Adelaide and South Australia has many walking trails and hiking paths that are accessible to prams, strollers and people with mobility issues, including wheelchairs. We’ve outlined some of the best ones below.
The walks can also be great for children to ride their bikes along with their parents walking beside them.
We’ve broken the list down into 3 sections:
- Adelaide Metro Area (29 walks)
- Bush Walks (13 hikes)
- Regional South Australia (8 walks)
Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with #WalktoberSA.
Here’s a short selection of great hikes
Section 1 of 3. Adelaide Metro Area
1.
Adelaide Park Lands Trail
Series of connected walking and cycling trails through the parklands which loop around the city. Bisected by the River Torrens, offering the option to do either the southern or northern loops and loop back via the river.
- Full circuit (around south Adelaide and North Adelaide): 18.1km
- southern Adelaide circuit, using Torrens River to link up: 16km
- North Adelaide circuit, using Torrens River to link up: 9km
The trail is an initiative of Adelaide City Council, who describe the trail as: “The trail is suitable for basic riders, family groups and mobility aid users.”
2.
River Torrens Linear Trail, West Beach to Adelaide CBD to Athelstone
The trail follows 30km of Torrens River. Walk a section of the trail as a circuit by walking down one side of the river, and returning on the other side.
At least one side of the river is always a compacted surface and accessible to prams and wheelchairs, however some sections – especially upstream – can have steeper inclines.
3.
Coast to Vines Rail Trail including the Shiraz Trail
This 32km trail follows an old railway corridor. The section from McLaren Vale to Willunga is known as the Shiraz Trail.
The City of Onkaparinga describes the trail as a “shared use path built to Australian Standard and while generally suitable for wheelchair users and others with special mobility needs, some sections may not be owing to the grade or surface of the path.”
4.
Smith Creek Trail
3km, 2 hours one-way
A family-friendly 3km path that winds its way from Smithfield Plains, near the train station, to Stebonheath Park at Andrews Farm. There is artwork, bollards and other points of interest along the way.
The trail is an intiative of the City of Playford. In terms of accessibility, they describe the trail as: “perfect for walking, scooting or cycling.”
5.
Laratinga Wetlands
2km, 15mins – 45mins
There are 3 marked walking trails within the wetlands, with a fourth trail (Linear Trail) exiting the park and heading into Mt Barker. The pathways around the wetlands are constructed to disabled access specifications. They are suitable for walking, prams, dog-walking, cycling, and for those with accessibility issues. There is plenty of seating provided around the wetlands at approximately 300 metre intervals, to cater for the elderly and young.
6.
Greenfields Wetlands Nature Trail
1.3km
Explore the wetlands along the trails with Interpretive signage detailing the rich and diverse wildlife. Accessible 7 days a week between 8am-4pm. Just push open the gate and enjoy the walk along the trails and boardwalks.
The south-eastern section of the trail (access from cafe) and the short northern section is suitable for people with mobility access issues. Refer to the map for details.
7.
Noarlunga Downs Wetland Trail, Onkaparinga River
30 mins return, 1.2km return
The trail follows the edge of what is now a predator-free sanctuary. The trail features art by contemporary Aboriginal artist Paul Herzich.
Unforunately, the trail and the carpark are maintained by separate authorities, and there are some issues with accesibility between that carpark and the start of the trail. The carpark is unmade and can be muddy and rutted, and there is a short and less well made trail between that carpark and the formal start of the trail.
8.
Wittunga Naming Walk, Wittunga Botanic Garden
1km, 30 mins to 1 hour
A self-guided wander around Wittunga Botanic Garden. There are 24 interpretative signs (each labelled The Naming Walk) installed throughout the garden, stationed alongside the relevant plant. The walk is not a marked trail as such, but more of a wander around the garden.
The wide bitumen path is suitable for people of all abilities, including those using mobility aids, wheelchairs and prams. There are some side-trails off the main bitumen loop which are not suitable to wheelchair users.
9.
Woorabinda Bushland Reserve Loop
A cool, quiet forest oasis, filled with a cacophony of birds or frogs. Woorabinda Lake is a highlight, with a path circling the lake passing reed beds, picnic benches, boardwalks and a bird hide.
The Lake Trail, which loops around the main lake, is accessible to prams. Access from the carpark on Woorabinda Drive.
10.
Inner Harbour Loop Path
3.5km
A shared-use walking and cycling loop path provides a 3.5km route around Port Adelaide’s Inner Harbour and Port River, taking in history and playgrounds.
11.
Kauwi Interpretive Walking Trail
1.2km, 1.2km one way, 2.4 km return, 1 hour return
A short trail that follows the fence and coastline beside the Adelaide Desalination Plant. It includes various lookout points with interpretive signage about plantlife and the Aboriginal people. In the local Kaurna language, Kauwi means ‘fresh water’.
The trail is wide, compacted, pram friendly and accessible to wheelchairs, however there is a long steady descent from the start point towards the coast, which is a long incline on the return walk.
Unfortunately, the trail ends abruptly south of Hallett Cove, and the sections to the north from that abrupt end are not made trails, so not suitable for wheels.
12.
Sturt River Linear Park – South Road to Anzac Highway
7.4km, 2 hours one-way
A shared-use trail between South Road and Anzac Highway, in the City of Marion. The 7.4km trail meanders past playgrounds and historic sites, including former market gardens, Kaurna people campsites and an ancient burial ground of the Kaurna people, ending at the Warriparinga Wetland.
The trail is a bitumen surface, and as an Accessible Trail is suitable for walking, prams, wheelchairs and bicycles.
13.
Mike Turtur Bikeway
9.5km, 3 hours
The path follows the Glenelg tramline from South Terrace, Adelaide to Glenelg. The trail is a shared use trail, for cyclists and walkers. The trail is a bitumen surface, wide and flat.
The trail is suitable for people with mobility access, including wheelchairs, prams and cyclists.
You could walk part of one way (or the whole way) and return via tram.
14.
Westside Bikeway
7.6km, 2-3 hours
The path follows a former railway line that went from the North Terrace railway station to Glenelg. Most of the trail follows the linear park, with some shady trees, playgrounds and a dog park.
The trail is a shared use trail, for cyclists and walkers. The trail is a bitumen surface, wide and flat. The trail is suitable for people with mobility access, including wheelchairs, prams and cyclists. The trail is well lit after dark.
15.
Reece Jennings Bikeway
4km, 1 – 1.5 hours
One of 3 trails that make up the Adelaide Airport Trails network.
The Reece Jennings Bikeway is a shared use trail, for cyclists and walkers. You can see aircraft as they take off from the end of the runway, the trail passes the roadside aircraft viewing area. The trail is a bitumen surface, wide and flat.
The trail is suitable for people with mobility access, including wheelchairs, prams and cyclists.
As the trail is parallel to a major road, with vehicles travelling up to 80km/h, the walk certainly isn’t the most tranquil, but is good for people walking for health or transport, providing a direct north-south connection between Glenelg and West Beach. A one kilometre section half way along the trail is poorly separated from the road, with either a raised concrete gutter or gravel section separating the trail from the road.
16.
Anna Meares Bike Path
1.7km, 45 mins
One of 3 trails that make up the Adelaide Airport Trails network.
The eastern end of the trail begins near the airport terminal and IKEA. The trail follows Sir Donald Bradman Drive. The trail is well separated from Sir Donald Bradman Drive by trees and a reedy waterway.
The trail is a shared use trail, for cyclists and walkers. The trail is a bitumen surface, wide and flat. The trail is suitable for people with mobility access, including wheelchairs, prams and cyclists.
17.
Captain McKenna Pathway
3.9km, 1 to 1.5 hours
One of 3 trails that make up the Adelaide Airport Trails network. The trail follows the aiport’s southern boundary fence, providing views into the airport.
The trail is a shared use trail, for cyclists and walkers. The trail is a bitumen surface, wide and flat. The trail is suitable for people with mobility access, including wheelchairs, prams and cyclists.
18.
Walking Loop of the Patawalonga
3.8km, 1 hour
Enjoy a walk around the Patawalonga Lake, with its pleasant grassed banks, playgrounds and views to Glenelg and across the marina and lake. The walk can be commenced from Wigley Reserve or Colley Reserve in Glenelg, from where you can follow the path on either side of the lake northwards. Return by walking across either the road bridge half way along, or at the foot bridge near Tapleys Hill Road.
The walk is suitable for prams and for those with mobility issues, including wheelchairs.
19.
St Clair Wetlands Walk
2.1km, 30mins
The walking trail loop around the St Clair wetland are bitumen so are suitable for people with all abilities (accessible trails), including prams, childrens bikes, and those who use mobility aids, including wheelchairs.
20.
Fremont Park Walking Trails
2.3km, 25-30min walk
There are two walking trail loops at Fremont Park in Elizabeth. Both meander around the lake and follow the main creek line. Both trails are marked with painted signs on the paths and marker posts.
The trails are either bitumen or compacted gravel, so are suitable for people with all abilities (accessible trails), including prams, childrens bikes, and those who use mobility aids, including wheelchairs. The playground includes a liberty disabled swing.
A three-staged park upgrade is currently underway, with improvements to the creek and walking trails, and in further stages upgrades to picnic and playground facilities.
21.
Thorndon Park loop around lake
1.5km, 1 hour
There are numerous walking trails at Thorndon Park that loop around the lake. Walking trails take you throughout this photographic location and past unique attractions like the water tower, natural wetlands, and a giant chess board. It easy to make a couple of different loops of the park and lake.
The trail is accessible to prams and those with mobility issues, including wheelchairs. The playground includes a liberty disabled swing.
22.
The Gawler Rivers (Tapa Pariara) Path
10.3km, 3 hours, or shorter to walk a section of it
Take a leisurely stroll along the pretty North and South Para Rivers. Interpretative panels provide information on the history of the area, native birds and vegetation. The official map shows 6.8km of trail, but the trail network has been extended north from Clonlea Reserve a further 3.5km into the suburb of Hewett.
The trail is a shared use trail, suitable for walking, cyclists, prams and people with mobility aids including wheelchairs. Most of the trail is bitumen, but the northern section and west section are compacted gravel.
23.
Dry Creek River Trails
14km
The Dry Creek Trails are a network of walking and cycling trails that follow Dry Creek and its reserves from the Little Para River Trail near Barker Inlet, through Mawson Lakes, past Yatala Prison and on to Valley View and Wynn Vale.
Highlight sections include around Mawson Lakes and Dry Creek.
The trail is shared use and suitable for prams, bikes and those with mobility issues including wheelchairs.
24.
Coast Park Path along Adelaide’s Beaches
Much of Adelaide’s 70km of coastline from North Haven through to Sellicks Beach now has the Coast Park Path, which is generally a wide bitumen or compacted trail suitable for walking, prams, bikes and wheelchairs. The vision for the trail is continuous two-way shared pathway.
However, there are some missing sections and sections where a wider pathway are yet to be completed. Refer to our list of Yet to be Completed Sections.
Dogs are not permitted in Hallett Cove Conservation Park.
25.
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
1.7km, 1 hour
Walk along a 1.7km loop through the quiet reserve following Second Creek to see the wildlife, aquatic life and remnants of the exotic plants. Start the walk on Andrews Walk, near 66 Hallett Road, or from one of the nearby streets.
The path may be suitable for prams, but is a bit rough for wheelchairs. There are some steps near triangle area between the toilets and Kurrajong Avenue, but there is a steep ramped trail up to Kurrajong Avenue that avoids the steps.
26.
Wynn Vale to Valley View Walking Path
A 6.3km trail meandering along the beautiful Dry Creek corridor from Wynn Vale Dam through to Vaucluse Reserve in Valley View. There are four playgrounds and seating along the route.
The trail is a wide shared-use path for walkers, runners, cyclists and is pram and wheelchair accessible. There is a gentle decent from Wynn Vale towards Valley View.
27.
Curtis Wetlands, Munno Para
1.4km, 30 mins
The wetlands include walking trails, a playground, a large grassed area and picnic shelter.
The walking trails are either of wide bitumen or compacted gravel, and suitable for dog walking, children riding bicycles, prams and those with mobility aids, including wheelchairs.
28.
Little Para River Trail
14kms from the hilly escarpments in the east, to Barker Inlet in the west. Trail users can experience diverse areas of remnant eucalyptus woodlands, grasslands, samphire and mangroves.
The trail is suitable for prams and wheelchairs – although some of the trail is compacted gravel and other sections bitumen.
29.
Stuart O’Grady Bikeway
22.6km, 5-6 hours for whole trail
The Stuart O’Grady Bikeway is a shared use trail the runs parallel to the Northern Expressway. Arguably the trail is primarily focused on cycling, but is good for walking short sections for leisure, health or transport. The trail is good for parents who walk with their small children riding bicycles.
Section 2 of 3. Bush Walks
30.
Wirra Water Loop, Mambray Creek
1.6km, 30 mins return
An interpretive section of the Mambray Creek Walk explains the importance of water in the area as you explore rocky river beds.
Explore the wirra woodland, with abundant kangaroos, emus and birds.
This walk is great for children to explore the creek and see wildlife.
The trail is compacted gravel and suitable for prams. It may be tackled by some adventurous wheelchairs users as it is a consistent width and flat, although it is loose gravel.
31.
Wood Duck Walk, Belair National Park
1km, 30 mins
This pleasant walk around Playford Lake is popular with young children, people with prams, people with limited mobility, including wheelchairs, and those who want to experience the park’s wildlife, including the ducks on the lake.
32.
Lorikeet Loop Walk, Belair National Park
3km, 1h 25mins
Wind your way past Old Government House, State Flora Nursery, and adventure playground. The wide gravelled surface is suitable for most abilities, and for strollers. There are numerous flat rocks scattered along the trail for suitable as seating rest spots.
The trail has even surface and gentle grades and may be suitable for some wheelchair users, refer the Accessibility Map from the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA.
33.
Wetlands Loop Trail, Onkaparinga River
4.5km, 2 hours
The Wetlands Walk is located on the Onkaparinga River estuary with opportunities for walking, birdwatching and photography, with interpretive signs.
The trail is accessible for families with strollers and small children.
The flat trail is a mixture of boardwalks and gravel paths and is accessible for wheelchairs and families with strollers. An access path links the trail to the car park on River Road. Dogs on lead are also welcome on this trail. Please note that the gravel paths may be muddy during winter months.
34.
Morialta Falls Valley Walk
1.7km, 45mins return
Follow Fourth Creek to the heart of Morialta Gorge, on the stroller accessible trail. After rains water tumbles 30m from the top of First Falls.
The trail is a wide fire track made of gravel. There are bridges at each creek crossing, and the trail ends at a short boardwalk at the waterfall. There is a steady incline as the trail follows the valley to the waterfall. As such the trail is suitable for prams.
We have seen some social chatter where some people consider the trail OK for adventurous wheelchair users. It would be considered too far or difficult to push a wheelchair along. The trail is a steady incline and is a rough gravel surface, rather than a more even-surfaced compacted finer gravel surface. There are no steps on the main trail, although some bridges have small lips at each end.
35.
Fourth Creek Walk, Morialta Conservation Park
1.4km, 1-2 hours return
A gentle walk through stands of tall trees following Fourth Creek from the lower carpark on Stradbroke Road, starting beside the new Morialta Playground and passing picnic areas to the First Falls carpark.
The first half of the trail is compacted gravel, and the second half is bitumen, both about 1 metre wide. The trail is suitable for prams, although there is a short incline near the start, just beyond the Morialta Playground and after the footbridge.
36.
Little Quarry Loop
650m, 20 mins
The Little Quarry Loop is a short, easy trail for people of all abilities. Suitable for prams and people with limited mobility access (wheelchair access). The trail features a gravel surface with many easy but optional trail obstacles and features which are great for chilren on bikes. The trail begins near the main carpark in the former quarry.
38.
Platypus Waterholes Walk
Platypus are rare in South Australia, but with some patience you might be in with a chance of seeing some on this walk. Birdlife, kangaroos, wallabies, geese, echidnas and goannas are regularly seen on this walk.
Walking the entire trail is 4.7km. 2 hours return. There is a shorter option available off Shackle Road, which is suitable for those with mobility issues including wheelchairs.
39.
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.
40.
Remarkable Rocks Walk
A short wheelchair accessible walk along a boardwalk to the stunning geological feature of Remarkable Rocks. The granite boulders appear as seemingly artistic sculptures scattered across a larger granite dome. Interpretive signs explain the formation of the granite boulders.
The trail is wheelchair accessible until it reaches the rocky outcrop of the Remarkable Rocks.
41.
Wirraparinga Trail Loop (the Shared Use Trail), 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.
The Shared Use Trail (not the complete Wirraparinga Trail Loop) is accessible to bikes, prams and could be accessible for some wheelchair users (there are some inclines and rough surfaces). The Shared Use trail begins near the caravan park and at first is on the northern side of the road until Whites Bridge, where it switches to the southern side o the road.
42.
Stringybark Hike, Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park
2.7km, 1 hour
The Stringybark Hike is a short loop of the eastern part of Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park. The trail wanders through the flora and fauna, including grassy open areas and stringybark trees.
The trail is suitable for prams – however a pram would need to be lifted over the entrance gate.
Section 3 of 3. Regional South Australia
43.
The Riesling Trail
Surfaced and easy gradient makes it ideal for walkers of all levels, as well as wheelchair and pram users. Follows the former railway from Auburn to Clare, providing views of vineyards, farms, and natural bushland.
The trail is 35km long. Walk a section of the trail:
- Auburn to Watervale: 9km
- Watervale to Sevenhill: 9km
- Sevenhill to Clare: 7km
- North of Clare: Clare to Barinia Road, White Hut 10km
The trail gently slopes downhill from Clare towards Auburn.
44.
Banrock Station Wetland Walking Trails
Self-guided walking trails, designed to suit all fitness levels, wind their way around the beautifully restored wetlands, mallee and flood plains.
Walk options:
- Mallee to Valley Trail, 2.5km return, 1 hour
- Boardwalk Experience, 4.5km, 1 hour
- Wetland Circuit Walk, 8km anticlockwise loop, 3 hours
- During the natural dry phase visitors can enjoy our unique Wetland Bed Walk.
45.
Goolwa Beach Dune Walk (Boardwalk to Lookout)
360m, 20 mins
Follow the boardwalk to the lookout viewing platform. The first half, about 100 metres, is wheelchair accessible. At this point there is a lookout platform, and the remainder of the boardwalk is steps to the last lookout. From the lookouts take in the spectacular views of Goolwa and Hindmarsh Island Bridge, the Murray mouth, the Coorong and back to Victor Harbor.
46.
Elliston Coastal Trail
The Elliston Coastal Trail is 13.6 km of walking and driving track spanning the spectacular cliff top coastline between Little Bay Surf Break and Cape Finnis. The trail can be experienced as a whole or via smaller trails, The Little Bay Trail, Clifftop trail or beach loop.
With gentle well formed compact tracks throughout the trail, walkers of all experience levels can enjoy the coastline and discover the great ecosystem diversity and learn about the local history.
The Elliston Coastal Trails are a network of 4 trails. The trail options are:
- Elliston Coastal Trail, 13.6km, 6 hours
Flat compacted rubble path or shared roadway. No experience required. This trail is accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchairs. Please note though there is an incline at the side path to Waterloo Bay Lookout. - Clifftop Trail, 6.5km, 3 hours
Flat compacted rubble path or shared roadway. This trail is accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchairs. - Little Bay Trail, 2.4km, 1 hour
Flat compacted rubble path. This trail is accessible to people of all abilities, including wheelchairs. - Beach Loop, 5.7km, 1.5 hours
Flat compacted rubble path or on beach walking. Beach subject to tides. Inclines at beach entry/exit points. Due to the beach walking, that element of the trail is not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
47.
Encounter Bikeway (shared path)
An on-road and shared trail linking the four coastal towns. A range of riding/walking distances options, suitable for all ages and levels of fitness. Suitable for use by cyclists, walkers, skaters, rollerbladers and is wheelchair accessible.
The whole trail is 35km long, but there are shorter options:
- Goolwa Wharf to Tokuremoar Reserve, 5.5km
- Middleton to Tokuremoar Reserve, 6km
- Middleton to Port Elliot, 4km
48.
The Mosaic Trail – Edithburgh to Sultana Point
2.9km, 1-2 hours
An walking trail with interpretive signage and 94 mosiacs. The trail begins from the main jetty in Edithburgh, following the coast around to Sultana Point, and forms part of the Walk the Yorke trail.
The walking trail is suitable is hard gravel, and is suitable for wheelchairs, prams, walkers and cyclists.
49.
Robe Walking Trails – Loop Path
12km
A 12km loop path following the coastline around Robe, taking in historical sites.
Suitable for walkers, cyclists, people mobility issues and prams.
50.
Kaiki Walk, Granite Island Circuit
The 2.9km walk around Granite Island is a great way for people, including families with children and strollers, to discover the island.
For parents with prams, or those with mobility issues, including wheelchairs, we suggest walking anti-clockwise, which is to turn sharp right after leaving the the causeway. There is a long flight of steps at the other end of the trail, but this is easily avoided by taking the shortcut gravel ramped path from the top of the island. There are no other steps on the circuit trail. A review on PushAdventures.com.au notes that the start of the trail can be steep, and that the shortcut (the gravel ramped path) may be too steep for some people with mobility aids or wheelchairs, and they recommend returning via the way you came.