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
1.
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.
Access from Thorndon Park Reserve at Paradise.
2.
Wynn Vale Dam Circuit
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.
3.
Woorabinda Bushland Reserve Loop, Stirling
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.
4.
Wirraparinga Trail Loop, Brownhill Creek (Mitcham)
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.
5.
Blackwood Forest Recreation Park
1.4km, 45 mins
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.
Access from Main Road, just south of Blackwood.
6.
Mannum Waterfalls
3km, 2-3 hours return
Scenic walking trail following Reedy Creek from the lower pools to the waterfalls. An adventure playground – rock-hop along the creek, exploring the many pools and waterfalls. An abundance of birdlife and wildlife can be found.
Best from May to September, or after rainfall.
Access from the Lower Car Park or Upper Car Park, which is a 1 hour drive up North East Road from Tea Tree Gully, or 20 minutes from the Murray Bridge exit on the South Eastern Freeway.
7.
Chookarloo Walk, Kuitpo Forest
1.1km, 30mins
Experience the pine forest and native scrub around Chookarloo Campground on this short walk. The walk starts from the Chookarloo Campground at one of the footbridges, entering the dark forest shady forest. The circuit is great for kids, offering lots of fallen trees and other nature place experiences.
Access from Chookarloo Camping Ground at Kuitpo Forest, 50 minutes south of the Adelaide CBD.
8.
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.
Access from Douglas Drive, Munno Para.
9.
Jo Gapper Activity Park, Hillbank
1.7km or 2km option
Walk one of the two family friendly trails in the Jo Gapper Activity Park. The park includes walking trails and lookout, a playground, bbqs, toilets, football oval, basketball and tennis courts, and a spacious off-lead dog park for your four-legged friends.
Follow the trails up to one of the two lookouts for a scenic view.
Please note that the gates to the carpark at Jo Gapper Activity Park are shut at sunset each day.
Access from Blackburn Rd, Hillbank, just off Main North Road near Elizabeth and Salisbury.
10.
Fourth Creek Walk, Morialta Conservation Park
1.4km, 1-2 hours return, Easy Walk
A gentle walk through stands of tall trees following Fourth Creek from the Morialta Nature Playground, past picnic areas to the First Falls carpark.
Spend some time at the Morialta Nature Playground and take some picnic or bbq supplies for after the walk.
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.
You can walk your dog on this trail, from the recreation area to the First Falls carpark, providing it remains under your control on a lead. Dogs are not permitted beyond the First Falls carpark.
Access from Stradbroke Road and the Morialta Nature Playground.
11.
Accessible Trail to Black Cliff and Waterfall Creek, Hallett Cove Conservation Park
1.1km, 1 hour (550m one way), Easy Walk
The walking trail to Black Cliff in Hallett Cove Conservation Park is accessible for prams and assisted wheelchairs. The entire length of the 550m trail, starting at the Park’s southern entrance and ending at Black Cliff, is being paved to create a smooth, non-slip surface. The trail connects with the existing boardwalk, providing a 925m trail to Waterfall Creek, or a 1.8km return walk.
Being an Accessible trail, it’s an easy one for the kids and parents with prams.
Access from the beach, playground and lawns at Hallet Cove.
12.
St Kilda Mangrove Trail
1.5km, 45 mins return
Enjoy exploring a flooded mangrove forest on an elevated walkway that meanders through tidal salt marshes, mangroves and sea grass channels to a lookout that has scenic views across the Barker Inlet.
Make a great day out with the kids by spending some time afterwards at the St Kilda Adventure Playground.
The walk is open daily between 9am and 4pm (except Christmas Day). Entry is free, but you need to obtain an Access Gate Key from the kiosk (Tackle & Tucker) near the Adventure Playground. You need to leave a $20 key deposit, or leave something else of value (such as a Medicare card).
Occassionally high tides, severe weather conditions or maintenance requirements may force unforeseen closures. To avoid disappointment, please contact the Tackle and Tucker Kiosk on 8280 9355 before your visit.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Visitors should talk quietly to avoid disturbing wildlife. Be aware that to enhance the visitor experience much of the boardwalk does not have handrails.
Access from St Kilda.
13.
Lake Discovery Walk, Para Wirra
1km, 30 mins, Easy Walk
This popular short trail is great for families where you can soak up the tranquil setting of Para Wirra’s lake. Wheelchair accessible. Great for walking with small kids as they ride their bikes.
Access from the The Lake in Para Wirra Conservation Park, 17 minutes from Williamstown, or 22 minutes from Craigmore.
14.
Wood Duck Walk, Belair National Park
1km, 30 mins, Easy Walk
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.
The good ol’ pastime of feeding ducks by the water’s edge is one of those activities that makes you feel at one with nature. But did you know that bread makes ducks sick?
Remember to look out for koalas in the trees on the carpark side of the lake.
The disability carpark arrangements were upgraded earlier this year to improve access to this trail for everyone.
You can walk your dog in this park providing it remains under your control on a lead.
Access from Upper Sturt Road, near Blackwood and Belair.
15.
Little Para River Trail, Salisbury and Paralowie
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.
Pick a section of trail to walk, or start from the Carisbrooke Park on Main North Road.
16.
Lowie’s Loop Nature Play Trail, Paralowie
1km, 30 mins
Lowie’s Loop is a 1km children’s exploratory nature play trail that encourages children to get out and explore the natural environment.
Access from Boardwalk Drive at Paralowie.
17.
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve, Burnside/Stonyfell
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.
Kids would enjoy the creek that the trail follows.
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.
Access from Burnside/Stonyfell, just before Greenhill Road enters the hills.
18.
Punchbowl Lookout Walk, Onkaparinga Gorge
2km, 1 hour return, Moderate Walk
The one kilometre 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. A new trail opened in September 2017.
Access from Piggot Range Road, in Onkaparinga Hills, just 8 minutes drive from the southern end of the Southern Expressway.
19.
Warren Gorge Trail, Quorn
5.2km, 1.5 – 3 hours
A 5.2km circuit hike through Warren Gorge, and returning along a ridgeline. The walk follows Warren Gorge, between the towering cliffs, along the native pine tree lined forest, before climbing up to the saddle through yackas. There are multiple lookouts along the ridgeline, be sure not to miss the short sidetrips to each, such as Smoke-Oh Lookout (not signposted with a named sign) and the Lookout Rocks.
Access from Warren Gorge, north of Quorn, in the Flinders Ranges.
20.
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.
Access from Mt Barker, 2 mins from the Bald Hills South Eastern Freeway exit in the Adelaide Hills.
21.
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.
Children may enjoy exploring the many meandering trails in the garden, which weave there way through different plantings.
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.
Access from Shepherds Hill Road at Blackwood.
22.
Little Quarry Loop, Anstey Hill Recreation Park
0.65km, 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. The trail begins near the main carpark in the former quarry.
Access from the main carpark at Anstey Hill Recreation Park.
23.
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.
Access from Tanunda Creek Rd, between Williamstown and Tanunda.
24.
Heysen Trail Walk with Kids to the Fairy Garden, Bridgewater
2km return, 2 hours return
Take the kids on a 1km each-way hike from a playground to the fairy garden at Deanery Reserve. Walk through a tunnel, see ducks and play with fairies.
Access from Bridgewater Playground, just off from the Bridgewater exit of the South Eastern Freeway.
25.
Kaiki Walk, Granite Island
3.3km
The 2.9km walk around Granite Island is a great way for people, including families with children and strollers to discover the island. Ride the horse tram over the causeway. Explore the many boulders and boulder caves.
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.
Access from Victor Harbor.
26.
Ingala Falls
500m, 45 mins return
Enjoy a short 250m walk with the family. The trail starts at the picnic area, following the creek upstream for 250 metres to reach the rock pool & waterfall. There are several picnic areas along the way.
Access from the Ingala Falls carpark, between Yankalilla and Deep Creek National Park or Victor Harbor.
27.
Mia Tappa Circuit, Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
2.4km, Moderate Hike
Mai Tappa means ‘food pathway’ in Kaurna language. The trail reveals aspects of the Kaurna culture including the importance of plants for food, medicine or textiles, and the importance of local animals in Kaurna life.
Pack some lunch and spend some time at the playground near the start of the trail, or pack the kids bikes for some mountain bike trail riding.
Access from the playground and carpark off Bridge Road, Salisbury East.
28.
Inner Harbour Loop Path, Port Adelaide
3.5km
A shared-use walking and cycling loop path provides a 3.5km route around Port Adelaide’s Inner Harbour and Port River. The trail passes the large playground at Harts Mill, and two pocket parks on the opposite side of the river. Watch out for dolphins and observe the boats. Ideal for the kids to ride their bikes whilst you walk.
Make a shorter walk by walking along the wharf to Harts Mill and looping back via Nile Street.
Find out more info at ourport.com.au.
29.
Nature Hike
3.5km, 3 hours, Moderate Hike
An easy trail though regenerating pink gum and grey box woodland. This trail is a fine example of these unique plant communities. On the eastern section of the trail you’ll have fabulous views of the gorge.
Access from Piggot Range Road, in Onkaparinga Hills, just 9 minutes drive from the southern end of the Southern Expressway.
30.
4 Hikes in Lobethal Bushland Park
4.2km, 2 hours
There are four hiking trails marked in Lobethal Bushland Park, ranging from 870m to 2km, to 4km.
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.
With a playground and bbq picnic area near the trailhead, the park is ideal for families with children.
Access from just north of Lobethal, in the Adelaide Hills.
31.
Lizard Rock Hike, Para Wirra Conservation Park
1.5km, 1-2 hours, Moderate Hike
Experience an easy walk to the Lizard Rocks. The rocks are large towering boulders that can be climbed for views into the valley of Wild Dog Creek.
Access from the Gawler View Picnic Area in Para Wirra Conservation Park, 17 minutes from Williamstown, or 22 minutes from Craigmore.
32.
Mylor Conservation Park Loop
2.3km, 2 hours
Wander along the trails in this small park, looking for wildlife in the open woodland of the park. Keep an eye out for western grey kangaroos and the birdlife.
We have two loops noted on this walk page, and we’re recomending the secondary loop marked in red on the map for most trail users. The yellow loop is a little difficult to follow near point 5, and between points 3 and 4.
Access from Mylor, south of Aldgate in the Adelaide Hills.
33.
Ridge Trail, Mount George Conservation Park
2.4km, 2 hours, Moderate Hike
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. There are some steep bits and the kids will enjoying reaching the lookout rocks.
Access from the main carpark, take the Bridgewater exit on the South Eastern Freeway.
34.
Aldgate Valley Nature Walk
13.6km, 3.5 hour return
A walking trail connecting a series of nature reserves and some quiet country lane walking. The reserves and native bushland are home to Southern Brown Bandicoots, kangaroos, possums, echidnas and koalas.
The walks is on the longer side, but it’s possible to start in Mylor and walk some way up the valley trail, and return along the same route. From Mylor to the start of Bandicoot Lane is 3.8km return.
For kids and shorter walking we recommend accessing from Mylor, south of Aldgate in the Adelaide Hills.
35.
Forest Circuit Walk, Stringybark Campsite, Deep Creek
2.7km, 1 hour circuit, Easy Walk
Enjoy an easy stroll through the stringybark forest near Stringybark Campsite. The walk is suitable for children, explore the forest, mushrooms and birdlife. The walk is especially enjoyable near sunset and sunrise.
Access from Stringybark Campsite at Deep Creek National Park, 1 hour from the southern end of the Southern Expressway.
36.
Aaron Creek Circuit Hike, Deep Creek
6km, 3 hours, Moderate Hike
Explore the grasslands with views and kangaroos, before descending into Aaron Creek with its lush vegetation and winter waterfall. Take a picnic along to enjoy at the picnic table at Eagle Waterhole Campground.
Access from Blowhole Beach Road in Deep Creek National Park, 1 hour from the southern end of the Southern Expressway.
37.
Lorikeet Loop Walk, Belair National Park
3km, 1.25 hours, 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.
Although one might think the trail, with its even surface and gentle grades may be suitable for wheelchair use, National Parks and Wildlife Service SA don’t note it as such. There are some bike controls on sections of the path which may be too difficult to navigate around for wheelchairs.
Access from Upper Sturt Road, near Blackwood and Belair.
38.
Newmans Nursery Ruins Walk
3km, 1 hour return
Walk up Water Gully to the extensive ruins of Newsmans Nursery. Watch out for koalas along the way, and explore the many rooms and buildings of the ruins.
The walk can be suitable for prams, but is a steady incline.
Access from Gate 6 on Perseverance Road at Vista, near where Grand Junction Road enters the hills.
39.
Devils Nose Hike, Para Wirra
4.4km return, 2 hours, Hard Hike
Take the kids on this walk out along a long ridge to the end at Devils Nose Lookout. Near the end walk between large boulders and onto the large rocks that form the lookout.
Access from the carpark at the start of Devils Nose Track in Para Wirra Conservation Park, 17 minutes from Williamstown, or 22 minutes from Craigmore.
40.
Rosetta Trail, the Bluff, Victor Harbor
800m, 1 hour
A winner with kids of all sizes, explore the Bluff by walking the 800m Rosetta Trail to the top of the Bluff.
Access from the carpark at the Bluff, on the southern side of Victor Harbor, 50 mins south of the southern end of the Southern Expressway.
41.
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.
Extend the walk by walking up the Viaduct Track into Watiparinga Reserve to view the remains of the old railway viaduct, to see old tunnel entrances and passing trains. Watch out for the caves high above the Viaduct Track (marked on the google map on the walk page), which are a steep rocky climb for adventurous kids.
Access from the carpark off Ayliffes Road, just off South Road near Darlington.
42.
Wirra Water Loop, Mambray Creek
1.6km, 30 mins return, Easy Walk
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.
Access from Mambray Creek Day Visitor Carpark, 40 mins north of Port Pirie.
43.
Sugarloaf Circuit
5.8km, 3 hours
The Sugarloaf Circuit hike is a gentle 3 hour, 5.8km circuit through the cool sanctuary of Chambers Gully, winding around the Sugarloaf (a sidetrip to a lookout with views over Adelaide) and walking beyond into Woolshed Gully. Watch out for koalas and kangaroos.
The trail ends at the bottom of Woolshed Gully with a short walk along the roadside Waterfall Gully Road Walking Trail.
Access from Waterfall Gully Road, near Burnside and Beaumont.
44.
Mount Barker Summit Walking Trail
500m, 1 hour return
The 500 metre return trail is an easy walk, & passes a lookout area with picnic tables before reaching the summit. Begins at the far end of the summit car park.
You can extend this hike by also walking around the summit on the 2.4km Scenic Bush Walk. This trail starts from the large boulder in the car park.
Access from Mt Barker, 10 mins from the Bald Hills South Eastern Freeway exit in the Adelaide Hills.
45.
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.
46.
Sacred Canyon Walk, Flinders Ranges National Park
800m, 30 mins
A short walk along a gum-lined creek leads to the site where ancient Aboriginal rock engravings are found in smooth sandstone walls. Walk through the gorge to view the images representing animal tracks, people and waterholes, have been pecked into the sheer rock faces with stone tools. Some images are very weathered and are best seen in the soft light of morning or afternoon.
Access from Wilpena Pound, 5.5 hours north of Adelaide.
47.
Sundews Ridge Hike
4km, 2 hours return, Moderate Hike
Take a short hike to view the rocky outcrops and meandering river from the Sundews Lookout. Keep a watch our for kangaroos and other wildlife.
Access from Piggot Range Road, in Onkaparinga Hills, just 9 minutes drive from the southern end of the Southern Expressway.
48.
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.
Access from River Road in Noarlunga Downs.
49.
Mawson Lakes loop
2.2km, 30 mins
Enjoy a 2.2km loop walk around the main lake at Mawson Lakes. Extend the walk with some of the nearby Dry Creek Trails network.
Access from Mawson Lakes.
50.
Valley Loop Hike, Belair National Park
3km, 1 hour
Follows the forested banks and lower slopes of Minnow Creek and passes the Railway Dam, with ducks and seating.
Start from the Adventure Playground.
The trail is suitable for most strollers but can be muddy after rains.
Access from Upper Sturt Road, near Blackwood and Belair.