Summary

South Australia covering some of the most arid parts of the country.

Other Information

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Fees/Permits

Quite a few of the national parks in South Australia have entry fees.

https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/book-and-pay

Contact details

National Parks and Wildlife Services South Australia
https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/

Walking SA
https://www.walkingsa.org.au/

Walks in South Australia

Medium

8.9 km return

4 hrs

Alligator Gorge Ring Route Hike

A circuit hike along the full length of Alligator Gorge, including the Narrows and the Terraces. Explore the gorge during Spring to see abundant wildflowers.

The Narrows is a gorge a couple of metres wide which stretches for several hundred metres. The Terraces are a series of platforms which the creek flows down.

Walking anti-clockwise, when you leave the gorge and reach the Ring Route Track, you could undertake a short sidetrip by turning right and heading up the firetrack to The Battery for spectacular views over the Spencer Gulf.

Medium

4 km return

2 hrs

Deep Creek Waterfall Hike from Tent Rock Road (Trig Campsite)

Enjoy a hike down to Deep Creek Waterfall. Although the waterfall generally only flows in winter and after rains, the waterhole is permanent. The trail is well graded with steps towards the end.

In June 2016 the trail was upgraded with an improved better graded trail, which starts from the car park at the entrance to Trig Campsite, on Tent Rock Road.

Hard

2.4 km return

3 hrs

Devil's Peak Trail

This climb is an awesome one, when you get to the top, you get an awesome view especially at sun set!

The Devil’s Peak trail is a moderately difficult bushwalk becoming increasingly strenuous towards the summit, where some scrambling over rocks is required. Allow 1.5 to 3 hours to complete this walk.
From the summit you will be rewarded with extensive panoramic views of Quorn, the Southern Flinders Ranges, the Horseshoe Range, Pichi Richi Pass, Port August, Upper Spencer Gulf and beyond to Wilpena Pound.
Devil’s Peak is 697m high, and along this walk you may observe many good examples of “faulting”, discover fossil impressions of ancient lifeforms, and see a variety of native fauna and flora.

Medium

10.6 km return

5 hrs

Dutchmans Stern Hike

Hike the prominent landmark bluff known as the Dutchmans Stern. Home to a host of plants and animals, explore the rugged landscape. Make your way to the summit via the walking trail. The summit offers spectacular views of Spencer Gulf, surrounding ranges and the Willochra Plain. Choice of two walks: 10.6km circuit walk, 5 hours 4.2km one-way to Summit Viewpoint, allow 2 hours (4 hours return) Follow the interpretive guide & map, featuring plants, animals and geology found along the trail. The guide was produced by the Walking Trails Support Group, in conjunction with the Royal Geographic Society of SA. The trail is well made, with gentle grades, and some rocky, but not steep, sections.

Very Easy

1.7 km return

45 mins

First Falls Walk

Follow Fourth Creek to the heart of Morialta Gorge, on the valley floor along a stroller accessible trail.

During summer the creek is dry. After autumn and winter rains, water tumbles thirty metres from the top of Morialta’s best known landmark, First Falls.

The hike begins from the top carpark, or you can commence from the lower carpark on Stradbroke Road.

Medium

5.8 km return

4 hrs

Gorge Hike

This trail descends from the Sundews Lookout along a contoured walking trail to the bottom of the gorge, and then follows the river downstream for 1.6km before returning via a steep fire track to the ridge and the car park.

The walk takes in two perennial waterholes, and a lookout. There are numerous glimpses into the river gorge from various parts of the trail.

The 1.6km of trail along the river is not well-formed, and involves some short rock scrambling. Current water levels and recent rainfall can impact on how hard this river section of trail is to follow. The trail is easiest to navigate when walking clockwise, as the fire trail exit is easily spotted, whereas when walking anticlockwise the walking trail exit may be harder to find.

Begins from the carpark at Gate 11 on Piggott Range Road (near junction of Upper Penneys Hill Road).

Easy

5.1 km one-way

90 mins

Hallett Cove Boardwalk (Marion Coastal Walking Trail)

A clifftop boardwalk along the rocky coastline between Marino and Hallett Cove. Experience the unique environment along this section of Adelaide’s coastline, with rugged cliffs and rocky reef platforms. The trail follows the cliff edge, descending down numerous gullies. The trail consists of boardwalk, steps (lots) and pathways.

The walk is a good option as a regular route to keep fit, as there are numerous sets of stairs descending and ascending the numerous steep gullies which cut through the cliffs.

Medium

73 km one-way

5 days

Heysen Trail South Coast

This 4-5 day highlight section of the Heysen Trail along the south coast is spectacular, with good campsites along the way for multi-day hikers. This highlight section starts from the southern trailhead of the Heysen Trail at Cape Jervis, following the coast to Victor Harbor. Before Victor Harbor the main Heysen Trail heads north for 1,200km to the Flinders Ranges, but a good spur trail continues into central Victor Harbor.

Easy

3.3 km return

1 hr

Kaiki Walk, Granite Island Circuit

The 1.9km walk around Granite Island is a great way for people, including families with children and strollers, to discover the island.

Begin the walk in Victor Harbor, by crossing the causeway. Horse drawn trams operate across the causeway, providing a new experience for children.

The trailhead is on the island, just after the causeway reaches the island.

Discover more about the wildlife, geology and history of the island with the interpretive signs along the trail. Explore granite boulders including Umbrella Rock, and take in the views of Encounter Bay, the Bluff, islands and whales. Return at night time to see the Little Penguins, or visit the Penguin Interpretive Centre during the day.

Causeway 700 metres one way
Kaiki Walk 1.9km loop
For parents with prams we suggest walking anti-clockwise, which is to turn sharp right after leaving the the causeway. There is a long flight of steps at the other end of the trail, but this is easily avoided by taking the shortcut gravel ramped path from the top of the island. There are no other steps on the circuit trail. The trail may be too steep for some people using prams and it may be easier to return via the way you came.

The causeway and road to the kiosk is accessible to people using wheelchairs and prams.

Easy

5.3 km return

Lobethal Bushland Park - Purple Trail

The purple trail is the longest walk in Lobethal Bushland Park and parses both the lower and upper dams. The walk is scattered with gums showing signs of regrowth after bushfires in 2020. This walk is a good way to see all the park has to offer. The purple trail has an optional extension which ads approximately 1km to the journey. This extension is included in the measurements and maps provided.