Website feedback survey

At Walking SA our mission is to get more people walking more often.

We are upgrading our website. We’d love to hear your feedback on the current website and other comparable websites, to assist in guiding us in determining where to focus our upgrade.

Complete the survey by 10th March 2023 for a chance to win an Osprey Siskin 12L Hydration Pack valued at $189.95 thanks to Paddy Pallin.

The survey takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.

Read on for background, or take the survey now.

Background

The Walking SA website was developed in 2013-14. At this time, the key outcomes for the website were to provide an online presence for Walking SA, to provide basic background on the organisation, and to inspire walking activity with 20 or so popular walks showcased through the ‘Find a place to walk’ database.

Since this time, the website has grown significantly to cater for a variety of different functions. This includes:

  • an online walks database with over 780 walks
  • a repository for news items (including advocacy work and newsletter topics)
  • a walks calendar of weekly club walks and walking events (uploaded by organisers)
  • organizational information (such as board members, the constitution, contact information)
  • opportunities to support Walking SA (individual/organizational supporters and donations)
  • club-specific resources

Walking SA receives regular feedback on the quality of the website as a resource. This largely relates to the online walks database, which is viewed over 3 million times annually. Although the website is very highly valued by the walking community, the foundation programming and design was never intended to house the massive walks database, or the array of different content that now sits on the website. The gradual growth of the website, in unplanned directions, has resulted in a non-optimal structure, with background technical ‘fixes’ that work, but could be streamlined and improved significantly. In addition, many possible additions and improvements have been identified over time to enhance the user experience and improve accessibility for a wider range of users.

Read on for background, or take the survey now.

Known website upgrade needs

There are many features we know we lack on our website, or could improve:

  • Make the website Accessible for all website visitors, including for visitors with visual and other impairments.
  • Inclusion of acknowledgement on First Nations Peoples, ideally so that people can have an understanding as whose Country/Countries they are on whilst walking a trail.
  • Refreshed aesthetic – redesign the website, so that it looks better, and works better, on all devices.
  • Upgrade of some walks and trails content to include key information such as:
    • a clear starting point (extend to many more walks, currently only on the recent few hundred walks)
    • improve the number of walks and trails that include public transport directions
    • improve directions to walks to enable better understanding of how far someone needs to travel to walk a trail
  • A clear statement of who manages the trail and how to contact them (eg National Parks and Wildlife Service of SA, Forestry SA, a particular local council)
  • Resources for bushwalkers (such as safety tips packing lists for walks, and training pathways for skills like navigation)
  • Resources for ways to improve urban walkability (such as case studies and success stories on improvements in local government areas)

Stop the spread! Bushwalking guidelines to protect our environment

The current risk of Foot and Mouth Disease (F&MD) being introduced to Australia is a reminder for all bushwalkers to take precautions to combat the potential spread of soil borne diseases, the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi (pronounced fy-TOFF-thora), and even weed seeds! Each of these issues can cause significant destruction – to animals, plants, and the ecosystem.

Help stop the spread by complying with these guidelines:

Vegetation affected by Phytophthora cinnamomi

  • clean your boots before you leave home
  • park your car in designated car parks only
  • keep to designated roads and walking trails at all times
  • use hygiene stations where provided
  • Respect instructions from private landowners regarding areas of access
  • clean your boots when you finish your walk. Don’t take boots or shoes home to clean.

How to keep your footwear clean:

Hard brush for cleaning

Hard brush for cleaning boots and shoes

Bushwalkers are encouraged to carry a hygiene kit in their backpacks to keep footwear clean.

A ‘hygiene kit’ should contain:

  • hard brush to clean footwear
  • spray bottle of disinfectant
    • methylated spirits (undiluted) or
    • household bleach (diluted 1 part of bleach with 4 parts of water).

Cleaning procedure:

Hygiene station for cleaning boots

  1. if a hygiene station isn’t located on your walk, select a hard, well drained site for boot cleaning
  2. remove all soil and plant material from one boot at a time using the brush
  3. disinfect the entire sole using the spray bottle before placing the boot on the ground
  4. allow the sole of the boot to dry for approximately one minute
  5. step forward to avoid re-contaminating your footwear
  6. repeat steps two to six for the other boot
  7. finish by disinfecting the

Four trails in newly opened Happy Valley Reservoir

Happy Valley Reservoir opened to the public on the weekend, with 20km of trails over four new trail loops. The reservoir is also open to cycling, fishing and kayaking.

We’ve outlined the four trails below. The trails explore the water’s edge, woodlands, pine forest, native flora and open grassy areas.

Each of the four can be access from the main reservoir trailhead and carpark, off Chandlers Hill Road, from the roundabout with Kenihans Road. There are toilets, picnic shelters and bbqs at this trailhead. This carpark is accessible to wheelchair users. The two longer trails can also be accessed from the carpark near the dam wall, off Chandlers Hill Road, and a couple of other access gates scattered around the reservoir boundary.

  

Southern Loop
2km, Grade 2 Gentle hills, no bushwalking experience required
Marked with purple trail markers
This is the easiest and shortest of the four trails

View trail

  

Woodland Loop
4km, Grade 3 Short steep hills. Some bushwalking experience required
Marked with yellow trail markers
This is the second easiest and second shortest of the four trails

View trail

  

Boundary Loop
10.5km, Grade 4: Very steep hills. Some bushwalking experience required
Marked with green trail markers

View trail

  

Shoreline Loop
11km, Grade 4: Very steep hills. Some bushwalking experience required
Marked with orange trail markers

The Boundary Loop and Shoreline Loop are very similar, the difference being in the south eastern corner and southern side of the reservoir, the Shoreline Loop follows closer to the shore, whilst the Boundary Loop sticks closer to the boundary fence. There is a trail connection on the corner of South Road and Black Road between Happy Valley Reservoir and Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta.

View trail

During daylight savings, the reservoir is open from 7.30am – 8pm daily, except for days of total fire ban. Dogs are not permitted at Happy Valley Reservoir or at any of South Australia’s other reservoir reserves, as they can carry harmful bacteria and viruses that can easily contaminate the water and are a risk to the safety of the drinking water. Assistance animals are permitted.

Covid-19 restrictions easing, where can you walk? Effective Monday 11 May 2020

Covid-19 return to sport – Level B – effective Monday 11 May 2020From Monday 11 May 2020, some COVID-19 social distancing restrictions in South Australia have been eased.

You can now, provided you are well, not in self isolation and follow social distancing and hygiene measure guidelines:

  • go for a walk in your neighbourhood
  • walk in a national park, forest or reserve
  • travel throughout the State to go for a walk
  • walk in a group, provided there are 10 people or less
  • join a walk with a walking club (walking clubs should refer to Plan for resumption of walking club activities – Level B)
  • camp in a national park campsite
  • camp in a Forestry SA campsite – but only from Monday 25 May 2020
  • hike and camp on the Heysen Trail (previously it was restricted to day-walkers only)

Find a trail to go for a walk: view map or browse over 750 walks.

Help us to add more trails to our list of walks

We’re seeking info on just over 200 unlisted trails, so that we can expand our popular list of walks on our website. Currently with 630 walks listed around the state, it helps people to explore walking opportunities near them.

Remember during these Covid-19 times, you’ll need to follow social distancing and health measures, including any limitations on group size. Also note, whilst national parks and forests are open, some private locations remain closed at this time.

Trails we are seeking info on

We have a shortlist of 200 trails and walks we are seeking information on:

  1. view all walks on a map (200)
  2. or Doc #1: List of Bushwalks (143)
  3. or Doc #2: List of Suburban walks (43)
  4. or Doc #3: List of Historical walks (16)

Trails sorted by regions

You can view the same docs of trails we are seeking info on, but filtered by region:

Bushwalks (143) by regions:

Suburban walks (43) by regions:

To provide info on a trail

If you are interested to provide information for a trail, please let us know via the form below so we can update our spreadsheet to note that you are collecting information, so we can avoid multiple people doing the same work.

To add a marked trail or named trail (or a walk from our shortlist) to our website, please visit:
https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/submit-a-walk/

Before submitting your walk

Please ensure:

  • The walk is a named or marked trail, or one where directions are easy to follow
  • If the walk is not listed above on the trails we are seeking info on, then check that the walk is not already listed in our Find a Place to Walk directory
  • The walk is on public land (such as a reserve, park, pathway or beach). If the walk is on private land, that the landowner permits walking
  • The walk is in South Australia

Info we’re looking for on each trail

  • name of trail
  • brief description and the best thing about the trail
  • where to find maps
  • some photos
  • on some trails, some GPS data like a GPX file exported from a GPS device, smartphone or smartwatch (popular apps include Strava, or on iPhone myTracks or Open GPX Tracker, or on Andriod GPS Logger, or GPS Logger by BasicAirData)

Let us know you are going to provide information

If you are interested to provide information for a trail, please let us know via the form below so we can update our spreadsheet to note that you are collecting information, so we can avoid multiple people doing the same work.


Park of the Month, Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, March 2020

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park is the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Park of the Month for March 2020.

The gorge offers a variety of walking experiences. Escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby city and suburbs by venturing into Sturt Gorge, following the river or some of the higher trails. There are 19 marked trails in the park and adjacent Craigburn Farm Shared Trails network, with another half dozen in the adjacent Mitcham Trail Network (Zone 4, Blackwood Hill Reserve).

Most of these trails are linear or return trails, we’ve outlined two of the trails and four walking loop routes:

Walking Trails and Loops in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park and Craigburn Farms Shared Trails network

Lake View Trail (Craigburn Farm)1.

Lake View Trail (Craigburn Farm)

1.2km, 30 mins, moderate hike

Walk suitable for prams and strollers Walk suitable for dog walking Trail shared by mountain bikers

Enjoy a stroll around the lake in the Craigburn Farms Shared Trails network in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. Start from the trailhead on Bonython Way, Craigburn Farm, and follow the Lakeside Trail (marked with blue markers), walking downhill towards the lake, then following the loop around the lake.

Whilst we have displayed the pram-friendly icon, please note that it is a uphill on the return leg back to the trailhead.

It’s possible to get to the trailhead by public transport, by Adelaide Metro bus from Grand Boulevard, Craigburn Farm, which is a 1km walk east of the trailhead, or by Adelaide Metro train from Coromandel Railway Station, which is a 1.8km along pathways and some of trails in the Mitcham Trail Network.


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Walking Trails to enjoy on Kangaroo Island, supporting the KI community post-bushfire

Are you looking for ways to support the Kangaroo Island community after the devastating January bushfires? Head to the island and enjoy one of the many walks that are confirmed as still open! From the pleasant 1km Beyeria Walk to the 4km Ironstone Hill Hike and 4km Fish Cannery Walking Trail, there are plenty of options to explore the island on foot.

Check out the full list below.

List created 5th February 2020. We’ll be updating the list as walking trails re-open.

Update December 2021: The new accessible Remarkable Rocks boardwalk in Flinders Chase National Park has now been opened after the previous structure was destroyed in the 2019-2020 summer bushfires.

13 Walks and Trails unaffected by the 2020 Kangaroo Island Bushfires

Ironstone Hill Hike1.

From Penneshaw: Ironstone Hill Hike, Baudin Conservation Park

4.2km, 1.5 hours return

Follow the start of the original bullock track to Cape Willoughby Lighthouse, with spectacular views across Backstairs Passage to the Fleurieu Peninsula.


Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail2.

In Penneshaw: Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail

1.5km, 30 min loop

Wander along the Kangaroo Island Sculpture Trail through the stunning trail built in a remarkable natural environment, located in the heart of the coastal village of Penneshaw. Explore the many surprises, scenic lookouts, ancient vegetation and the stunning ravine walls. Look for the ancient ghost tree, the resident kangaroos and wallabies, or just pause and reflect on one of the beautiful seats crafted from reclaimed timber from the Penneshaw jetty. The trail is an easy 5 minute walk from the ferry terminal at Penneshaw. The new trail was opened in 2018.


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Park of the Month, Onkaparinga River Parks, February 2020

Onkaparinga River National Park and Onkaparinga River Recreation Park is the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Park of the Month for February 2020. Join one of the events held in the parks throughout the month.

In the National Park diverse hiking trails take you to cliff tops with magnificent views, or down to permanent rock pools teeming with life. Experience rugged ridge tops and the narrow river valley of the spectacular Onkaparinga Gorge.

In the Recreation Park, the river spills onto the plains, creating wetland ponds and flood plains. The area conserves important fish breeding habitat and hundreds of native plant and animal species, many of which are rare.

You can walk your dog in the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park, between South Road and Commercial Road. You must keep your dog on a lead and under your control at all times. Pets are not permitted in other areas of the park.

16 Great Hikes and Trails in Onkaparinga River National Park and Recreation Park

Punchbowl Lookout Walk1.

Punchbowl Lookout Walk

2km, 1 hour return, Moderate Walk

Walk suitable for prams and strollers Walk suitable for those with mobility issues including wheelchairs Trail shared by mountain bikers

A new trail opened in Spring 2017. The one kilometre Accessible trail visits a new lookout above The Punchbowl, where you can see spectacular views into the Onkaparinga Gorge. The trail is a consistent one metre wide and made of compacted gravel, and with gentle contoured gradients, so as such is suitable for those with mobility access issues, including wheelchairs and prams. There is some seating mid-way along the trail.


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Park of the Month
Innes National Park

Innes National Park is the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Park of the Month for January 2020.

Below we’ve outlined 8 walks and trails to experience the park. The park is a great destination for camping, fishing, surfing and short walks to coastal lookouts. There is an abundance of birds and animals to see while you catch some of the best coastal views in South Australia. All of the park is accessible by 2WD, so it’s perfect for day visits and a paradise for beach lovers.

8 Walks and Hikes in Innes National Park

Cape Spencer Lighthouse Walk1.

Cape Spencer Lighthouse Walk

600m, 1 hour return, Easy Walk

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

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60 Best Dog Walks in Adelaide

We’ve listed 60 of the best walks around Adelaide to walk your dog, including trails in national parks, forests, river walkways, linear reserves and the coast.

We know that having a dog encourages you to walk more, and that there are numerous health benefits to dog walking.

Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with #WalktoberSA.

View over 230 dog walks on our website.

60 Best Dog Walks in Adelaide

Lorikeet Loop Walk, Belair National Park1.

Belair National Park

With eight marked trails and a bonus route, there’s plenty of walks to do with your dog in Belair National Park. The park is close to Adelaide, nestled in the foothills. The trails vary from Easy Walks to Hard Hikes. A couple of the Easy Walks are suitable for people of all abilities, including for wheelchair access, for those with mobility issues and for prams. The trails are of a high standard and are well marked. You can walk your dog in this park provided it remains on a lead.

Here’s some of our favourite walks in Belair National Park:

Wood Duck Walk

Walk suitable for prams and strollers Walk suitable for those with mobility issues including wheelchairs Walk suitable for dog walking

1km, 30 mins, Easy Walk
A pleasant short walk around Playford Lake. For accessibily notes and an Accessible Map of Belair National Park, refer to the Accessibility page on the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA website.

Lorikeet Loop Walk

Walk suitable for prams and strollers Walk suitable for those with mobility issues including wheelchairs Walk suitable for dog walking

3km, 1h 25mins, Easy Walk
The trail is an Accessible trail, and is suitable for wheelchair users and prams. For accessibily notes and an Accessible Map of Belair National Park, refer to the Accessibility page on the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA website.

Heritage Tree Walk

Walk suitable for dog walking

1km, 20 minutes, Easy Walk
This easy walk winds its way around prominent heritage trees.

Valley Loop Hike

Walk suitable for dog walking

3km, 1 hour, Moderate Hike
Follows the forested banks and lower slopes of Minnow Creek and passes the Railway Dam, with ducks and seating.

Microcarpa Hike

Walk suitable for dog walking

4.5km, 1hr 45mins, Moderate Hike
Walk through one of the most diverse and best-preserved woodland areas remaining in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

Waterfall Hike

Walk suitable for dog walking

6.5km, 3 hours, Moderate Hike
The most challenging trail in the park takes you through Echo Tunnel and to the picturesque rock escarpments of the seasonal Upper and Lower Waterfalls.


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Bushwalks Close to the City for Evening Walks

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.

Throughout October share your “view from my walk” photo via social media using the hashtag #walktoberSA for a chance to win a weekly prize.

Explore more walks in the 750 walks in our Find a Place to Walk directory.

25 Short After-Work Bushwalks

The Botanical Trail, Marino Conservation Park1.

The Botanical Trail, Marino Conservation Park

Walk suitable for dog walking

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.


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Park of the Month
Flinders Chase National Park, Kangaroo Island
October 2019

Flinders Chase National Park, on Kangaroo Island, is the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Park of the Month for October 2019. They’re celebrating the 100 year anniversary of Flinders Chase National Park.

Experience the rugged wilderness with its iconic landmarks such as the world-famous Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch. Enjoy the park and its diverse wildlife on the network of walking trails. Trek the five day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail on assisted day walks or camping out along the way.

Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area connects the two sections of Flinders Chase National Park. Below we’ve outlined 19 hikes and trails in the two parks.

Looking for more walks on Kangaroo Island? View our article on the 30 Walks and Trails across the Parks of Kangaroo Island .

19 Great Hikes and Trails in Flinders Chase National Park

Discovery Walk1.

Discovery Walk

Easy walk, 400m, 10 mins return

This short walk will take you from the Flinders Chase Visitor Centre to the Walking Trail Information Shelter overlooking Black Swamp. Interpretive signs along the way will help hone your wildlife observation skills. Signs at the Black Swamp Lookout shelter give information about other hikes and walks accessed from here.

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30 Evening walks to enjoy now that Daylight Saving has started

With daylight savings short after-work walks are a great way to get out and experience the sunshine.

We’re showcasing 30 short walks around Adelaide along rivers, the coast and metropolitan parks. All are an hour or two, or up to three hours, so are ideal for after-work.

Looking for some more adventurous hikes in nature?

Check out our accompanying article:
45 Bushwalks close to the city for evening hikes

Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with walktoberSA.

30 Evening walks to enjoy now that Daylight Saving has started

Blackwood Forest Recreation Park1.

FOOTHILLS: Blackwood Forest Recreation Park

Walk suitable for dog walking

A small park in the hills is popular for walking the dog off-leash. A great place to take the kids to explore the pine forest, the creek and Sturt River, you can walk a 1.4km loop here.

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50 Great SA Short Walks and Hikes for Kids

There are loads of great short walks and hikes around South Australia for kids, with opportunities to explore rock formations, big trees, caves, creeks, waterfalls and see wildlife. And with many taking in playgrounds, why not pack a picnic and enjoy a great family day out.

We’ve listed some of the best ones below.

Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with #WalktoberSA.

50 Great Walks and Hikes for Kids

Thorndon Park loop around lake1.

Thorndon Park loop around lake

Walk suitable for prams and strollers Walk suitable for those with mobility issues including wheelchairs

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.

Access from Thorndon Park Reserve at Paradise.


Wynn Vale Dam Circuit2.

Wynn Vale Dam Circuit

Walk suitable for prams and strollers Walk suitable for dog walking

2.8km, 45 mins

Wynn Vale Dam offers visitors and locals a serene outdoor experience. You can enjoy a picnic with a water view, a stroll along the boardwalk, and some quiet time to take in the tranquillity.

There is more to explore if you head (anti-clockwise) past the resident horses to the children’s playground featuring slides, sea-saw and swings. Toilet facilities are situated along the southern edge of the dam.

You can walk around the lake itself (950m), or walk from Grenfell Road on the Wynn Vale Dam Circuit (2.8km return). The marked trail is a shared-use path, and has markers every 200m, and begins near the Jubilee Lake, near the footbridge on Wynn Vale to Valley View Walking Path which crosses Grenfell Road.

Access from Park Lake Drive.


Woorabinda Bushland Reserve Loop3.

Woorabinda Bushland Reserve Loop, Stirling

Walk suitable for prams and strollers Walk suitable for dog walking

5.4km, 2-3 hours

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 walk around the lake is suitable for prams.

Access from Stirling, off the South Eastern Freeway.


Wirraparinga Trail Loop, Brownhill Creek4.

Wirraparinga Trail Loop, Brownhill Creek (Mitcham)

Walk suitable for dog walking

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.

Walk along the trail past the bridge, and explore the creek.

Access from Brownhill Creek Road, just up from Mitcham.

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