Ian is a welcome addition to the Board, broadening our perspective on walking for health and transport. With a background in transport research, public sector management and planning at the University of South Australia and in all three levels of government, he has a wealth of experience in transport planning, advocacy and policy development. He is a keen cyclist, and is a past Chair of the Bicycle Institute SA, which advocates for a safe and pleasant environment for transport cyclists in South Australia. He is also a former president of the SA divisions of the Planning Institute of Australia and the Australian Institute of Urban Studies.
  • Nola Bellenger
    With 10 years experience in her weight loss and fitness business, Nola is a welcome addition to the Board. With a Degree in Recreation Planning and Management, she describes herself – and we agree with the experience – as happiest when she is out walking.
  • Ben Trewren
    Ben shows a great passion for the outdoors through his work in bushwalk leadership with Scouts SA and with at-risk youth in Operations Flinders. As a committee member on the Recreation SA Outdoors Committee, he brings a perspective representing bushwalking leadership. With employment in marketing and business development with Snowys Outdoors, he will be be a valuable addition to the Board.

We thank the work of our retiring Board Members:

  • Alan Bundy
    We thank Alan for his work with Walking SA over recent years, making valuable contributions and conceiving and bringing to fruition the annual walking awards.
  • Melanie Smith
    We thank Mel for her work with Walking SA since 2013. She has brought an excellent perspective with her background in public policy development in health. She is still nearby though, as we share our office space with Active Ageing Australia, to whom Mel is the Chief Executive.

The 2016/17 Annual Report was distributed at the AGM and Wendy, Chair of Walking SA, spoke to the report identifying a range of highlights as well as challenges, facing Walking SA and the walking community. View the 2016/17 Annual Report.

Highlights include:

  • Highlights of the past year
  • read about the year’s achievements in the Chair’s Report
  • Strategic Plan, 2017-19
  • Events: Walktober and April’s Hiking Expo
  • an overview of our membership
  • report from our new Executive Officer
  • Treasurers Report

Take a walk – the perfect way to clear your mind and balance life

We chatted with Chris “Savvy” Savill, from the Hills Hikers Walking Group, and he told us of his experience of walking and how it helped him to think things through and clear his mind during hard times, which is timely given that this week is Mental Health Week.

He shared this video and writes:

Sitting comfortably there? Are you snug in your home? Look out the window. Out there you will see one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, and it’s right on your doorstep. I don’t know about you, but just the thought of that alone excites me, and fills me with the urge to get out there to explore. There are many ways to navigate the amazing landscape of South Australia and beyond, but the best way by far is on foot. When walking or hiking, one is in constant contact with their surroundings, which stimulates every single one of the senses.

There are many benefits to walking. Of course, everyone knows that it’s good for you physically as it keeps you fit and gets your heart pumping, but walking is also very good for your mental health as well. Many entrepreneurs and successful business people such as Sir Richard Branson go walking when they need to make important decisions. Sir Richard often skips having business meetings in a boardroom like most people, and instead opts for a “walking meeting” – as walking helps stimulate the brain which in turn leads to a clearer thought process.

Walking is amazing for your mental wellbeing. If you have depression or are going through a rough spot in your life, try spending some time outside and taking a walk, surrounding yourself with nature. This helps to get away from the distractions of everyday things and to clear your mind. Walking soothes the soul, and is very therapeutic.

I recently myself went though some hard times, and walking was my “go to” thing. It helped me think things through and it really cleared my head of all the problems that were fogging my mind. I literally walked my way out of depression.

I also use walking to “unwind” from my busy lifestyle. I work in mainstream media as part of a TV crew, which can be a high pressure job at times, and extremely stressful, so just getting outside and going for a walk – if its just a couple of kilometres, or a long day hike- is a great way for me to relax.

I mentioned before how diverse the Australian landscape can be, and what I love about hiking in South Australia is how easy it is to experience this diversity in one’s local area. You can experience walking through the serenity of Kuipto Forest and surround yourself with the towering trees, or you can visit the rugged bushland of Morialta Conservation Park and clamber over the rocks. Alternatively, you can head a little further north and experience the untouched landscape of the outback that’s just begging to be explored. There’s an added bonus to walking as well, which is that you get to see and experience an array of different wildlife that also calls South Australia home. A lot of people take the wildlife for granted, but take a moment to ponder that… most of the animals here are unique to Australia – it’s the only place you can see them in the world. Experience them with your eyes though, not your hands.

Walking has totally improved me as a person in many ways. I am naturally the “outdoors type” and have been trained in survival, navigation, first aid and have an expedition qualification thanks to my ex-military days. Walking and hiking has kept my skills up to scratch, and over the years with thanks to technological advancements, it easy to use technology to also enhance your outdoor experience by following guided walks on your smart device, and using it as a navigational tool, and power these devices by using small portable solar panels when they need a recharge. However, it’s easy to forget that we shouldn’t be 100% reliant on that smart device as there may be poor signal reception, or none at all down that beaten track. Pack the old school map as well.

I have made many friends from walking, as it’s a great way to socialise. I had more and more people ask to come along for walks with me, which led me to creating my own walking group that I have lovingly called “the Hills Hikers” (You can find us on Facebook).

Walking is even better when you can share the experience with friends! So grab your walking buddy and hit those trails. Use Walking SA’s WalktoberSA as a launching pad to experience the exciting. See you out on the trails. Maybe our paths will cross, who knows… but if they do, I will give you a high five as we pass!

Chris “Savvy” Savill
Hills Hikers Walking Group | Savill Sound

Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with WalktoberSA. Looking for somewhere to walk or hike? Check out our lists of best walks and hikes.

Share your “view from my walk” for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October

Share your “view from my walk” for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout OctoberShare your “view from my walk” photo using #walktoberSA for a chance to win a weekly prize throughout October.

Take a walk in a nearby park, along the beach, along a river, in a national park or on your walk to work – anywhere in South Australia. October is ideal for walking – the temperatures are mild and the evenings are getting longer.

The weekly prizes for the first week, thanks to ioMerino are two $50 vouchers. ioMerino not only make natural, lightweight, breathable, all-weather layers that will keep you comfortable for longer, they also happen to be a local South Australian company!

This week’s prizes will be drawn Sunday 15/10/17.

Last week’s winners were announced yesterday on Facebook and Instagram.

Good luck and enjoy a walk! You’re just two feet from some of the best places in South Australia.

Enter via Instagram or Twitter. Facebook users can post direct to the Walking SA Facebook page to share their photo.

View T&C.

The competition is part of #walktoberSA – celebrating walking throughout October.

Walking events in the second week of October – WalktoberSA

Find a walking event near you, social share

October is WalktoberSA – we’re celebrating walking throughout South Australia.

There are plenty of walking events to join in, here are some great events for the first week of October:

  • Fri 6/10: Diabetes Australia Walk to Work Day

    People who walk before or during work are generally healthier, more productive and less likely to be sick or absent. It’s in the best interests of all individuals and organisations to build walking into their daily routine and support the Walk to Work program.

    View event details

  • Sat 7/10: Operation Flinders Challenge

    A choice of 15, 31, 57 or 85km distances to tackle in teams of two, three or four. Individuals can walk the 15km & 31km distances. It’s your chance to have fun, get fit and support a great cause. All funds raised from this event will solely support the Operation Flinders Foundation, helping transform the lives of young people “at risk”.
    Registrations close soon.

    View event details

  • Launch of the Mark Bonnin Walking TrailSat 7/10: Launch of the Mark Bonnin Walking Trail at Hiltaba Nature Reserve

    Nature Foundation SA is celebrating the opening of their fourth walking trail in Hiltaba Nature Reserve. The trail is dedicated to Dr Mark Bonnin AM, one of the founders of Nature Foundation SA. Enjoy guided walks of the Mark Bonnin Trail, followed by lunch on the Trail.

    View event details

  • Mount Lofty Ranges Trail, logo squareSun 8/10: Rising from the Ashes, Official Opening of the Kersbrook Trails Network

    These four trails around the Kersbrook forest were ready to be opened in April 2015, but were damaged in the Sampson Flat bushfire. All has been repaired and the trail network will be officially opened with guided walks to experience the new trails. Meet at the central Kersbook Hall to join a walk.

    View event details

  • Heart Foundation WalkingThroughout October: Heart Foundation Walking Groups

    With many groups throughout SA, at different times and locations, this is a fun, social and easy way to get active. Join Australia’s largest network of free community-based walking groups, with walks from 30 minutes to several hours. Groups for all sorts of people, paces and places: over-50s, parents and prams, workplaces, cultural groups and more. Beginners welcome. Find walking groups close to you by entering your postcode into the Find a Walk search.

  • Sun 8/10: Hike the final 15km of the Heysen Trail with us for Beyond Blue!

    Camp Pack Co-founders, Kirstie and Shane, are hiking the 1200km Heysen Trail in South Australia for Beyond Blue and The MS Society of SA and NT and you can get involved. Join The Friends of the Heysen in Cape Jervis on Sunday 8th October, and jump on the bus to Cobblers Hill to hike the final 15km into Cape Jervis (and to your car) with us!

    View event details

  • Until October 15: North Terrace Tree Trail – ages 3 to 12 years

    The North Terrace Tree Trail is a celebration of street trees in our city and the many benefits they provide! The self-guided trail showcases 20 amazing trees in the heart of our city along North Terrace between Kintore Avenue and Frome Road. Pick up or print out the North Terrace Tree Trail Wayfinding Map and Activity Sheet and follow the trail to meet the trees and learn about how trees cool our city, provide shade, habitat, clean air and much much more!

    View details

  • Spring Bush Walk in Monarto ZooThurs 12/10: Spring Bush Walk in Monarto Zoo

    Monarto Zoo has 10km of walking tracks meandering through some magnificent areas of remnant native vegetation, often overlooked by many zoo visitors. This special opportunity to experience a Spring bushwalk will be hosted by former Zoos SA President Heather Caddick who continues to be a passionate supporter of the zoo and has been a volunteer for many years.

    View event details

  •  Trails Less Travelled: Hike Mt Lofty from a different directionSun 15/10: Trails Less Travelled: Hike Mt Lofty from a different direction

    Join one of 10 guided hikes exploring different trails up to Mt Lofty summit. Registration is free. Self-guided walks also available – maps provided in the days prior. Hiking Expo at Mt Lofty summit forecourt from 10:30am to 3:30pm, free entry.

    View event details

View more events at walkingsa.org.au/walktober

Know of other walk events in October not listed? Contact us to have the walk event listed.

Walking SA is seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the Board

Walking SA is seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the Board.

Our vision is to see more people walking more often.

Help us to raise the profile of walking and increase the participation rate.

We welcome nominations from people with experience or background in:

  • Recreational walking including hiking and walking
  • Policy development around walking, including walking for health, leisure and transport
  • anyone concerned with improving walking awareness and opportunities for all in South Australia

Walking SA is the not-for-profit peak body that leads, promotes and supports all forms of walking in South Australia, including walking for recreation, transport, health, wellbeing, organised events, adventure, environmental appreciation and fun experiences.

Our members include walking clubs, informal groups, individuals and organisations whose aims and objectives align with those of Walking SA.

We provide leadership by:

  • Promoting opportunities to improve the health and lifestyle of South Australians through walking.
  • Offering expertise, guidance and advocacy for the development and maintenance of safe and supportive walking environments throughout South Australia.

Interested people are invited to read our Strategic Plan 2017-2019.

The election of Board Members will take place at the Annual General Meeting:

The vacancies are for a two year term. The Board meets on the second Thursday evening of each month, with intentions to move to a bi-monthly meeting model. The Board meets at Walking SA’s office in Marleston. The positions are voluntary roles and are unpaid.

Make a difference to help all South Australians discover the role different forms of walking can play in their health and wellbeing.

To nominate for the Board, please download the Nomination From and return by email office@walkingsa.org.au by Tuesday 10th October 2017.

Best Overnight Hikes in South Australia

South Australia has many great trails to undertake multi-day hikes on and camp out along the way, we’ve listed some great 2-3 day treks and 5 day treks below.

Spend your days hiking and watch the sunset, sleeping in a tent and waking up to a chorus of birdlife on some of these spectacular hikes.

Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with walktoberSA. Watch out for some more lists of best walks and hikes throughout the month.

9 hikes to hike on trails and camp out

Hidden Gorge Hike, Mambray Creek1.

Hidden Gorge Hike, Mambray Creek

2 days

Ok, so you can do this hike as a single day loop, but why, when you can camp in the secret Hidden Gorge hikers-only campsite and experience the tranquility of Hidden Gorge by yourself.

Day 1: Mambray Creek to Hidden Gorge Campsite via Mambray and Alligator Creeks, 10.2km / 3-4 hours
Day 2: Hidden Gorge Campsite to Mambray Creek via the Battery, 7.3km / 3 hours

Discover the deep narrow gorge that is Hidden Gorge, and magnificent views from the high Battery ridge.

Where: 3 hours drive north of Adelaide in Mount Remarkable National Park.

When to hike: from May to October. Overnight hikes in Mount Remarkable National Park are not permitted during the Fire Danger Season, usually 1 November to 30 April.


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