Bushwalking
South Australia’s national parks feature a huge range of trails that let you experience a diversity of landscapes.
Where can I go for a bushwalk?
A vast majority of national parks have trails suited for all fitness levels. To find out which national parks have specific bushwalking trails use our find a park tool and refine your search to ‘Bushwalking’.
For more inspiration check out these articles from the Good Living blog:
- 5 alternative walks to Mount Lofty
- 17 dog-friendly walks in Adelaide parks
- 4 parks in South Australia for overnight hiking trips
Where can I download trail maps?
Downloadable pdf maps are available for many of our parks. Go to the park page of the park you are visiting and click on the maps tab to download the pdf’s.
If you have a smartphone or tablet you can download the free Avenza PDF Map app and have interactive national park maps on hand when you need them.
Walk classifications
The Australian Walking Track Grading System is a national standard to help you work out if a walk will suit your level of fitness and experience.
Walking tracks in National Parks SA reserves are graded according to the Australian Walking Track Grading System below.
Australian walking track grading system | |
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1 No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5 km. | |
2 No bushwalking experience required. The track is a hardened or compacted surface and may have a gentle hill section or sections and occasional steps. Walks no greater than 10 km. | |
3 Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Tracks may have short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. Walks up to 20 km. | |
4 Bushwalking experience reccommended. Tracks may be long, rough and very steep. Directional signage may be limited. | |
5 Recommended for very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 km. |
For further information on the Australian Walking Track Grading System please visit the Forest Fire Management Victoria website.
The Heysen Trail
The Heysen Trail is one of the world’s great walking trails and the longest dedicated walking trail in Australia.
The 1,200 km trail starts at Cape Jervis and winds along the beaches and sea cliffs of the south coast before passing over rolling hills and rural landscapes of the Fleurieu Peninsula and Mt Lofty Ranges. Beyond Mt Bryan, the trail crosses over to the rugged peaks and valleys of the Flinders Ranges as it heads to Parachilna Gorge where it ends.
Most national park run camping and accommodation along the Heysen Trail needs to be pre-booked online.
For more information, maps, camping and accommodation visit The Heysen Trail website.
School or large groups
If you are planning a trip for a school group or other large group, please ensure you let the individual park know of your intentions. If you intend to visit remote sections of the park or undertake any risky or strenuous activities, please ensure you let a responsible person know of your intentions, and when you anticipate returning.