7 stunning SA walking trails
South Australians are spoilt for choice when it comes to walking trails, with stunning hikes scattered across the state.
So to help you get back in touch with nature, we’ve listed the best walks that are sure to get your heart pumping.
1. Mount Lofty Walking Trail
Mount Lofty’s views are enough to keep you coming back, no matter if you run, walk, meander or chat your way up to the peak. With sweeping views of the city, suburbs and coastline below, the summit is well worth the at-times tricky trek. The 7.8km return hike from Waterfall Gully to the summit is steep, but if you’re not up for a long hike or you’ve got kids in-tow, you can simply drive to the base of the summit for a short walk.
The stunning view from Waterfall Gully. Image: SATC
2. Devil’s Peak Walking Trail
You’ll have to scramble over rocks and navigate steep terrain along this bushwalking track in the Flinders Ranges, but the reward once you reach the summit makes this 3 hour hike well worth it. From Devil’s Peak you’ll have panoramic views of the Southern Flinders, Horseshoe Range and Pichi Richi Pass.3. Heysen Trail
The Heysen Trail may stretch 1200km from the Fleurieu Peninsula all the way to the Flinders Ranges, but that doesn’t mean you have to walk it all at once. You can take day trips along the coast or spend a few days walking through Ikara-Flinders Ranges National park – the choice is yours.
Walk the Heysen Trail across the Fleurieu Peninsula. Image: SATC
4. Hallett Cove Boardwalk
The 5.1km stretch from Marino to Hallett Cove is a popular pick for weekend strollers and fitness fiends alike. Recently undergoing renovations, the 20-year-old boardwalk offers dramatic clifftop views and a rare perspective of our coastline as it hugs the hills. Soak up the seascape at your own pace.5. Clare Valley Riesling Trail
A former railway line from Auburn to Clare has been transformed into The Riesling Trail – a 35km walk or ride through vineyards, farms and natural bushland. You’ll pass through wooded sections that feel like English laneways and encounter cellar doors where you can taste some of the world’s best wines. Along the way, you’ll also find lots of picnic spots and storyboards about the history of the area. Whether you stroll sections of the trail by foot, or hire a bike and spend the day cycling, you’re guaranteed a great day out.
Walk or cycle the Riesling Trail in the Clare Valley. Image: SATC
6. Walk the Yorke
American author Hal Borland once said, “All walking is discovery. On foot we take the time to see things whole”. This statement couldn’t be truer on the Walk the Yorke trail. It covers 500km of the Yorke Peninsula coastline from Port Wakefield to Moonta Bay. Take a day trip or a multi-day walk.
Check out the beautiful sunsets at Cape Spencer Lighthouse. Image: SATC