Bushwalking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, keep fit and spend time with family and friends. Please ensure that you are well equipped with food, water, sun protection and sturdy shoes. Please note that in winter and spring the water levels of the South Para River can become quite high, making it challenging to cross in sections.
Bushwalking is a fantastic way to connect with nature, keep fit and spend time with family and friends. South Australia's national parks feature a range of trails that let you experience a diversity of landscapes.
Easy walks
No bushwalking experience is required. Trails are clearly sign posted. The track is a compacted surface and has gentle undulating sections, but may have minor tripping hazards, e.g leaf litter and loose gravel.
Lake Discovery Walk (30 mins. 1km)
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This popular short trail is great for families where you can soak up the tranquil setting of Para Wirra's lake. You're sure to see many waterbirds and bush birds along the way, so bring your binoculars. Great in the morning and late afternoon.
Gawler View Nature Loop (30 mins. 1km)
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Explore the Nature Play Forest shared-use paths through the Gawler View picnic area. Keep your eyes peeled for bush birds, scurrying lizards and maybe even an emu or kangaroo. Suitable for prams. Some limited mobility access may be possible if assisted.
Moderate hikes
Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Trails are sign posted. Some bush walking experience is recommended. Tracks may have some steep hill sections, rough surfaces that can be slippery after rain and steps or tripping hazards.
Victoria Hill Circuit Hike(45 mins, 1.5km anticlockwise loop)
Discover the secrets of this historical mining town in the Barossa Valley. Allow time to stop and read the interpretive signs along the route that tell the colourful story of the Barossa Goldfields. Keep to trail at all times as there are dangerous mine shafts in the area.
Access: car park on Allendale Road near Bowden Cottage.
Scenic Loop (2 hrs, 4.5km return or 1 hr 30 mins, 3.2km loop)
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Whether you walk or ride to The Knob you’ll find yourself immersed in valleys of bushland surrounded by high hills, miles away from city life. Follow the shared use Knob Lookout Track down to the small rounded hill of the Knob. Return along the same track or Scenic Drive. Alternatively, return along a section of the South Para Grand and Lizard Rock hikes.
The Scenic Drive section is a shared zone with vehicles.
Access: Gawler View Picnic Area
Lizard Rock Hike (45 mins, 1.6km return)
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An enjoyable loop trail with easy grades and picturesque views across Wild Dog Creek valley. Explore the rock formations along the ridge and see if you can spot the Lizard Rock! Great for family groups. For safety, please supervise children near rocky outcrops.
Access: near the Gawler View Barbecue and Natureplay areas.
Hissey Hike (1 hour, 2km anticlockwise loop)
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Walk along the shaded valley of Wild Dog Creek and take in the scenery as you meander around the tranquil Lake. Ideal for families or visitors with limited time.
Access: near the lake access road (east side).
Hissey Loop Hike brochure
Tree Creeper Loop (2 hrs, 5km)
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A delightful nature trail, great on its own, or as part of other trails in the Forestry SA network. Look for wildflowers year round and stop by the dam along Blue Gum Track to see the wildlife that comes to visit! The Para Wirra Drive section is a shared zone with vehicles.
Access: Wild Dog Creek car park, east of Para Wirra Drive and just south of Wirra Road.
Horseplay Trail (4 hrs, 8.5km)
Enjoy 8.5 km of track around and through the Mack Creek section of the park that is available for hikers and horse riders.
Access: Mack Creek car park, Humbug Scrub Road
Hard hikes
Bushwalking experience is recommended. Trails may be long with rough surfaces and very steep. Trail signage may be limited.
Phoenix Circuit Hike (2 hrs 30 mins, 5km anticlockwise loop)
Take a walk through time, passing the major mines of the Barossa Goldfields. Follow the pickaxe symbols every 200 metres, reading the stories of early miners on interpretive signs along the way. Discover the old tramway tracks from Menzies Mine, near the Battery. Keep to trail at all times as there are dangerous mine shafts in the area.
Access: car park on Allendale Road near Bowden Cottage.
Lady Pearce Circuit Hike (4 hrs, 5km anticlockwise loop)
A superb walk going down, but a solid climb back up. Hike through the old Barossa Goldfields and down to the Battery site. Take in the serenity of the South Para River before rock-hopping across the river. Climb out of the gorge along a dramatic spur. Keep to trail at all times as there are dangerous mine shafts in the area.
Access: car park on Allendale Road near Bowden Cottage.
Devils Nose Hike (2 hrs, 4.4km)
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Take the ridge top walk to the Devils Nose Lookout. Sweeping views of the Barossa Range, Gawler District, South Para Gorge and Misery Farm will take your breath away. Bring your camera! For safety, please supervise children near rocky outcrops. Trail can be started from either the Lake or Devils Nose car parks.
Access: car park and trailhead west of the lake.
South Para Grand Hike (4.5 hrs, 10km clockwise loop)
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See all the scenic highlights of central Para Wirra , this hike is best hiked in a clockwise direction. If you start from Hissey Picnic Area, you’ll first pass the Lake, then onto the Devil’s nose for spectacular views. From there head down into South Para Gorge, before winding back up to the Knob Lookout. Finally, discover the amazing Lizard and Chimney rocks.
Access: Car park at Hissey Picnic Area
Mack Creek Hike (4 hrs, 7.5km)
Follows Mack Creek downstream through a valley of magnificent river red gums. Look out for the beautiful orchids flowering in late winter and spring.
Access: car park on Humbug Scrub Road