Now that daylight savings has started, short after-work bushwalks are a good evening activity.
We’ve compiled a list of 25 short hikes which are close to Adelaide.
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Explore more walks in the 750 walks in our Find a Place to Walk directory.
25 Short After-Work Bushwalks
1.
The Botanical Trail, Marino Conservation Park
1.5km, 45 mins, Moderate Walk
Enjoy a wander through Marino Conservation Park on the Botanical Trail, which meanders through coastal heath to the Marino Rocks Lighthouse. There are views up the coast to Brighton and Holdfast Bay, and south to Port Stanvac, as well as views to the city skyline.
2.
Wildflower Wander, Anstey Hill Recreation Park
1.4km, 45mins to 1 hour, Hard Hike
The Wildflower Wander is a hike up a steep hill with rewarding views over the Adelaide Plains, as well as seasonal opportunities to view wildflowers including native orchids. The quiet gullies are a haven to a variety of small birds.
3.
Newman’s Nursery Ruins Walk, Anstey Hill Recreation Park
3km, 1 hour return, Moderate Walk
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.
4.
Wednesday Loop, Anstey Hill Recreation Park
3.7km, 2-4 hours, Hard Hike
The Wednesday Loop hike is 3.7km long circuit that mostly follows single trail which is used by hikers and mountain bikers. The trail begins near the main carpark in the former quarry. If you miss the formal trailhead and follow the main Quarry Track (also the Yellowtail Look), just 200 metres up the fire track the Wednesday Loop walking trail leaves the main fire track on the left.
5.
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.
6.
Lorikeet Loop Walk, Belair National Park
3km, 1h 25mins, Easy Walk
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.
7.
Microcarpa Hike, Belair National Park
4.5km, 1hr 45mins, Moderate Hike
Walk through one of the most diverse and best-preserved woodland areas remaining in the Mount Lofty Ranges. An off-road stroller would be suitable in dry conditions.
8.
Pingle Farm Trail via estuary, Onkaparinga River Recreation Park
3.3km, 90 mins, Easy Walk
Walk along the estuary before returning via the ruins of the former Pingle Farm farmhouse and sheds.
9.
Wetlands Loop Trail, Onkaparinga River
4.5km, 2 hours, Easy Walk
The Wetlands Walk is located on the Onkaparinga River estuary with opportunities for walking, birdwatching and photography, with interpretive signs.
10.
Old Noarlunga Hike, Onkaparinga River National Park
3.5km, 2.5 hours, Hard Hike
Experience a hike along the Onkaparinga River, starting from the ford in Old Noarlunga. The walk takes in part of the Gorge Trek, but this walk only includes one rock scramble but does include some narrow walking trail. The trail climbs the hill following the pipeline, before descending steeply back to the river.
11.
Toll Gate Circuit – Circuit A, Burnside Walks
1.9km, 1.5 hours
A short loop past the Glen Osmond mine chimney, through Danthonia Reserve, looping back through a forested valley and along Gill Terrace.
12.
Beaumont Circuit – Circuit D, Burnside Walks
3.5km, 1.5 hours
The trail follows a series of narrow switchbacks up the steep hill in to Mount Osmond Reserve, walking the Beaumont Link trail and some of the Pioneer Womens Trail. Options to use the very steep Centre Track, a fire track that intercepts the winding walking trail, as a shortcut.
13.
Coral Lichen Circuit, Aldinga Scrub Conservation Park
1.1km, 1 hour
Circuit walking trail passes through Tall Shrubland, Mallee Box and Pink Gum. Viewing platform overlooks a colony of rare Lacy Coral Lichen – a spectacular Australian lichen.
14.
River Red Gum Loop, Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
2.3km, 1 hour, Easy Walk
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.
15.
Seaview Loop, Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
2.2km, 1 hour, Moderate Hike
A loop walk along the wide fire-track which takes in superb views over the Adelaide Plains and of the coast. Great trail for walking the dog.
16.
Measday Hike, Cleland National Park
4.8km, 2 hours, Moderate Hike
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.
17.
Babbler Loop, Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
3.6km 1.5 hours, Hard Hike
A circuit hike, climbing to the top of park with views, See the park trees, birds and reptiles.
18.
Ruins Loop, Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
3.4km, Hard Hike
Explore the historical farm ruins of Cobbler Creek Recreation Park on this 3km loop hike. Begin from Golden Grove or the carpark near the base of the Grove Way.
19.
Devils Nose Hike, Para Wirra
4.4km, 2 hours return, Hard Hike
Enjoy this hike out along a long ridge to Devils Nose Lookout, with views along the ridge and lookout.
20.
Loop of Mark Oliphant Conservation Park
4km, 2 hours
A stringybark forest with numerous hiking trails. The park entrance appears rundown, but don’t be deceived – this park is a gem for walkers. Trails are marked, and firetracks named with street signs.
21.
4 Hikes in Lobethal Bushland Park
Options of 900m, 2.2km circuit and longer 4.2/5.3km circuit.
Explore this hidden wonderland which is just outside of Lobethal. The park features two reservoirs and tall stringybark forest with fern undergrowth. Hiking here, even on warmer days, is a delight.
The carpark at Lobethal Bushland Park is open from 8am to 5pm. You can still hike outside of these times, but the carpark is closed. Dogs are permitted in the carpark and picnic area at Lobethal Bushland Park, but not the scrub beyond. There are no hikes where dogs are permitted.
22.
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.
23.
Black Hill Summit Hike
4.2km, 2 hours, Hard Hike
An excellent short circuit hike through Black Hill Conservation Park to the summit of Black Hill. The trail is mostly narrow walking track, with some fire track at the top. Views over the Adelaide Plains.
24.
Morialta Falls Plateau Hike
4.1km, 1.5-2 hours, Moderate Hike
Steep 4.1km walk offers spectacular views of Morialta Gorge’s towering cliffs and the First Falls, which flow in winter and autumn.
25.
Sundews Ridge Hike
4km, 2 hours return, Moderate hike
Hike to view the rocky outcrops and meandering river of the Onkaparinga Gorge from the Sundews Lookout. Continue your walk along the ridge top, returning to the car park without descending to the river.
26.
Sugarloaf Circuit
5.8km, 2-3 hours
The Sugarloaf Circuit hike is a 3 hour, 5.8km circuit through the cool sanctuary of Chambers Gully and Woolshed Gully, with splendid views of the city and coast. Watch out for koalas and kangaroos.