- Distance
- 1.7 km circuit
- Duration
- 1 hour
- Suitable for
- Walking, Get to by public transport, Jogging
- Easy
- Terrain
- Undulating
- Park
- Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
- Region
- Adelaide City & Suburbs
- Download maps & GPS files
- 1 map PDF
- 2 GPS files
- Photos
- 19 photosJump to Photos section
- Travel options
- Bus
- Car
- Travel time from Adelaide
- 1 hour or less
About the Walking Trail
The Michael Perry Botanic Reserve is a quiet reserve following Second Creek through Stonyfell and Burnside. The reserve connects with Willowbridge Reserve and several reserves downstream. Walk along a 1.7km loop through the reserve to see the wildlife, aquatic life and remnants of the exotic plants. Start the walk on Andrews Walk, near 66 Hallett Road, or from one of the nearby streets.
The reserve is suitable for dog walking. There is a picnic area and toilets. Andrews Walk and the Michael Perry Botanic Reserve is open between 5am and 10pm daily.
Jump to the photos below.
The nearby Clifton Lodge, a large Gothic-style house, was built in 1852 for the miller George Sismey, who was an early investor in the mine and quarry industries of South Australia. In 1872 the house was bought by Nathaniel Knox who landscaped the gardens, including establishing an extensive garden along Second Creek, importing many exotic species. There are many remnants those plants within the Reserve. In 1976 the estate was subdivided. The house now stands at 16 Waratah Way (Stonyfell). The former entrance gates and hedge of the estate marks the start of Andrews Walk near 66 Hallett Road, and the former gatehouse is adjacent at 66 Hallett Road.
Extend the Walk
Explore downstream along Second Creek through the many reserves on a 4.0km loop that begins in Phillips Reserve, following Second Creek upstream through Harris Reserve, Moorcroft Reserve, Hubbe Court Reserve and Simpson Reserve before entering Willowbridge Reserve and finally Michael Perry Botanic Reserve. Walk the loop through Michael Perry Botanic Reserve before returning.
Photos
Entrance gates to Andrews Walk. These gates were the original entrance to the historic 1852 house. The property was later subdivided
Rock ramps help to reduce erosion. Channels and resting ponds have been built into the ramps to assist the small, rare native fish Mountain Galaxia (about 10cm long) to move up and down the creek
Second Creek flows through Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
The forest and Second Creek in Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
Second Creek flows through the Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
Houses overlook the Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
Birdlife in Second Creek, Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
Birdlife in Second Creek, Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
The first owner of the nearby stately home Clifton Lodge, Nathaniel Knox, established an extensive garden here along Second Creek, importing many exotic species. There are remnants of those plants in the Reserve
Picnic area beside Second Creek in Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
Interpretive signage in Michael Perry Botanic Reserve detailing information about the Kaurna people, the environment and the former exotic garden
The walking path through Michael Perry Botanic Reserve
Andrews Walk commemorates Mr Percey Andrews and family of Clifton Lodge, circa 1930 to 1987
The former pump and adjacent shed were used by the original Clifton Lodge house to source water
The former pump was used by the original Clifton Lodge house to source water
Andrews Walk is a path that meanders from Michael Perry Botanic Reserve back to Hallet Road
Andrews Walk passes several houses
Birdboxes are located through the reserve
There are toilets and a drinking fountain in the Michael Perry Botanic Reserve