Pictured: Onkaparinga River National Park via coastalcommunity_support
Get active in the outdoors with a bushwalk in the most iconic nature destinations within Adelaide and surrounds, whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a challenge, there’s something for all families.
Our pick of trails will see you exploring national Parks, forests, hills, rivers, the coast, and even seasonal falls. Set out on an adventure and see why it’s better outside these holidays!
When bushwalking always check the weather before you depart, make sure you’re sun smart, pack ample water and snacks, wear sturdy shoes, and let someone know your plans. A small first aid kit and a charged mobile are also recommended.
1. Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta
Stroll through one of the newer additions to Adelaide’s national parks with this awesome track. Officially opened to the public in late 2020 and located on Kaurna Country in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, families can discover the Glenthorne National Park-Ityamaiitpinna Yarta and get the opportunity to watch the spot continue to grow and develop.
Where: Majors Rd, O’Halloran Hill SA 5158
Distance from Adelaide: 17.3km South of Adelaide.
Parking and amenities: Adventure playground with three slides, a seesaw, spinner, fossil dig area, Kauna carvings and sculptures set across 7,000 square metres.
Walks: Walking with Winaityinaityi Trail (40 mins return, 1.5km), Footprints from the Past Trail (1 hour loop, 1.3km), Grow with me Trail (1 hour return, 2.2km), Warhorse Way Trail (1 hour loop, 2.5km)
For more information, click here.
2. Para Wirra Conservation Park
Para Wirra is a northern nature oasis, featuring fifteen walking trails of varying grades and the South Para River. Families can explore the area’s rich Aboriginal and European history, discover wildlife like Western Grey Kangaroos, and let the kids burn off energy walking or riding along shared-use trails.
Where: Humbug Scrub Road, One Tree Hill, Adelaide, South Australia, 5114
Distance from Adelaide: 38.9km North of Adelaide
Parking and amenities: Toilets, parking, picnic areas, nature playground, BBQs, and wheel-chair accessible campground.
Walks: For shorter family hikes, try Lake Discovery Walk (1km) or find a rock that resembles a lizard’s head on Lizard Rock Hike (1.6km). For a bigger challenge, Devils Nose Hike (4.4km) will reward with stunning views. Learn about the historic gold rush along the Barossa Goldfields interpretative walk.
For more information, click here.
PARK ALERT, the park will be closed intermittently from 9 February until 2 July. The park will close 11–14 May 2026, 9–11 June 2026, and 29 June–2 July 2026, Nightly from 6pm–6am. Plus every Wednesday the park will close at 6pm – midnight until 31 August.
3. Woorabinda Bushland Reserve
Families will be captivated by the majestic lake, bushland, and wildlife of Woorabinda, located near Stirling in the Adelaide Hills. Discover 4km of trails and special features like the poetry bench, bird hide, and resident turtles in this peaceful 34-hectare site.
Where: Woorabinda Dr, Stirling SA 5152
Distance from Adelaide: 20km East of Adelaide.
Parking and amenities: Parking is available. Visit Stirling for toilets and local shops.
Walks: Stroll around the lake or take a self-guided walk through the Friends of Woorabinda Bushland Reserves. For a longer route, try the Woorabinda Bushland Reserve Loop (5.4 km), which connects four park areas.
For more information, click here.
4. Morialta Conservation Park
Morialta is a much-loved spot for bushwalking, creek adventures, mountain biking, rock climbing, wildlife spotting, and the award-winning Mukanthi Playground. In winter and spring, the waterfalls enthrall families (along with a climb into Giant’s Cave).
Where: Morialta Falls Rd, Woodforde SA 5072
Distance from Adelaide: 12.35km North-East of Adelaide.
Parking and amenities: Parking, toilets, BBQs, shaded tables and benches available, grassed areas for ball games.
Walks: First Falls Walk (2 hours, 1.6 km), Plateau Hike (1 hour 30 mins, 2.5 km), Second Falls Hike (2 hours 30 minutes, 5.3 km), Third Falls Hike (3 hours 30 minutes, 7.3 km), Heysen Trail, Yurrebilla Trail.
For more information, click here.
5. Belair National Park
Families can walk one of the mesmerising trails in Adelaide’s oldest national park, taking in woodlands, lakes, creeks, and picnic areas. Keep an eye out for resident kangaroos, koalas, emus, echidnas, bandicoots, and birdlife on your travels.
Where: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair SA 5052
Distance from Adelaide: 11km East of Adelaide.
Parking and amenities: Parking, picnic areas, BBQ, toilets, dog walking.
Walks: Wood Duck Walk (30 mins return, 1km), Lorikeet Loop Walk (1 hr 25 mins return, 3.5km), Heritage Tree Walk (20 mins, 1km), RSL Walk (20 mins, 1km), Birdie Loop Walk (45 mins return, 2.75km), The Valley Loop (1 hour, 3km), Microcarpa Hike (1 hr 45mins, 4km)
For more information, click here.
6. Onkaparinga River National Park
A southern Adelaide nature refuge, Onkaparinga River National Park captures the family’s imagination with its walking trails, magnificent lookouts, river gorge, seasonal wildflowers, and local wildlife.
Where: Port Noarlunga South SA 5167
Distance from Adelaide: 28.5km South of Adelaide.
Parking and amenities: Parking, toilets, camping, and picnic areas.
Walks: Punchbowl Lookout Trail (1 hr, 2km return), Punchbowl Link Trail (3 hr, 6km return), Echidna Hike (2 hrs, 3.5km), Hardy’s Scrub Hike (2 hrs, 4km), Sundews Lookout Hike (1.5 hrs, 2.5km)
For more information, click here.
7. Kuitpo Forest
Kuitpo Forest is a cherished destination to walk, mountain bike, horse ride, picnic, and camp. Explore pine and eucalypt forests on your adventures, keeping an eye out for koalas, kangaroos, butterflies, and Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos.
Where: Kuitpo SA 5201
Distance from Adelaide: 47km South of Adelaide.
Parking and amenities: Toilets, parking, campground and accommodation options, fire pits (for use outside of fire ban season).
Walks: Chookarloo Walk (30 mins, 1.1km), Eucalypts Trail (1 hr, 2.2km), Forest Trail (1.5 hrs, 2.8km), Onkeeta Trail (3 hrs, 10.8km), Tinjella (12.4km, 4 hrs).
For more information, click here.
8. Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
Cobbler Creek Recreation Park is a northern nature refuge ideal for family walking adventures. Discover the many trails through tree-lined creeks and along ridge tops with scenic Adelaide views.
Where: Salisbury East SA 5109
Distance from Adelaide: 20.83km North of Adelaide.
Parking and amenities: Parking, picnic areas, BBQ, toilets, playground, bike pump track.
Walks: Beginners’ circuit (250m loop), Easy Does It circuit (250m loop), KARNARFA circuit (1.5km loop), Mai Tappa Circuit (2.2km loop), Porosa Hike (3km)
For more information, click here.
9. Mannum Waterfalls
A short drive from Adelaide, families can walk, rock hop, and explore the scenic Mannum Falls and Reedy Creek (the waterfalls flow in winter, spring, and following rain). Find reed beds, water pools, granite rocks, ancient gum trees, and birdlife like Wedge-tailed Eagles, Galahs, and Whistling Kites.
Where: Mannum SA 5238
Distance from Adelaide: 85km East of Adelaide (Murraylands)
Parking and amenities: Upper and lower car parks are available, with a toilet near the lower car park.
Walks: A 3km undulating, moderate-grade trail with some steeper sections. The first water pools are a short walk from the lower car park (find the first falls approximately 750m further on). Note this trail is not recommended in hot weather.
For more information, click here.
10. Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park
Located at the bottom of the Yorke Peninsula, Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park feels like an untouched paradise. Walk through the old town of Inneston, or take in the ocean air at one of the many coastal walks with spectacular views of the coast.
There is currently a higher than normal activity of feral bees within Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park. Please take necessary precautions when booking campsites and/or visiting the park.
Where: Inneston SA 5577
Distance from Adelaide: 285km West of Adelaide (Yorke Peninsula)
Parking and amenities: Parking available in car parks, benches, and some shelters
Walks: Inneston Historic Walk (1hr, 2km), Stenhouse Bay Lookout Walk (1hr, 2km), Pondalowie Boardwalk (40min, 1.2km), West Cape Headland Hike (30min, 1km look), Thomson-Pfitzner Plaster Trail Hike (3hrs, 7.6km), Royston Head Hike (2hrs, 4km), Gym Beach Hike (4hrs, 11km).
For more information, click here.
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