SA Water (reservoirs)
Home to unique flora and fauna, our reservoir reserves are open for adventure and exploration across many special parts of South Australia. Immerse yourself in beautiful natural landscapes while enjoying a walk, hike, run or cycle on a series of trails with stunning water views.
Visit reservoirs.sa.gov.au to find trails and activities at reservoirs near you.
Explore 29 walks and trails at SA Water (reservoirs)
Happy Valley Reservoir
Adelaide City & Suburbs
Just 35 minutes from the city, Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve provides a unique escape right in the heart of Adelaide’s southern suburbs. Combine adventure, family fun and environmental preservation for the perfect nature experience.
With views across the water to the Adelaide Hills, the reserve offers walking trails, a grassy picnic area with shelters and BBQs, and easy access to the water for fishing. You can bring your kayak or canoe and discover hidden bays and shorelines from the water. For those with an adventurous spirit, trails make this the perfect stop for mountain biking or trail running.
- 30 mins2 km
Southern Loop
The Southern Loop is easiest of of the four trails in the newly opened Happy Valley Reservoir. The reservoir and trails were opened to the public in December 2021. - 1 hr4 km
Woodland Loop
The Woodland Loop is second easiest and second shortest of the four trails in the newly opened Happy Valley Reservoir. - 3 hrs10.5 km
Boundary Loop
The Boundary Loop is a 10.5km 3 hour trail, rated as Grade 4, and is one of the two hardest and longest of the four trails in the newly opened Happy Valley Reservoir. The Boundary Loop and Shoreline Loop are very similar, the difference being in the south eastern corner and southern side of the reservoir. - 3 hrs11 km
Shoreline Loop
The Shoreline Loop is a 11km 3 hour trail, rated as Grade 4, and is one of the two hardest and longest of the four trails in the newly opened Happy Valley Reservoir. The Boundary Loop and Shoreline Loop are very similar, the difference being in the south eastern corner and southern side of the reservoir. Hope Valley Reservoir Reserve
Adelaide City & Suburbs
Adelaide’s oldest and smallest active reservoir is the centrepiece to Hope Valley Reservoir Reserve – the state’s first metropolitan reservoir reserve to open for public access.
The reserve links into the O-Bahn Bikeway, and its 4.6km trail network, in combination with tree-lined footpaths, provides for an easy walking and cycling experience around the reservoir.
Much of the trails boast panoramic views across the water and to the hills, including the 800m dam wall which you can walk across. The trail here is ideal for walking and running, with room for families to enjoy a picnic along the way.
- 45 mins2.3 km
Hope Valley Reservoir Reserve
Explore Adelaide's newly opened Hope Valley Reservoir, with forested areas and views over the reservoir to the hills. Walk across the dam wall to the park in the north western corner on a 2.3km return short walk, or do a 5.2km full loop of the reservoir reserve. Little Para Reservoir
Adelaide City & Suburbs
Little Para Reservoir is South Australia’s youngest reservoir, situated north of Adelaide alongside the suburbs of Greenwith and Golden Grove, providing an opportunity for adventure, family fun and environmental preservation.
This beautiful natural reserve offers almost four kilometres of trails with two picnic areas, making it a welcome stop for local bike riders, runners and walkers. A scenic lookout provides the perfect way to relax and take in the reservoir and dam wall.
The facilities at Little Para Reservoir Reserve are designed to add value for the local community, building on existing recreational opportunities in adjoining public land and nearby green spaces.
- 45 mins1.8 km
Loop Trail
Little Para Reservoir is South Australia’s youngest reservoir, situated north of Adelaide alongside the suburbs of Greenwith and Golden Grove. With more than 3km of paths through native bushland and gentle rolling hills, the reservoir includes a 2km loop trail and 2km return walk to a lookout. - 45 mins2 km
Forest Trail
Little Para Reservoir is South Australia’s youngest reservoir, situated north of Adelaide alongside the suburbs of Greenwith and Golden Grove. With more than 3km of paths through native bushland and gentle rolling hills, the reservoir includes a 2km loop trail and 2km return walk to a lookout. Mount Bold Reservoir
Adelaide Hills
There’s more than 13 kilometres of trails to explore on foot, which takes you through a pine plantation, native vegetation and is perfectly positioned to showcase sweeping views over the water. Two trail grades with diverse terrain are available, suitable for walkers and hikers of all levels of experience.
Unlocking access to the southern section of the reserve, the trails also connect with the Kidman and Heysen walking trails, and the Onkaparinga National Park and Willunga Basin Trail for a more rigorous hiking experience.
- 30 mins1.3 km
Lookout Trail
Enjoy vistas at the new lookout over the dam wall and Adelaide hills to Mt Lofty Summit on this short 1km wheelchair friendly trail. - 1.5 hrs5.1 km
Forest Loop
The Forest Loop is the mid-range trail of the three trails at Mt Bold Reservoir. It is classed as Grade 5, which is defined as "Very steep and difficult hills. Bushwalking experience required." The trail traverses through a logged area (as at 2021), but once the new plantings mature it will be a wonderful walk. - 3 hrs9.4 km
Wedgetail Trail
The Wedgetail Trail is the longest of the three trails at Mt Bold Reservoir. The trail is a 9.4km one-way trail (or 18.8km return), so you will need to walk back again or organise a car shuffle. South Para Reservoir
Adelaide Hills
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.
- 2 hrs5.1 km
Forest Loop
Hike the Forest Loop 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. - 2 hrs5.7 km
Peninsula Loop
Walk along the reservoir's winding shores, taking in stunning views of the water and lands beyond. Keep an eye out for waders, cormorants and pink eared ducks, rarely seen in the Mount Lofty Ranges. - 30 mins1.7 km
Williamstown Link Route, Southern Barossa Linkage Trails
The Williamstown Link Route enables Williamstown residents an opportunity to explore from their doorstep, this link utilises tracks through plantation forest. The trail enters South Para Reservoir and connects with other trails in the Southern Barossa Linkage Trails network, - 1 hr5.6 km
South Para to Warren Trail, Southern Barossa Linkage Trails
Joining the West Warren and South Para Reservoirs, this trail is part of the Southern Barossa Linkage Trails network. - 6.5 hrs20.4 km
Warren to Para Wirra via South Para, Southern Barossa Linkage Trails
Joining the Para Wirra Conservation Park to South Para Reservoir, and on to Warren Reservoir, this trail is part of the Southern Barossa Linkage Trails network. Warren Reservoir
Adelaide Hills
A short drive south east of Williamstown in the Barossa Valley is Warren Reservoir Reserve. Here you can explore by foot or mountain bike along two trails, or bring your kayak and paddle the waters. You can also enjoy a relaxing afternoon sharing a picnic with family and friends or plan a longer walk to connect to South Para Reservoir Reserve and Williamstown or through Mount Crawford Forest and on to Para Wirra Conservation Park.
- 2.5 hrs5.7 km
Dam Wall Loop
Explore the reservoir reserve and keep an eye out for echidnas, small birds and termite mounds among the dense vegetation. Take a short walk to the dam wall lookout and back to tackle the whole loop. - 1.8 hrs8.8 km
River Loop
The River Loop meanders through plantation forest, redgums, blackwoods and silky tea tree communities. Watch for yellow-tailed black cockatoos and enjoy the sound of the wind whistling through the pines. - 1 hr5.6 km
South Para to Warren Trail, Southern Barossa Linkage Trails
Joining the West Warren and South Para Reservoirs, this trail is part of the Southern Barossa Linkage Trails network. - 6.5 hrs20.4 km
Warren to Para Wirra via South Para, Southern Barossa Linkage Trails
Joining the Para Wirra Conservation Park to South Para Reservoir, and on to Warren Reservoir, this trail is part of the Southern Barossa Linkage Trails network. Bundaleer Reservoir
Clare Valley
There are three loop walking trails at Bundaleer Reservoir. The reservoir is a smaller reservoir reserve where you can fish, kayak, enjoy views of the water from the loop walking trail and have a picnic. The reservoir is located north of Spalding, about a 40 minute drive from Clare in the mid-north.
- 2 hrs4.7 km
Reservoir Loop
There are three loop walking trails at Bundaleer Reservoir. The reservoir is located north of Spalding, about a 40 minute drive from Clare in the mid-north. The Reservoir Loop is a 4.7km loop taking you around the reservoir itself, including the dam wall. - 2 hrs6.2 km
Woods Loop
There are three loop walking trails at Bundaleer Reservoir. The reservoir is located north of Spalding, about a 40 minute drive from Clare in the mid-north. The 6.2km Woods Loop is the shorted of the three trails and is the best walk to take in the sheltered woodlands. - 2 hrs7.1 km
Boundary Loop
There are three loop walking trails at Bundaleer Reservoir. The reservoir is located north of Spalding, about a 40 minute drive from Clare in the mid-north. The Boundary Loop at 7.1km is the longest trail in the reservoir, and ventures further out around the outer reserve. It takes in views of the reservoir and dam wall. Myponga Reservoir
Fleurieu Peninsula
Nestled near the township of Myponga on the stunning Fleurieu Peninsula, about an hour’s drive south of Adelaide, is the Myponga Reservoir Reserve. The trails here are ideal for walking and running with room for families to enjoy a picnic.
You can also head to the lookout to take in the scenic surrounds. Head out on the water for a paddle in your canoe or kayak and explore the 250 hectares of water. Shore-based fishing is available within the publicly-accessible area of the reserve, or you can drop a line in from your canoe or kayak.
- 15 mins0.7 km
Spinebill Loop
Explore the Myponga Reservoir reserve on this short loop. Starting near the Eatts St car park, the Spinebill Loop follows a short section of creekline which feeds into the Myponga reservoir. Prior to 2020 the creekline was significantly degraded and choked with weeds. SA Water has rehabilitated the watercourse, removing weeds, engineering the creekline to remediate erosion, and planting hundreds of seedlings. - 30 mins2.3 km
Heron Loop
Explore the Myponga Reservoir reserve on this mid-range loop. Enjoy views over the reservoir as you explore the open area near the Hansen St carpark (the carpark closest to Myponga and near the brewery). - 1 hr4.5 km
Lapwing Loop
Explore the Myponga Reservoir reserve on this mid-range loop, which takes in the forest along the water's edge. This is the second longest of the four named and waymarked trails in the reserve and is a real highlight of the reservoir reserve. - 1.8 hrs8.7 km
Kestrel Loop
Explore the Myponga Reservoir reserve on this long loop, which takes in the far western section of the reserve. This is the longest of the four named and waymarked trails in the reserve and takes in a number of undulating hills.