The ten best walks in and around Adelaide

1. Waterfall Gully to Mt Lofty Summit

Generally agreed upon as the most popular walk in Adelaide, the route from Waterfall Gully car park up to the summit of Mt Lofty is a strenuous but rewarding hike. Taking in the native bush and stringybark forest, the trail offers spectacular views over Adelaide hills and city. With a cafe at either end and well-made paths expect to see a few fellow walkers but it is popular for a reason!

For something a little longer (3-5 hours) and less populated, try the Chambers Gully to Mt Lofty 15km loop walk where you will see fewer people and more koalas and kangaroos. 

Details: 

• Location: Cleland Conservation Park
• Duration/Length: 7.8km / 1.5-3 hours return
• Difficulty: Medium/Hard (steep terrain but regular seating along the route)
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 20 minutes

2. Marion Coastal Walk - Hallett Cove Boardwalk

A collection of boardwalks and paths which forge their way along the coastal cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St Vincent. The trail takes in a large number of steps up and down into gullies and coves. This is a solid leg workout but you will be rewarded with seaside vistas and ancient geological formations dating back 600 million years.

Details: 

• Location: Marino Esplanade / Hallett Cove Conservation Park
• Duration/Length: 10.2km / 2.5-4 hours return
• Difficulty: Medium (undulating with lots of steps)
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 30 minutes

3. Onkaparinga Gorge River Hike

There are so many trails of varying difficulty levels to choose from in the Onkaparinga River National Park but we recommend the River Hike. Taking you on a downhill gradient that becomes steeper the further into the gorge you go (so remember that you have to walk back up the same slopes on your return), you are led into lush bushland surrounded by impressive cliffs and watering holes. 

Details: 

• Location: Onkaparinga River National Park
• Duration/Length: 4.2km / 2.5 hours return
• Difficulty: Medium/Hard (starts off gentle but becomes steep)
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 50 minutes

4. Three Falls Grand Hike

If you are after more of a challenge than its little sister First Falls Walk (an easy 1.7km / 45-minute return saunter) then Three Falls Grand Hike is for you. The trail markers take you, as the name suggests, on a route that visits all three of the spectacular waterfalls located in Morialta Gorge with additional gorgeous views over the weathered cliffs and plains. 

Details: 

• Location: Morialta Conservation Park
• Duration/Length: 7.3km / 3-4 hours return
• Difficulty: Medium (steep in places)
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 25 minutes

5. The River Torrens Linear Trail

With 35km of trail to choose from the River Torrens Linear Trail is a favourite with the locals due to its versatility. The trail extends inland from Athelstone in the Adelaide Hills and follows the river on both sides to the coast so you can create your own walking loop depending on the distance you feel comfortable with. An excellent 12km section can be done in a day and extends from the Adelaide CBD to Henley Beach and takes in several beautiful parks. 

Details: 

• Location: Athelstone / Adelaide CBD / Henley Beach
• Duration/Length: Various options of 35km trail
• Difficulty: Easy (flat and wheelchair accessible)
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 30 minutes to Henley Beach or Athelstone

6. Belair Waterfall Hike Loop

Located in South Australia’s oldest National Park, this scenic trail takes you past two stunning waterfalls (an upper and lower) as well as the Echo Tunnel which passes under the train line and will entertain you with its wild acoustics. Try to time your visit with some recent rainfall to see the waterfalls at their best.  

Details: 

• Location: Belair National Park
• Duration/Length: 6.5 km / 3 hours loop
• Difficulty: Medium (steep in places)
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 25 minutes

7. Aldgate Valley Nature Walk

This interconnecting series of country roads and nature reserves nestled in the Adelaide Hills stretches between Mylor to Aldgate. It is the place to see a range of local wildlife including kangaroos, bandicoots, possums, water rats, echidnas, antechinus, koalas, snakes and lizards. 

Details: 

• Location: Aldgate 
• Duration/Length: 13.6km / 3.5 hours return
• Difficulty: Easy (undulating with gradual elevation)
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 40 minutes

8. Coastal Park Trail - Port Noarlunga South to Moana

The popular Adelaide Coastal Park Trail follows alongside white sandy beaches and takes in lots of family-friendly playgrounds or options to stop at seaside cafes. The entire trail is 70km (one way) so best to choose a shorter section like this 6.5 km route between Port Noarlunga and Moana and enjoy a leisurely stroll or you could hire a bike for a scenic cycle ride.

Details: 

• Location: Port Noarlunga / Moana
• Duration/Length: 8km / 1-1.5 hours one way
• Difficulty: Easy (flat)
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 45 minutes

9. Yellowtail Loop

Great for wildlife lovers and history buffs as this loop walk takes in the Newmans Nursery ruins, a 19th-century plant nursery (the largest in the southern hemisphere at the time) which was devastated by floods in 1912 but you can still see the remaining buildings and glasshouses. Some of the less shy animals you might see along the way include ​​the superb fairywren, western grey kangaroos and koalas.

Details: 

• Location: Anstey Hill Recreation Park
• Duration/Length: 7.5 km / 2-3 hours loop
• Difficulty: Medium/Hard (some steep sections)
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 40 minutes

10. Adelaide Botanic Garden

Admittedly, this is not a traditional hiking trail but it is an absolute treasure on the doorstep of Adelaide CBD. The paths looping around the gardens and greenhouses offer a very leisurely option while also taking in a plethora of native and international flora. The Amazon Waterlily Pavilion was inspired by its namesake and the pond inside dating back to 1868 is a definite must-see

Details: 

• Location: Central Adelaide
• Duration/Length: 5 km / 1-1.5 hour leisurely loop
• Difficulty: Easy
• Travel time from Adelaide CBD by car: 10 minutes

Keen to lace up those hiking boots and get out on the trails? We can help with that!

Check out our South Australia self-drive itineraries which include a range of trails in and around Adelaide. Inspired to create your own self-drive itinerary including a range of hikes? Chat to our First Light Travel specialists about our bespoke packages.