Belair National Park is the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA Park of the Month for October 2018.
Belair National Park is close to Adelaide, nestled in the foothills. There are 8 hiking trails in the park, and another 2 hiking trails that pass through the park. 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.
The park is accessible by public transport train service and bus services. Vehicle entry is $12 per car, or $9.50 for concession, and visitors are encouraged to book online before you go, of use the self-service computer available for payment daily between 9am and 4:30pm. There is also a range of free events throughout the month, including guided Ranger Walks and Friends of Belair guided walks.
You can walk your dog in this park providing it remains under your control on a lead.
11 Great Walk and Hikes in Belair National Park
1.
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.
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.
2.
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.
The trail is an Accessible trail, and is suitable for wheelchair users – it is recommended to start the walk from Old Government House and travel in an anti-clockwise direction. You might need some assistance on the climb back to Old Government House from the adventure playground.
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.
3.
Heritage Tree Walk, Belair National Park
1km, 20 minutes, Easy Walk
This easy walk winds its way around prominent heritage trees such as oak, poplar, sequoia, cork oak, pine and horse chestnut. Suitable for most strollers, although can be muddy at times.
4.
RSL Walk, Belair National Park
1km, 20 mins, Easy Walk
The short 950m return walk along the RSL Walk trail links two memorial plantations. The trail begins at the remnants of the historic Japanese cherry plantation and finishes at the memorial avenue of sequoias. The trail is graded as an Easy Walk, suitable for most people.
5.
Valley Loop Hike, Belair National Park
3km, 1 hour, Moderate Hike
Follows the forested banks and lower slopes of Minnow Creek and passes the Railway Dam, with ducks and seating. The trail can be suitable for some strollers, although the trail can be muddy at times, particularly alongside Minnow Creek near the Volunteer Centre.
6.
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. The trail is suitable for a rugged stroller in dry conditions.
7.
Waterfall Hike, Belair National Park
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.
8.
Adventure Loop Trail, Belair National Park
12.6km, 6.5 hours, Hard Hike
The Adventure Loop Trail is the longest hike in Belair National Park. The trail is a loop of the park, exploring the far reaches of the park and following some of the boundaries. The trail is suitable for walkers and trail runners, and also mountain bikers.
9.
Section 1: Belair National Park to Eagle on the Hill, Yurrebilla Trail
17.5km, 3.5-4.5 hours
The Yurrebilla Trail starts in Belair National Park, heading north for 5 days and 56km to Athelstone. Section 1 starts at the train station, passing through some of the park before heading north down to Brownhill Creek, and then the open grassy hills and ridgetops of Waite Conservation Reserve.
10.
Sea to Summit Trail, Kingston Park Beach to Mt Lofty Summit
31km, 8 hours
The Sea to Summit Trail passes through the national park, on its way from the beach at Kingston to Mount Lofty Summit.
The trail is 32km with a total height gain of 1400 metres from sea to summit. The trail links existing walking tracks and a series of streets to create a challenging walk experience. Do it as a one day challenge, or split into a 2 day walk. The trail is largely unmarked, but is a series of walking trails and roadside or reserve connections. An excellent map can be purchased from the Friends of the Heysen Trail and Scout Outdoor Centre.
11.
Brownhill Creek and Belair Hike Loop
13.7km, 3-5 hours
We’ve included a special mention of this walking route which includes some of Belair National Park. This loop hike traverses the Brownhill Creek valley, through and beyond Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, up the Yurrebilla Trail and into Belair National Park. The route links multiple trails together, and requires some navigation, especially between Belair National Park through Randell Reserve to Brownhill Creek.