Hiking with kids can be a bit hit & miss, can’t it? Will you take a wrong turn & end up miles away from where the car is parked? Will your toddler find a stick that they INSIST on carrying the whole way? Will that “short stroll” turn into a 9 hour epic adventure? Will your teenager complain the entire time that their legs are hurting? (Yes.) We’ve done the kms for you & walked ahead to find the best family friendly bushwalks & hikes around Adelaide. We’re betting there are some in this list you have never even heard of! Pack the snacks, slap on the suncream & get hiking, families of Adelaide!
Mount Osmond Reserve
Located around Glen Osmond, the series of trails provides you with spectacular views of the city.
Parking is a bit of an issue (Mount Osmond Road is your best bet) and we know a little sneaky spot you’ll find here.
With walks suitable for families of all ages with our walk on the central track taking about 20 minutes (we would class it as easy-medium in difficulty), this is an absolute fave it’s definitely worth spending the time to find a carpark. Be mindful of the blindspots on the road in this area as it’s narrow. However there is a walking path alongside the golf course which stretches up to 1km from that car park if you do park on road side. This path connects to the main pathway.
Sadly it wasn’t pram friendly, but being centrally located and with a selection of great walking tracks, put this one on the list.
For all the info on the tracks at Mount Osmond, find out more here.
Carrick Hill/ Waite Conservation Park
Marion Coastal Walkway and Suspension Bridges
A long time fave of the KiA crew and hugely popular down south with the locals. Recently saved with much needed Government funds to help with maintenance, it would have been a tragedy had it been lost. With the newly opened multi-million dollar dual suspension bridges, the walk is now even more spectacular. The views are incredible and you can stop and head down the stairs to the beach to explore the small sea creatures and ancient rock faces when you need a break.
Park at Hallett Cove (plenty of parking and a fantastic cafe to inspire to you on the way back) and start your trek. The area is rich with natural geological history (a good excuse to rest I find, to stop and read the information signs) so you can combine family exercise with learning! Something the kids will surely appreciate…or not. The boardwalk follows the cliff tops or (as above in the pic), pop down to the rocky coast below and explore. Absolutely fantastic to take kids of all ages this one.
The entire trail is about 7km from Hallett Cove to Marino, with the boardwalk comprising of a few km of that from the Hallett Cove end. Personally a trek to the end of the boardwalk and back to Hallett Cove is usually enough for most kids. Be sure to check out the beautiful Sugarloaf and Amphitheatre, incredible geological formations along the way.
Morialta Conservation Park
An absolute must for a list like this, and for me, it is my fave. Located only 20 odd minutes from the CBD, what I love about Morialta is not only the incredible scenery, waterfalls and rock formations, but the variety. The different hiking trails, which are really well sign posted if you are inclined to take a wrong turn like me, give you the option to spin around the valley floor on a quick and easy 45 minute trek or you can challenge yourself with a 4 hour epic around the whole region. Some of the trails do take in some pretty awe inspiring heights, but the falls valley floor walk is a ripper if you are after flat scenic walks with the younger hikers. Plenty of adventurous families tackle all of the different trails so be sure to explore, explore, explore.
For info on all the amazing walks at Morialta, click here!
Onkaparinga River National Park
Heading down south next, with the fabulous Onkaparinga River National Park, which if my personal social media feeds have been anything to go by, has been veeeeerrrrrry busy in recent years. It is easy to see why though! With so many hikes to choose from, which have easy to read (and find!) signs along the way, you will find something to suit the whole fam here. Hikes range from about an hour right up to hard 4hr expeditions, so go for a stroll or challenge yourself. The park also offers incredible views over the various gorges (you can rock climb too if you feel like climbing up a perfectly good cliff).
With your map at the ready, prepare to check out the stunning views and kids of all ages are guaranteed to have a ball*
*not a real guarantee
Punch Bowl Lookout
While we’re talking about the Onkaparinga River National Park, make sure you check out the Punch Bowl Lookout. It’s a firm favourite with the KiA team – at 2km return it makes the journey worth your while.
It’s pram friendly with just a few steep bits – the views are worth it though!
Mannum Waterfalls
We love this spot, but a heads up, it’s not pram friendly! Here’s what Walking SA has to say:
“A scenic walking trail following Reedy Creek from the lower pools to the waterfalls.
An adventure playground for people of all ages – it’s easily navigable to walk rock-hop along the creek gully, exploring the many granite rocks, pools and waterfalls. An abundance of birdlife and wildlife can be found. The falls flow during winter and spring, and after rains.
Park at either the lower or upper carpark. We recommend parking at the lower carpark and following the walking trail along the creek, and turning around near the upper carpark. Remember to bring plenty of drinking water. The toilets are 150 metres from the lower carpark. The first pools are 250 metres from the lower carpark. The first waterfalls are 1 kilometre from the lower carpark.”
Deep Creek Conservation Park
Goondooloo ridge walk in deep creek conservation park is a 4km return walk that will take you around two hours to complete easy for little legs and prams, lots of kangaroos and wildlife to spot along the way.
At the end of the track you’ll find picnic tables looking over the picturesque backstairs passage hello over there kangaroo island!
There’s brand new drop toilets located at the start of the track along with parking and picnic tables, keep in mind this is in the conversation park so you will need to pay a fee to enter ($12 per vehicle) which we recommend you do so before heading on your way as there is no signal in the area.
The pass will get you full access to the entire park so make the most of it and plan out a full day as there’s lots to see and do!
Kuipto Forest
Kuitpo Forest, about a 45 minute drive from Adelaide, is a really big place. So much so that of all the hikes listed in this national park, I couldn’t even find any reference to my favourite (and a huge fave for locals too). Bone Gully Forest off Dashwood Gully Road has always been my go-to for a Kuitpo hike with the fam. The incredible lush forest scenery and short distance (albeit it is a bit up hill….which just means it is downhill on the way back to the car) makes it perfect for a family day out. But the beauty of such a place like Kuitpo, is everyone has a fave part. You won’t find the huge mountain gorges like you will at other hikes, which may be perfect for you! Also a fave with mountain bikers and horse trail riders
click here to see the map to plan your day out.
Hope Valley Reservoir
Opened to the public in 2020 Hope Valley Reservior is S.A’s first metropolitan reservoir to open to the public and a great place for kids to explore.
Shared use trail mostly on the western side near the dam wall. A full loop is just over 5km and make sure you stop at the new nature playground for a climb
Glenthorne National Park
Home now to one of our best adventure playgrounds, the national park also includes a 4km trail loop that starts just off Majors Road at the Ranger Station.
Belair National Park
An old fave but remains a fantastic natural space within minutes of the city at Belair. Plenty of areas to start your bushwalking adventure inclduing the Playford Lake along the Wood Duck Walk (1km trail) or hit up the famous adventure playground which is right along the Lorikeet Loop Trail (3km).
Myponga Reservoir
The 3.3km (approx.) loop track on the south east side of the reservoir takes you through open plains, forested areas and native vegetation. The unsealed trail is suitable for walking and running and is short and sweet for little feet. There are little “ look out “ parts off the loop you can add or you can stick to the loop and keep it short and fun! There is a toilet on the track, reat places to sit rest and enjoy the view, picnic tables and SO MUCH NATURE to explore and investigate. Moss, mud, pinecones, birds, kangaroos and more.
Find out more here
Lobethal Bushland Park
Lobethal Bushland Park comprises 118 hectares of varied terrain of gentle slopes and running creeks. There are 5 mapped trails to choose from starting at an easy/moderate loop around around the Reservoir South right up to the Purple Moderate/Difficult trail that you’ll need at least 2 hours to get around. Main access to the Park is via a gate at the southern end of the reserve adjacent to Reservoir South, and a gate on Kenton Valley Road on the eastern boundary.
Click here for more info and walking trail map
Brownhill Creek Recreation Park
Another ‘blink and you miss it’ beauty this one….Just sort of drive to Mitcham and turn left. Then bam, couple of minutes later and you get views like this. With 300 year old river red gums lining the valley, there are several hikes listed here which might take your fancy. We are blessed to have such incredible access to areas such as this, so close to the city. If you are feeling adventurous, the 4 hour hike looping for 13km around Brownhill Creek to Belair will surely tire out even the fittest kids.
Ingalla Waterfall
You’ll find this one on the Fleurieu off of Hay Flat Road. It’s semi-pram friendly – which in KiA language means you might need to do some heavy pushing or the pram itself might get a bit dirty. Consider yourself warned! The track itself is only 500m return making it perfect for little legs.
It’s lovely to see the flowing waterfall however and next door is a gorgeous forest with mushrooms out of a fairytale. (Do.not.eat.them)
Newland Head Conservation Park
Another Fleurieu favourite, just near Waitpinga Beach at Victor Harbor. This one is not pram friendly & is probably more suited to older kids or kids who asre used to hiking.
It’s called the Coastal Cliff Walking Trail for a reaon & you’ll be rewarded with stunning ocean views!
Mount Lofty Summit
Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
Another of our ‘you may have driven past this a hundred times but never knew it was there’ spots, this is really popular with locals for the great hiking tracks and fantastic mountain biking areas. With a number of really well signed tracks offering something for all ages and abilities, this is so close to home (enter off Fiveash Drive Pasadena) and you will instantly feel like you have been transported a million miles from anywhere.
Victor Harbor Heritage Trail
Look I am going to be honest here, this place is windy. Like all of the time. In 30 odd years travelling to this spot, I don’t ever recall it not blowing a gale, but if you want to see the beauty of the full force of the Southern Ocean smashing into a coastline, then putting up with some wind is well worth it. The Bluff is an obvious and famous landmark at Victor Harbor, but it is also a great starting point for the Victor Harbor Heritage Trail, a sensational 2 hour hike along some of the best coastline in our state. With shipwrecks, beach walks and stunning ocean views, it is easy to see why this is a fave. If the 2 hour hike is a bit out of the reach of your fam, why not try the walk up and down The Bluff? At only about half an hour return (and it isn’t really that steep for that long) your kids should make the top with the promise of a great view of Victor (or an ice cream. You may need to promise an ice cream). If any of the above hikes don’t take your fancy, there is always a lap around Granite Island!
Click here for the only map you will need for your Victor hike!
Mount George Conservation Park
The Mt George bush walk took us about 1.5hrs from carpark return but the path is a bit tricky though. It is easy to miss the turn off to the summit too so be careful! The 2.4km loop trail to the summit of Mount George is a great walking trail with kids. The trail follows fire tracks and walking trails on a slow incline to the summit of Mount George. A highlight is a stop at a rocky outcrop near the top with magnificent views over Bridgewater to Mount Lofty. The trail is marked with pine posts and blue arrows, but its not clearly marked at the start or along the way sometimes. We recommend following the map closely to get started. The trails are well maintained and easy to follow. You can’t really get too lost anyway as side tracks lead to the 2-metre high electric fence with its 2-metre high locked gates – the only entrance and exit from the trail is at the shed near the main picnic area at the end of Mount George Road. The walk takes you through a Stringybark native forest and a great preservation of historic native vegetation.
For more info on this beauty click here
Happy Valley Reservoir
With almost 20km of trails, perfect for mixed uses including running, mountain biking, hiking (lots of it is pram friendly too!), this is a really exciting community space for the south.
Choose from a range of well signed tracks, from 2km loops all the way up to the 11km Shoreline Loop
Para Wirra Conservation Park
One for the northerners, with the very popular Para Wirra Conservation Park. Only 45 minutes from the CBD, there are so many fantastic hikes to choose from depending on your level of ability and enthusiasm. With hikes from 30 minutes to 4 hours, you can either take the kids to see the beautiful lake or take them up on the lizard rock hike. The choice is yours.
To find out what hike is best for you, click here.
Anstey Hill Recreation Park
If you’re looking for a great family bushwalk in the Northern suburbs one of our favourites is Anstey Hill Recreation Park. There’s an extensive network of walking trails here so you can choose the one that suits your group. We love the abundant birds and wildlife here and if you visit in Spring you’ll love the wildflowers that pop up all over the place.
Little Quarry Loop is pram friendly on a gravel path. Parking on site too – such a bonus.
Woorabinda Bushland Reserve
Updated in 2024 to add a fantastic pram friendly boardwalk, Woorabinda Bushland Reserve up at Stirling includes a beautioful loop around the lake, or for a longer walk complete the full bushland loop at 5.4km.
Cobbler Creek Recreation Park
Home to the fabulous Kites and Kestrels playground, there are also 5 great walks here including teh Valley Circuit (4km) and the shorter Mai Tappa Circuit (2.4km). A fantastic natural space to explore with the family north of Adelaide.
Check out Walking SA or Parks SA if you want to find some more walks that we haven’t listed above, or tell us what your faves are so we can try them out!
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