Belair National Park

Proclaimed in 1891, Belair was South Australia's first national park and only the second declared anywhere in Australia — and after more than 130 years it remains the place where Adelaide learns to love the bush. Spread across the western rim of the Hills above Blackwood, it manages to be two parks at once: manicured valley floor with lawns, ovals and a much-loved adventure playground, and wilder slopes above, where echidnas and koalas go about their business among the stringybarks.

The park's history shows in its fabric. Old Government House, a graceful 1859 residence built as the vice-regal summer retreat, still stands among the gums and opens to visitors on a regular schedule, while the park's old pavilions, tennis courts and fire tracks recall a century of Sunday outings. Playford Lake is the easy family circuit — ducks, turtles and pram-friendly paths — while walkers can climb into the upper valleys on loops from a few kilometres to a solid half day.

Entry is by modest vehicle fee, and the Belair railway line delivers carless visitors almost to the gate, making this one of the easiest Hills escapes of all. Combine it with the grand house and gardens of Carrick Hill just down the slope, or continue up the freeway to the koalas of Cleland.