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The Best Hiking and Walking Trails in South Australia 

There are few things better than heading out into the wilderness and getting in touch with nature. As a proud South Aussie who loves nothing more than ditching civilisation for the quiet life, I can attest to South Australia’s incredible array of hiking and walking trails that take in all types of terrain. 

Whether it’s a casual stroll between wineries in the Clare Valley, a three-day hike through the Flinders Rangers or an exploration of coastal coves along the Yorke Peninsula, there’s a trail for every skill level. 

Lace up your hiking boots, fill up your water bottle and discover the great outdoors with the best hiking and walking trails throughout South Australia

First Falls Walk

Woodforde
The great thing about Adelaide is how close the city is to the outdoors. Just 10km from the city centre, Morialta Conversation Park consists of several bushwalking trails that pass by three different waterfalls. 

On a weekend you’ll encounter everyone from grandparents to families walking along the First Falls Walk—a pleasant 2-hour trek through the stunning Morialta Gorge that takes you past Giants Cave before reaching First Falls

Wildlife is in abundance so don’t be surprised if you encounter koalas, kookaburras and kangaroos during your walk. 

Along with several more daunting hikes, Morialta is a haven for rock climbers, with the three rock climbing zones in the park the most popular in the state. 

Find out more about First Falls Walk here

Hallett Cove Boardwalk

Hallett Cove
Recently renovated, Hallett Cove Boardwalk is a moderate trail across an elevated boardwalk along coastal cliffs. A favourite with the Instagram fitness folk, the boardwalk runs between Marino Rocks and Hallett Cove and is suitable for all ages. 

Part of Hallet Cove Conversation Park, over 1,7000 Aboriginal artefacts have been discovered in the region, while the natural wonder known as ‘Sugar Loaf’ is a must-visit. 

If you’ve got the time, the 2-hour Glacier Hike is a great way to spend a Sunday morning and is signposted with plaques telling the geological, Aboriginal and European history of the area. 

Find out more about Hallet Cove Boardwalk here

Royston Head Hike

York Peninsula
Stretching 500km of spectacular coastline, Yorke Peninsula is home to dozens of different trails that traverse sandy beaches, swampy mangroves, rugged cliffs, fertile vegetation and more.

Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park is one of the more popular spots along the coast with several scenic trails, including our favourite; the 2-hour Royston Head Hike. This picturesque trail takes you along the rugged peninsula coast and provides sensational views of the Spencer Gulf

If time is of the essence, the Inneston Historic Walk and Stenhouse Bay Lookout Walk are both 1 hour loops great for all levels of fitness. 

Find out more about Royston Head Hike here

Mount Ohlssen Bagge Trail

Flinders Rangers
Ikara-Flinders Rangers National Park offers nature lovers some of the best hikes and trails in the state. There are close to 20 different trails throughout the park, including the 2-hour Living with Land Walk and epic 7-hour one-way Aroona to Yougnoona Hike day trek, but if you want something that’s in the middle, we suggest the Mount Ohlssen Bagge trail. 

Beginning and ending at Wilpena Visitor Centre, this 4-hour hike is one of the most popular Flinders Rangers walks. Although the first section of the trail is super steep, once you reach the summit you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Wilpena Pound and the surrounding rangers. 

Find out more about Mount Ohlssen Bagge Trail here

Deep Creek Waterfall Hike

Fleurieu Penin­su­la
Deep Creek Waterfall Hike is part of the massive Heysen Trail (more on that later) that passes through some of South Australia’s most breathtaking scenery. 

One part of the hike that makes for a great day trek is the Deep Creek Waterfall Hike. This half-day walk in Deep Creek National Park curves through dense forest woodlands and leads to a spectacular waterfall in the centre of the park. 

Bushwalking experience and appropriate footwear are recommended as parts of the trail are rocky and quite steep.

Find out more about Deep Creek Waterfall Hike here

Riesling Trail

Clare Valley
Not every walk has to be a challenge. Take the Riesling Trail. This 35km long flat track was originally a railway line that dates back to the 1860s. It now connects Auburn to Barinia, with a slew of wineries and cellar doors dotted between the country towns. 

While most people hire a bike and ride the Riesling Trail, walking from winery to winery is also a great way to spend a day in the Clare Valley. Plus you don’t have to worry about being over the limit. 

It takes roughly 9 hours to walk the entire trail, so we suggest picking a couple of wineries that are close to each other and walking between them before calling an Uber to take you home. 

Find out more about the Riesling Trail here

Deep Creek Circuit Hike

Fleurieu Peninsula 
Deep Creek National Park is the largest area of natural bushland on the Fleurieu Peninsula. Native wildlife and birdlife are everywhere, and you’ll encounter everything from kangaroos to kookaburras when attempting the Deep Creek Circuit Hike

Warning: this one isn’t for the weak of the heart. Recommended for experienced bushwalkers, the trek takes roughly 7 hours to complete and leads you through dense forests past Deep Creek Waterfall

For those who just want an easy stroll, give the 2 hour return Goondooloo Ridge Walk a crack. You’ll experience eucalypt woodlands, picnic areas and great views of Aaron Creek Valley and Backstairs Passage.

Find out more about Deep Creek Circuit Hike here

Waterfall Creek Hike

Kangaroo Island
You’ll find dozens of pleasant trails across Kangaroo Island, particularly in the Flinders Chase National Park and Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area

A favourite for those who enjoy a peaceful hike through beautiful bushland is Waterfall Creek Hike. Although rated a Grade 3 (moderate) hike, the trail isn’t overly difficult and takes you across the creek and up to the summit where you’ll be greeted by stunning views of Billy Goat Waterfall

Roughly 2 hours to complete, you don’t have to be a fitness freak to enjoy this walk. 

Find out more about Waterfall Creek Hike here

River Hike

Onkaparinga
Don’t be surprised if you encounter bike riders and horse riders while trekking through Onkaparinaga River National Park. Located south of Adelaide, this ruggedly beautiful national park has soaring cliff tops, dense forest areas and plenty of pathways for two-wheeled, two-legged and four-legged explorers. 

Punchbowl Lookout Trail is short and easy and great for families, but if you want to get a sweat on we suggest the River Hike. Roughly 4.5 km in length, this trail begins with a slight slop before getting super steep the further you venture into the gorge where you’ll be confronted by soaring cliffs and natural watering holes. 

Find out more about the River Hike here.

Alligator Gorge Ring Route Hike

Flinders Rangers
Lace up your hiking boots and keep your water bottle topped up when you take on Alligator Gorge Ring Route in Mount Remarkable National Park

This four-hour trek runs through both Alligator Gorge and the remarkable Narrows, which is a tight gap in the cliffs around 2 metres wide. 

The park itself has dozens of great hikes and several camping areas for those wanting to spend a few nights trekking the different paths in the park. 

Find out more about Alligator Gorge Ring Route Hike here

Steub Trail

Adelaide Hills
Commonly known by South Aussies as Mount Lofty, the Steub Trail is the most popular hike just outside of the CBD. Get there early on a weekend as the carpark is generally full before 8 am as all manner of fitness fanatics, joggers and the odd AFL star tackled the strenuous hike. 

Named after Cleland National Park benefactor Mr Ludwig Reinwald Steub, this trail begins gently from Waterfall Gully before increasing in elevation, with the final climb to Mount Lofty Summit a real heart raiser. 

Once you get to the top you’ll be rewarded with awesome views of the city of Adelaide. There’s also a cafe so you can grab a coffee or water before descending.

Find out more about Steub Trail here

Wild South Coast Way

Fleurieu Peninsula 
The Heysen Trail is not just one of Australia’s most famous, but one of the greatest treks in the world. Covering a whopping 1,200 kilometres, the trail starts at Cape Jervis on the south coast of SA and winds its way up to Parachilna Gorge in the Flinders Rangers

It takes roughly 60 days to walk the trail, so understandably, most people don’t have the time to complete the entire trail and choose to trek different sections. One that’s ideal for those who want to test themselves is the Wild South Coast Way

This epic and all-encompassing five-day, four-night trek is for true adventurers. Beginning at Cape Jervis, the winding trail takes in 74 kilometres of breathtaking coastline, dense bushland, rolling hills and several waterfalls through Deep Creek National Park, Ballaparudda Creek Recreation Park and Newland Head Conversation Park

There are several modern campsites along the way equipped with camp kitchens with water and USB power and toilet facilities. 

Find out more about Wild South Coast Way here


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