There are great walks to undertake in and around Adelaide. So much so, we have some fabulous recommendations for you and with great opportunities over the warmer months to get out and about, we’ve split the recommendations over two editions of WeekendPlus.
Tired of dodging crowds at Waterfall Gully? From quiet Hills hikes to leafy city escapes, these 13 trails will stretch your legs, boost your mood, and give you your nature fix without the parking hassle.
Bushwalking in the Adelaide Hills.
Spring in Adelaide is here. The air smells like eucalyptus and sunshine, the hills are green again, and suddenly sitting inside all day feels like a waste of a perfectly good planet.
And sure – the Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty trail is iconic for a reason. The waterfalls, the café at the top, that smug post-hike glow – it’s all great … until you’re dodging crowds, parking a suburb away, or spending more time overtaking joggers than enjoying the view.
Bushwalking in Belair National Park. Image: Ben Stevens
The good news is Adelaide’s packed with other walks that deliver the same endorphin hit without the traffic jam in hiking boots. Walking anywhere – not just Lofty – is proven to lower anxiety, boost mood, improve sleep and strengthen your heart. Do it outdoors, surrounded by trees instead of treadmills, and the stress just melts away.
So if you’re ready for some new scenery (and an easier car park), here are eight great Adelaide hikes that trade Lofty’s crowds for calm trails and big views – plus five quick city escapes for when you just need to “touch grass.”
Eight great Adelaide walks that aren’t Mount Lofty
Onkaparinga River National Park. Image: Walking SA
1. Onkaparinga River National Park – Gorge Hike
This is the hike for when you want to feel miles from anywhere – without losing mobile range. Just 40 minutes south of the city, it delivers sweeping clifftop views, rock pools and red-gum gullies that look straight out of a tourism ad. Expect steep climbs and a decent leg burn on the way back up.
- 6.1km / 4 hrs / Grade 4 (moderate–hard)
- Best for: weekend warriors chasing that endorphin hit – and a phone-free morning.
- Need to know: Toilets at Sundews car park; no facilities on the trail. No dogs. Bring plenty of water – shade is limited.
Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. Image: Walking SA
2. Sturt Gorge Recreation Park – River Trail
Underrated, rugged and surprisingly quiet, Sturt Gorge is like Lofty’s fitter younger cousin – just with fewer Lululemon sightings. The trail traces the river through cascading pools and peppermint gums, with rocky climbs that deliver a proper cardio payoff and an easy digital detox.
- 9.8km / 4-5 hrs / Grade 4 (moderate–hard)
- Best for: locals who want a genuine escape without leaving suburbia.
- Need to know: No toilets inside the park (closest at Craigburn Farm Reserve). No dogs. Sections can be slippery after rain.
Parra Wirra Conservation Park. Image: Walking SA
3. Para Wirra Conservation Park – Devil’s Nose Hike
With a name like that, you expect drama – and this ridge walk delivers. The climb opens onto sweeping views of the Barossa Range, South Para Gorge and Misery Farm (which, ironically, is lovely). It’s a short, scenic hit of wilderness that doubles as low-key therapy (plus a great cardio workout).
- 3km / 1.5 hrs / Grade 4 (moderate–hard)
- Best for: people who like their fresh air served with a side of Barossa wine plans.
Need to know: Toilets at Gawler View picnic area near Lake car park. No dogs. Little shade – so not a hike for really hot weather.
Cobbler Creek Recreation Park. Image: Walking SA
4. Cobbler Creek Recreation Park – Porosa Hike
A hidden gem in the northern suburbs, this rolling trail winds through open grasslands, red-gum pockets and low ridges with big-sky views. It’s a peaceful, fitness-friendly walk that’s ideal for anyone easing into weekend-adventure-mode or craving a Sunday reset.
- 3km / 1.5 hrs / Grade 4 (moderate–hard)
- Best for: Sunday hikes that still feel like an escape.
- Need to know: Toilets at Cobbler Creek West car park. Dogs welcome on lead. Plenty of parking and shaded picnic spots.
Cleland Wildlife Park. Image: Walking SA
5. Cleland National Park – Wine Shanty Hike
A steady forest climb through Cleland’s stringybark and blue gum woodlands guaranteed to get your lungs and legs working. This trail delivers sweeping city and coastal views without the Lofty chaos. Keep an eye out for koalas snoozing overhead and cockatoos calling through the trees.
- 10km / 4 hrs / Grade 4 (moderate–hard)
- Best for: regulars who love the view but not the crowd – or anyone chasing that “Hot-Girl-Walk-energy” without the onlookers.
- Need to know: Toilets at Cleland Wildlife Park and Summit car parks. No dogs. Take snacks and water – there are steep stretches.
Crafers to Mount Lofty Link Trail. Image. Walking SA
6. Crafers to Mount Lofty Link Trail
Same destination, completely different energy (and route). This forested link starts across from the Crafers bus interchange and winds quietly up to the summit. It’s all crisp air and kookaburra laughs – less of a slog than the OG trail from Waterfall Gully, and with no selfie queues in sight.
- 4.9km / 2 hrs / Grade 3 (moderate)
- Best for: anyone chasing that summit smugness via public transport and a side of quiet self-care.
- Need to know: Toilets at Mount Lofty Summit car park. No dogs. Bring layers – it gets cool up top.
Come back for more great recommendations in the 19 December WeekendPlus edition.
This article first appeared in The Post on 21 October 2025.
Words: Laura Dare