Easy Walks and Hikes in South Australia

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What is South Australia known for?

South Australia is renowned for its world-class wine regions (hello Barossa Valley!), stunning outback landscape (we’re looking at you, Flinders Range) and, of course, its vibrant city life, cultural festivals, and never-ending parks in the South Australian capital Adelaide. South Australia is a leader in conservation, with a large number of national parks that are all dedicated to preserving the state’s beauty. This focus on natural environments makes it essential to spend your road trip exploring the many South Australia walking trails.

There are a number of reasons to explore South Australia as a part of your Australia road trip. Whether it’s to view and interact with the South Australia wildlife, including the famous kangaroos and koalas, marvel at its pristine beaches, such as those in Adelaide’s Glenelg and on Kangaroo Island, or to discover more about South Australia’s intriguing mining history.

Wanting to discover the lesser-known places in South Australia? See our guide: South Australia’s Hidden Gems.

The best way to explore South Australia

There really isn’t a better way to explore South Australia than partaking in a South Australia road trip. Don’t limit yourself to check-in times and basic buffet breakfasts though. Design your entire travel itinerary around what you want to do and when you want to do it by holidaying via maui campervan hire. By hiring a maui camper or motorhome, you can explore the many South Australia walks and hikes at your own pace. Plus, maui motorhomes and campers are fully equipped and self-contained, so you are not swapping out comfort for convenience or flexibility, with a campervan hire you get all three.

Image: SATC Media Gallery

The best easy walks and hikes in South Australia

1. Waterfall Gully Trail Loop, Cleland National Park

If you’re looking for an easy day trip from Adelaide that is incredibly scenic, you’ll want to explore the Waterfall Gully Trail Loop. Situated in Cleland Conservation Park and home to seven impressive waterfalls, leave at least 2.5 hours to complete this 6km loop trail. We don’t want to give too much away but don’t forget your camera because we’re sure you’ll want to take a few snaps, especially at the stunning First Falls. As Waterfall Gully Trail Loop is found only 8km from Adelaide, we recommend timing your South Australia road trip to visit on a weekday as weekends are very popular.

2. Robe Walking Trails & Loop Path, South Australia

Chase the sea breeze at the Robe Walking Trails & Loop Path. This popular South Australia walk has a number of trails to choose from that take you along Long Beach and through Robe town’s historic sites. This is great for those road tripping South Australia with young children, as a number of the walking trails here are pram (and wheelchair) friendly. Plus, for those booking their maui motorhome for a night at the nearby Robe Discovery Park, your starting point is only a quick 10-minute drive away.

3. Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail, Flinders Chase National Park

Kangaroo Island is famous across the globe and therefore the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail is a must to add to your South Australia walks travel itinerary. This five-day Kangaroo Island hike can be taken independently or with a licensed tour operator. If you don’t have five days spare in your South Australia road trip, you can also partake in a day walk instead. And yes, you can bring your maui campervan across to Kangaroo Island, which makes it even more convenient to experience the breathtaking coastal views and wildlife encounters on this famous South Australia hike.

4. Wangara Lookout hike, Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park

Ready to stretch your legs and really take on the South Australia hiking trails? The Wangara Lookout Hike is a challenging but popular walk within the Flinders Ranges. One for the trekkers amongst us, leave 3.5 hours for this 7km South Australia hike. A combination of undulating terrain and scenic views across Flinders Range and the surrounding landscape will leave you feeling both impressed and accomplished.

5. Mount Lofty to Bridgewater on the Heysen Trail, Mount George Conservation Park

Is the South Australia Hysen Trail on your list? For those wanting a taste of this South Australia hiking trail but not eager to walk the entire 1200km, we have the solution. Mount Lofty to Bridgewater is a 7.5km one way hike that will have your legs pumping but, like so many South Australia walking trails, is full of panoramic views across the coast. Start this South Australia walk from either Waterfall Gully or Mount Lofty summit and if you don’t want to make the return journey on foot, be sure to check the public bus schedule to time your walk with a return bus. 7.5km a little too long? The child-friendly Bridgewater to Fairy Garden hike is only 1km each way or the Bridgewater to Mount George Conservation Park is only 1.8km each way. Perfect for those who want to partake in an easy South Australia walk.

6. Hallett Cove Boardwalk (Marion Coastal Walking Trail), Adelaide (H3)

South Australia is famous for beaches so it’s imperative your Australia road trip combines the best of the beaches with popular South Australia walks. That’s where Hallett Cove Boardwalk comes in. Enjoy a scenic boardwalk along the coast, where you’ll be greeted with stunning ocean views on one side and ancient geological formations on the other. Fair warning, there are a number of stairs and numerous steep gullies, so those with a moderate level of fitness should enjoy this South Australia walk.

7. Anstey Hill Recreation Park

Looking for the best Adelaide Hills walks? Hop in your maui motorhome and head to the Anstey Hill Recreation Park. Found 30 minutes from the centre of Adelaide, take your pick from a number of walking trails. Whether you choose the quick and easy 20-minute Little Quarry Loop or the longer 3-hour Yellowtail Loop, these Adelaide Hill walks offer glimpses of historic ruins and panoramic views as you explore the native Australian bushland.

8. Punchbowl Lookout Walk, Onkaparinga River National Park

If lush vegetation and spectacular views tick your boxes, you’ll want to add this South Australia walk to your list. One of the walking trails in the Willunga region, the Punchbowl Lookout Walk has the option of the pram and wheelchair accessible 2km return walk or the longer 6km loop option. Both walks will reward you with views across the impressive Onkaparinga Gorge.

9. Jack Point Pelican Observatory Walk

Popular for young children and photographers, the Jack Point Pelican Observatory Walk is an easy 20-minute walk. Wind your way through dunes that lead to a platform overlooking the Coorong Pelican Breeding Islands. While the islands themselves are inaccessible to give the pelicans the best chance to thrive, trying to spot the pelicans from the viewing platform is a great way to spend an afternoon on a South Australia road trip

10. First Falls Walk, Morialta Conservation Park

Not to be confused with the earlier mentioned First Falls, this beautiful South Australia walk is a must to add to your South Australia road trip travel itinerary. Fantastic for those exploring South Australia walks with children, the First Falls Walk is a great stop on a family road trip. We recommend leaving 2 hours for this 1.6km walk as there are many wildlife encounters to be had. Keep the children (and yourself) entertained spotting koalas and kookaburras in the trees and be sure to listen out for the frogs in Fourth Creek as you make your way to the almost always flowing First Falls.

11. Barossa Goldfield Trail, Para Wirra Conservation Park

Combine your South Australia hiking adventure with a spot of learning about the state’s mining history. The Barossa Goldfield Trail is an easy self-guided heritage walk that combines the rugged Australian landscape with its intriguing gold history. In fact, did you know that over 3,000kg of gold was found in this area before activity ceased in the 1930s? After you’ve taken in the slice of history on the Barossa Goldfields hike, spend some time at Para Wirra Conservation Park. With extensive grassy areas, relaxing lakeside, and aforementioned beautiful bush setting, park up your maui campervan and enjoy a tasty picnic lunch.