South Para is the second largest reservoir in South Australia and the surrounding reserve is home to a range of adventure activities. Just minutes drive or a leisurely 30 minute nature walk from Williamstown in the southern Barossa Valley, this reservoir reserve is for outdoor enthusiasts keen to explore a rugged environment.

You can explore the network of trails through the beautiful reservoir surrounds and now linking to Warren Reservoir Reserve and Williamstown in your hiking boots or on your mountain bike. Pack a picnic and make the most of water views deep into the reserve.

Trails within South Para Reservoir

The two loop trails in the reservoir reserve, and connections to the Southern Barossa Linkage Trails:

1. On this page:
   Forest Loop, 2h 5.1km loop (marked in purple on maps.)
   The Forest Loop follows fire tracks. It is a Grade 3 trail (Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Trail sign posted. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Trail route may have short, steep sections and rough or rocky surfaces that can be slippery after rain.)
   The trail is a shared-use trail for both walkers, trail runners and mountain bikers (rated for mountain bikes as Intermediate – suitable for riders with a moderate level of skill and fitness.)

2. Peninsula Loop, 2h 5.7km loop (marked in orange on maps.)
   The Peninsula Loop follows fire tracks. It is a Grade 3 trail (Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Trail sign posted. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Trail route may have short, steep sections and rough or rocky surfaces that can be slippery after rain.)
   The trail is a shared-use trail for both walkers, trail runners and mountain bikers (rated for mountain bikes as Intermediate – suitable for riders with a moderate level of skill and fitness.)

About the Forest Loop, South Para Reservoir

The Forest Loop starts at the main carpark at South Para Reservoir on South Para Road (B31), Williamstown SA 5351, 2km south of Williamstown.

Hike the trail into the reserve and enjoy the changing landscapes of native bushland and plantation forest. Catch glimpses of the water through the trees before arriving at one of the many vantage spots at the water’s edge.

There are picnic shelters located along the trail at:

• 2.4km into the trail loop at South West Peninsula Picnic Area, accessible toilets and a picnic shelter with views over the water
• 2.9km into the trail loop, walk south for 200m to reach the South Peninsula Picnic Area, which has a picnic shelter with views over the water
• picnic tables and accessible toilets located in the carpark. There is a BYOB Bring your own bottle drinking fountain at the trailhead.

The Forest Loop is an unsealed trail following fire and access tracks. The trail is shared-use for walkers, runners and mountain bikers, so respect other trail users.

Getting there

Start the trail from the main carpark at South Para Reservoir on South Para Road (B31), Williamstown SA 5351, 2km south of Williamstown. There is only one carpark and trail access point. You can also walk into the South Para Reservoir Reserve from one of the Southern Barossa Linkage Trails.

Trail opening hours

Dog walking not permitted

Dogs are not welcome at reservoir reserves as they can carry harmful organisms that can easily contaminate the water and present a risk to the safety of the drinking water. Assistance animals are accepted.