South Australia’s hiking scene is seriously underrated. Beyond the wine regions and coastline, the state is packed with rugged ranges, outback landscapes, and coastal trails that deserve way more attention. For this week’s Trail Tuesdays, we’re heading into SA’s best day hikes and overnight adventures.
Single Day Hikes
Mount Lofty Summit Hike
One of Adelaide’s most popular hikes for good reason, the Mount Lofty Summit Trail takes place over 8km and combines steady climbing with huge views back across the city. Taking around 2-3 hours, this moderate trail offers panoramic views of Cleland National Park, alongside the stunning Mount Lofty Botanic Garden. Early mornings are especially worth the effort for this trail.
Sources: https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/waterfall-gully-to-mt-lofty-summit-hike/
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/south-australia/mount-lofty-summit-circuit
Alligator Gorge Ring Route
Located within Mount Remarkable National Park, this trail is an 8.5km loop that winds through rocky gorges, creek beds, and rugged outback terrain. It’s a moderate track, that will take most people between 2.5-3.5 hours to complete. The Narrows section of the trail is noted as a standout where gorge walls tower over you. It’s also recommended to head here in Spring where the trail is teeming with wildflowers.
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/south-australia/alligator-gorge-and-ring-route
The Bluff at Victor Harbor
Short but scenic, The Bluff Walk at Victor Harbor offers coastal views, rugged cliffs across a 3km return trail. It’s one of those hikes where the ocean scenery completely steals the show - you might even be able to see some dolphins or whales. It’s easy, but incredibly rewarding, taking most between 1-2 hours to complete.
Sources: https://visitvictorharbor.com/things-to-do/victor-harbors-must-do/the-bluff-2/
Multi-Day Hikes
Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail
Located in Flinders Chase National Park, this coastal multi-day trail links together some of Kangaroo Island’s best scenery — from rugged cliffs to secluded beaches and native bushland. Wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed throughout your 4-5 day trek as you take on 61km of spectacular coastal landscapes and lush woodland pockets. It’s a moderate to hard trail so some experience is recommended, and is divided into 5 route segments, each with their own breathtaking views.
Sources: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/australia/south-australia/kangaroo-island-wilderness-trail
https://www.walkingsa.org.au/walk/find-a-place-to-walk/kangaroo-island-wilderness-trail/
Arkaba Walk
Ranked as one of the Great Walks of Australia, the Arkaba Walk delivers an outback hiking experience through the Flinders Ranges with eco-camps and huge open landscapes throughout the route. It’s remote, rugged, and unforgettable, featuring iconic red landscapes and formations.
This trail is a guided route taking place over roughly 45km across 3-4 days, with campsites throughout and tour guides full of insight into the wildlife, conservation efforts and cultural heritage of the area.It operates from April to October.
Sources: https://greatwalksofaustralia.com.au/our-walks/arkaba-walk/
https://experiencearkaba.com/walk/
Yurrebilla Trail
Closer to Adelaide, the Yurrebilla Trail is a great introduction to South Australian multi-day hiking. The trail links together sections of the Adelaide Hills Mount Lofty Ranges with forests, ridgelines, and bushland throughout across 54km. You’ll start at Belair Railway Station and finish up at Amber Gully, and will take roughly 3-4 days to complete. The trail is built of many sections, each offering beautiful eucalypt forests, winding wooded trails and stunning panoramic views.
Preparing for a multi-day hike? Grab all the gear you need here.