Engelbrook Reserve

Between Bridgewater and Aldgate, the valley of Cox Creek hides one of the National Trust's quiet treasures. Engelbrook Reserve was donated to the Trust in 1964 to be kept as a flora and fauna sanctuary, and its 27.5 hectares pack in a remarkable variety of country — stringybark forest on the steep slopes, candlebark gums along the creek flats, and boggy pockets of blechnum and coral fern that feel almost subtropical after winter rain.

Botanists have recorded more than 220 native plant species here, dozens of them regionally significant, and the birding is rewarding year-round — this is a reliable spot for fairy-wrens, scrubwrens and rosellas, with kangaroos in the clearings at quiet hours. A marked nature-walk loop of around three kilometres explores the reserve, and a stretch of the Heysen Trail passes through, making it an easy on-foot destination from Bridgewater Oval.

Combine it with the neighbouring attractions for a fine half day: the historic waterwheel at the Bridgewater Mill is minutes away, and the summit views of Mount George Conservation Park lie just across the freeway corridor.