8 breathtaking walking trails in SA

Get out and take a walk on the wild side.

By Clair Morton
Published: Wednesday, August 29, 2018

From leisurely strolls past tumbling waterfalls to steep hikes through bushland, there are hundreds of places to connect with South Australia’s natural beauty. These walks are sure to take your breath away, and not always because of their difficulty.

Hallett Cove Boardwalk

Length: 5km each way

Difficulty: Moderate

Also known as the Marion Coastal Walking Trail, the well-trodden clifftop walk from Marino to Hallett Cove should be on everyone’s walking bucket list.

There are lots of steps along the way, but if you start at Marino you can reward yourself with refreshments at Boatshed Café at the end. It’s a great place to recharge your batteries, and should provide enough fuel for the return journey if you plan to do a round trip.

At Hallett Cove, it’s also worth a quick detour from the trail to the Sugarloaf, a colourful sand and clay formation that dates back about 280 million years.

Blue Lake Circuit, Mt Gambier

Length: 3.6km circuit

Difficulty: Easy

Flat terrain and picturesque lookouts make this walk around the edge of Mt Gambier’s Blue Lake perfect for people of all ages, and dogs too. The trail’s even lit at night-time, so don’t let the lack of sun stop you. For something a little more difficult, try the 1.3km hike from the carpark to Mt Schank’s crater rim.

blue lake walk
The Blue Lake in Mt Gambier provides a scenic backdrop for your next walk. IMAGE: SATC

Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty

Length: 7.8km return

Difficulty: Hard

The hike up to Mount Lofty summit is often thought of as a rite of passage for South Aussies, especially those who live around Adelaide. Even from the Waterfall Gully carpark, it’s easy to see why.

The First Falls lookout at the beginning of the track – one of six waterfalls along the way – is a promise that this climb is going to be worth the effort. And with the stunning views of Adelaide on the way up, it’s safe to say it keeps that promise.

If you just can’t bear to walk back down once you’ve reached the top, you can always tear down the mountain on a bike with Escapegoat Tours.

Mannum Waterfalls, Mannum 

Length: 3km

Difficulty: Moderate/hard

Near the River Murray is a secluded walking trail that follows Reedy Creek to the Mannum Waterfalls.

Wedge-tailed eagles and kangaroos are just some of the wildlife you might encounter, and there are a few impressive rock formations along the way.

If there’s been recent rain, there’s usually more than one waterfall too. Make sure you have plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen.

Mannum Falls trail
Walk the Mannum Falls trail. IMAGE: SATC/Adam Bruzzone

Sturt Gorge loop, Flagstaff Hill 

Length: 7km circuit

Difficulty: Hard

Weaving in and out of several different trails in the beautiful Sturt Gorge Conservation Park, the Sturt Gorge loop is a walk you don’t have to leave the dog at home for – as long as it’s on a leash.

You’ll find waterfalls, creeks and rocky outcrops, with a few water crossings along the way. Because of this, it’s probably best to avoid the trail after heavy rain.

Adelaide Oval RoofClimb

Length: 1.5km

Difficulty: Moderate

While not a walking trail in the traditional sense, this two hour twilight experience makes the list due to its uniqueness, and the stunning sunset views over Adelaide. You can climb at other times too, even during AFL games and cricket matches.

adelaide oval sunset
Take a twilight tour of the Adelaide Oval - from the roof.

St Mary Peak, Flinders Ranges

Length: 19km circuit

Difficulty: Hard

With its rugged, mountainous landscapes and abundant flora and fauna, the Flinders Ranges has to be one of the best walking destinations in the country.

St Mary Peak is a testing, full-day hike, but if you successfully tame it you’ll be more than impressed by the payoff – a spectacular panoramic view over the ranges.

If you want to spend even longer exploring the Flinders, all-inclusive three-day guided walking tours are available at Rawnsley Park Station.

Three Falls Grand Hike, Morialta

Length: 7.3km

Difficulty: Moderate

With trickling streams, sleepy koalas, stunning rock formations, and even a detour to a Giant’s Cave, this exciting gorge hike winds its way past all three of the scenic waterfalls in the Morialta Conservation Park.

The views along the way are truly impressive. First Falls is also accessible from the easier Morialta Falls Valley Walk trail.

boardwalk morialta
Check out the waterfalls in Morialta Conservation Park. IMAGE: SATC

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