Feature: Hiking in the Adelaide Hills Credit: South Australia Tourism Commission
Adelaide offers a rich hiking experience that ranges from waterfalls and coastal gorges to native bushland teeming with wildlife. Hiking here promotes heart health, strengthens muscles, reduces stress, and offers serene escapes just minutes from the city. Whether you’re after a challenge or a scenic stroll, Adelaide delivers.
Distance: 5km one-way Time: 2 hours Difficulty: Moderate
A gentle trail weaving through wetlands and boardwalks at Laratinga Wetlands. Perfect for spotting native birds and enjoying a peaceful stroll close to the Mount Barker township.
Distance: 7.8km return Time: 1.5–3 hours Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
This popular and rewarding hike takes you past cascading waterfalls, fern gullies, and into Mount Lofty Summit for panoramic views over Adelaide and the coast. It’s a favourite for locals and visitors seeking a cardio workout with a view.
Distance: 54km Time: 3-5 days or in smaller sections Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Traverse the Adelaide Hills through conservation parks, native bushland, and some of the region’s top natural attractions. The trail connects Waterfall Gully, Cleland Wildlife Park, and Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens with diverse terrain and flora.
Distance: 4.2km return Time: 2.5 hours Difficulty: Moderate
This stunning gorge walk begins at Chapel Hill Road and descends steeply into the valley. With winding cliffs, waterholes, and native vegetation, it’s ideal for hikers looking for rugged beauty and fewer crowds.
Distance: Up to 1,200km Time: Varies Difficulty: Hard
One of Australia’s longest hiking trails, the Heysen stretches from Cape Jervis to the Flinders Ranges. The full hike can take as long as 60 days to complete however there are plenty of manageable sections along the trail. Some popular routes include: the 9km Mylor-Aldgate Circuit, the 15km Trezona Track and the 5.5km Mt Lofty Loop Walk.
Hike along the ‘Wild South Coast Way’ section from Cape Jervis for scenic coastal views, native wildlife and rugged coastline.
Distance: 17km one-way Time: 4 hours (or choose shorter loops) Difficulty: Easy
This flat, family-friendly trail follows an old rail line between Oakbank and Mount Torrens. Ideal for a relaxed walk, bike ride, or horse ride with beautiful rural surroundings and interpretive signage.
Distance: 6.5km circuit Time: 3 hours Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
Explore Echo Tunnel and pass through seasonal waterfalls surrounded by rocky escarpments and dense bushland. Keep an eye out for koalas and echidnas along the way.
Distance: 5.8km circuit Time: 2–3 hours Difficulty: Moderate
Walk through the fern-lined paths of Chambers and Woolshed Gullies to reach sweeping views of Adelaide city and the coast. Spot kangaroos and koalas while taking in the calm of the native bush.
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From gorge descents to summit climbs, Adelaide’s hiking scene is full of scenic, restorative, and nature-filled experiences. Whether for exercise or exploration, these trails make it easy to reap the rewards of time spent outdoors.
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