Adelaide has some amazing National Parks. The best way to experience them is by spending the day taking in the natural beauty and fresh air while you hike.
Over this article we will go over a few tips to get you started and let you in on some of Adelaide's best hiking trails for beginners, and advanced hikers alike.
What do you need?
There is no special equipment required before you get out and start exploring, however, there are a few basics that every hiker should have.
- Hydration - Whether it's a day pack with a hydration bladder, or a water bottle, hydration is a must. Adelaide gets hot, and on a lot of the trails water stops are few and far between.
- Sun protection - Don't forget to slip, slop, slap. It's something we should all be familiar with by now. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses will make your adventure much more enjoyable. If possible, find a long sleeve shirt for that extra layer of sun protection.
- Footwear - You can get away with sneakers, but if you plan on a day hike or anything over 10km, proper walking boots are recommended. A lot of the trails around Adelaide can be uneven, so something with suitable grip and ankle support is recommended. Once you have your shoes, you'll need a good pair of socks. Basic "sports" socks will often do. If you suffer from rubbing between your toes on longer walks a good pair of sock liners make a huge difference.
- First aid kit - It is recommended that a basic first aid kit is carried whenever you're out and about. Hiking is no exception. There doesn't need to be much in the kit, basic bandages, band-aids, disinfectant, and hydralyte will see you through most issues out on the trail, and wont weigh much.
- Phone - Adelaide has a lot of trails close to the city and a lot will have phone coverage. Bring your phone in case of emergency, and to track your walks. Seeing your improvement over time is great motivation!
A few notes before you start
It is important that you work your way up to full day hikes. Start with short hikes that have phone coverage and are easily accessible, just in case help is required.
If you're new to hiking, find others to go with. Hiking as a team is a lot safer, more fun, and motivating.
During warmer months we recommend leaving the hiking to the morning, or later in the evening when it's not too hot. Heatstroke is not something you want to experience when you're 5km away from help. If you do plan on hiking in the evening, a torch, or headlamp is a must.
Know where you are going. This applies more to day and multi day hikes. There are plenty of resources available online that will tell you everything you need to know about your local trails. If you can't find anything online, take a photo of maps and signage at the trail-head.
See the following sites for more information on your local parks and trails; National Parks South Australia and Walking SA
Before you leave, always tell someone where you are going, your planned route, and when you intend to return.
Once you're comfortable with walking 10km push yourself further bit by bit, and you'll be doing full day hikes in no time.
Where to hike
South Australia has some amazing trails, starting with short hikes, perfect for after work, full days, and multi-day hikes.
Where you start is really up to you, no matter where you are, there is no shortage of trails. If you're looking for somewhere close to you, check out Walking SA.
One of our favourites for a short hike is Morialta Conservation Park. Morialta has trails for any situation. Looking for something quick after work? The valley walk is perfect. You will get to experience the fresh air and meet the local wildlife as you follow Fourth Creek to Morialta Falls. If you visit after rain, you will be rewarded with views of the falls in all their glory.
The Morialta Falls Valley walk is a great introduction for beginners, the trail is well maintained and flat. Once you've mastered this one, there are plenty of other trails to explore throughout the park.
Only 20 minutes from Adelaide, Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty is another popular trail. The Waterfall Gully trail is the one you've probably heard most of Adelaide talking about when they tell you they've "done Lofty". This trail is quite steep, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
If you're looking for something further south, Onkaparinga National Park has some great short trails. These range from short, flat trails, to day walks that are sure to leave you with a sense of accomplishment.
Day hikes
So, you've had enough of these short hikes and want to take the next step? South Australia has some amazing long distance trails that can be tackled in one hit, or broken into multiple hikes.
The Heysen Trail is the obvious one, stretching from Blinman in the Flinders Ranges to Cape Jervis on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
The Heysen takes a few months to complete as a continuous hike, but is easily broken into sections. The northern section of The Heysen Trail passes through The Flinders Ranges and is best left to the cooler months.
Our favourite section of the Heysen Trail is the southern end through Deep Creek Conservation Park to Waitpinga. This section of the trail shows off the Fleurieu Peninsula's beautiful coastline and native vegetation.
If you want to venture a bit further out, why not try a section of "Walk The Yorke". This trail follows the perimeter of the Yorke Peninsula from Port Wakefield to Moonta Bay, passing through Innes National Park.
When planning a day hike, it is essential that you carry enough supplies for the full day and let someone know your planned route.
Who do I hike with?
There are plenty of hiking groups throughout South Australia. Most groups will have weekly hikes. The easiest way to find a group to hike with is a quick search on Facebook
Finding new trails
One of the best resources for finding new walking trails is Walking SA. On their website you are able to search through over 500 trails, filtering them by duration, location, and accessibility.
Do you have any questions or comments? Let us know below. We would love to hear about your favourite walking trail!
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