- Distance
- 900 metres return
- Duration
- 20 mins
- Suitable for
- Walking, Hiking, Dog Walking, Get to by public transport
- Grade 1, Easy Walk
- Terrain
- Flat
- Park
- Belair National Park
- Region
- Adelaide Hills
- Download maps & GPS files
- 2 GPS files
- 1 website link
- Photos
- 14 photosJump to Photos section
- Travel options
- Bus
- Car
- Train
- Travel time from Adelaide
- 1 hour or less
About the Walking Trail
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, which was planted from 1922 as a living memorial to World War I soldiers. The trail follows the spring fed creek that flows through Sparkes Gully, finishing at the avenue of sequoias planted in the 1960s.
The Japanese cherry plantation was planted in 1922 to commemorate the Allied Victory of World War I. Remnants of the trees can still be seen, and they are a reminder of the past those they honour.
The avenue of sequoias was planted in 1962 as a memorial to Australian and American forces who served in World War Two, and in Korea.
The trail is graded as an Easy Walk, suitable for people of all abilities.
It may be suitable for more adventurous wheelchair access, as it is a consistent 1m wide, fine gravel, gentle slopes, a bridge and no steps. However it may be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair, assistance would be required, and could only be done when the weather is nice as parts of path can get muddy. There are a couple of inclines, and the trail may be muddy after rainfall, and during autumn tends to be covered with damp leaf matter.
The return walk is 950m, or 425m each way.
The trailhead can be accessed by the Cherry Plantation Road, which is a bitumen road. The carpark is at the point where a road gate closes the remainder of the road.
You can walk your dog on this trail provided it remains on a lead.
Photos
Trailhead of the RSL walk
The RSL walk meanders through forest, beside the Sparkes Gully creek. The trail an Easy Walk, suitable for people of all abilities. It is suitable for wheelchair access, as it is a consistent 1m wide, small gravel, gentle slopes, a bridge and no steps.
Seating at the trailhead of the RSL Walk, in the remnants of the Cherry tree plantation
The bridge across the Sparkes Gully creek, at the trailhead of the RSL Walk.
The boardwalk across the spring fed creek that flows through Sparkes Gully. The creek supports important perched swamp vegetation found nowhere else in the park.
The plaque a the trailhead of the RSL Walk, commemorating the cherry tree plantation. The plaque reads: "In 1922, through public subscription, aided by the national park, Mr F H Snow established here, a plantation of 700 flowering trees, in memory of the fallen of World War One. In perpetuation of the specail meaning of this place, this cherry tree was planted on April 20, 1986. Blackwood R.S.L., N.P.W.S. Social Club, N.P.W.S. Staff."
The RSL Walk trail
The start of the RSL Walk at the cherry plantation
The start of the RSL Walk from the carpark on Cherry Plantation Road
The trail an Easy Walk, suitable for people of all abilities. It is suitable for wheelchair access, as it is a consistent 1m wide, small gravel, gentle slopes, a bridge and no steps.
The trail and boardwalk of the RSL Walk
The plaque at the avenue of sequoias, a WW2 memorial. The plaque reads: "In 1962, this avenue of sequoias was planted by the staff of Belair National park, as a memorial to Australian and American forces who served in World War Two, and in Korea. The construction of the bridge and track to this site was a join venture by Blackwood and District RSL; National Parks and Wilflie staff; Rotary Club of Blackwood Inc; Employ SA Youth Conservation Corps; and National Parks Heritage Committee. Unveiled on 6 October, 2008."
The avenue of sequoias at the end of the RSL Walk. The avenue was planted in 1962 as a WW2 memorial
The carpark fro the RSL Walk on Cherry Plantation Road