Walking & Hiking
Summit trails, waterfalls and conservation parks
The best walking & hiking in Gumeracha
Climb to panoramic summits, chase seasonal waterfalls and wander stringybark forests on a network of well-marked trails across the Hills.
Threaded with conservation parks and the long-distance Heysen Trail, the Adelaide Hills is one of South Australia's great walking destinations - and remarkably, much of it lies within half an hour of the city. The cool stringybark forest, fern-lined gullies and ridge-top lookouts make for rewarding walking in every season, with spring wildflowers and crisp, clear autumn days the pick of the year.
The region's most famous route is the steep climb from Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit, but there's a walk for every level of fitness. Morialta Conservation Park strings three waterfalls together beneath dramatic gorge cliffs, while the Mount Lofty Botanic Garden and gentle nature walks around Aldgate suit families and easy mornings.
Many trails reward walkers with koalas in the gums, echidnas on the path and big views over the ranges. Carry water, wear sturdy shoes, and check for fire-ban days through the warmer months before you set out.
Browse walking & hiking by area
6 places
Cudlee Creek Conservation Park
Regenerating bushland in the Torrens Gorge
Regenerating bushland in the Torrens Gorge
Fox Creek Bike Park
South Australia's premier mountain bike park at Cudlee Creek, rebuilt after the 2019 fires with over 50km of trails.
Kersbrook
A forest-fringed village in the northern Hills
A forest-fringed village in the northern Hills
Pulpit Rock Lookout
A dramatic perch above the Torrens Gorge
A dramatic perch above the Torrens Gorge
South Para Reservoir Reserve
A once-locked reservoir near Kersbrook now open for kayaking, shoreline fishing and almost nine kilometres of peninsula trails.
Warren Conservation Park
Steep, wild walking country between Kersbrook and Williamstown, where the Heysen Trail climbs through stringybark forest.
Walking & Hiking in Adelaide Hills - frequently asked questions
What is the Adelaide Hills known for when it comes to walking and hiking?
The Adelaide Hills is one of South Australia's great walking destinations, centred on the cool stringybark forests and fern-lined gullies of the Mount Lofty Ranges - and remarkably, much of it sits within about half an hour of the city. Signature walks include the steep climb from Waterfall Gully up to Mount Lofty Summit, the waterfall trails of Morialta and Cleland, and the long-distance Heysen Trail, which threads through the Hills on its 1,200km journey between Cape Jervis and the Flinders Ranges.
What is the best time of year to walk and hike in the Adelaide Hills?
Spring and autumn are generally the most comfortable, offering cooler temperatures without the heat of summer. For waterfalls, head out in winter and early spring when the creeks are flowing strongest at Morialta and Waterfall Gully, while spring brings the brightest displays of orchids and wildflowers along the trails. Note that the official Heysen Trail walking season runs from April to November, avoiding the hotter, higher fire-risk months.
Do I need to pay or book to walk the main Adelaide Hills trails?
Most walks in the conservation parks are free to access on a turn-up-and-walk basis, and Mount Lofty Summit itself is free to visit, though car parking fees apply at the summit and at some park carparks. You do not usually need to book the walking trails, but Cleland Wildlife Park is a separate ticketed attraction. Always check the National Parks website before you go, as parks such as Cleland can close on days of Catastrophic or Extreme fire danger during the Fire Danger Season (roughly November to April).
Can I bring my dog walking in the Adelaide Hills parks?
It depends on the park, and dogs are not allowed everywhere, so check the rules for each one before you set out. Belair National Park welcomes dogs on a lead on its designated trails, and Morialta allows dogs on a lead only in the recreation zone between the Stradbroke Road and First Falls carparks, not on the wider gorge hikes. Where dogs are permitted they must be kept on a lead no longer than two metres to protect native wildlife.
Which walk should I do for the famous Adelaide Hills waterfalls and summit views?
For the classic challenge, the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit hike climbs steadily through Cleland Conservation Park on a mostly sealed track, passing the First Falls before reaching the 710m summit with its panoramic views over Adelaide to the coast - it is rated hard and takes most walkers around two-and-a-half to three hours return. For more waterfalls with gentler options, Morialta Conservation Park has its three falls and a short, easy walk to the First Falls, while Belair National Park offers its own family-friendly waterfall trails. The Kaurna name Morialta is often translated as ever-flowing, a nod to its creek and cascades.