Brownhill Creek Recreation Park at Mitcham | Review
Looking to escape somewhere quiet? Try a nature hike at Mitcham’s Brownhill Creek Recreation Park.
by Carla Caruso
Last weekend, my family and I headed to Brownhill Creek Recreation Park for a leisurely hour-long wander. We parked just past the Brownhill Creek Tourist Park and road bridge and stuck to the walking trail. (There’s also a shared trail for cyclists, horse riders and more.)
The kids – and us – had fun hopping along rocks, climbing on top of an old fallen tree (some of the river red gums are 300-plus years old), skimming stones in the creek, and collecting pinecones, sticks and wildflowers.
When one of my boys accidentally slipped in a waterhole, up to his waist, he actually found it a hysterical adventure.
The creek valley is said to be home to more than 40 animal species including kookaburras, bats, possums, water rats, frogs, eastern brown snakes (!) and the nationally endangered southern brown bandicoot. We got lucky on our hike and spotted a koala traversing from one eucalyptus tree to another.
Previously, the 51ha park was a fave camping, hunting and gathering ground for the Kaurna Aboriginal people. In 1915, it was declared a National Pleasure Resort, becoming the Brownhill Creek Recreation Park in 1972. It was certainly a pleasure to get lost there!
What we like about it
• There are picnic tables galore – at the Mitcham Lions Club shaded picnic area and popular Seven Pines picnic area. We’ve vowed to return soon with a picnic basket.
• It’s great to get the kids away from their screens and see them adventuring outdoors. Their imaginations will know no bounds.
• I had Magic Faraway Tree vibes walking among all the old, gnarled trees and greenery – such fun.
Things to consider
• The closest public toilets are at Mitcham Reserve on Old Belair Road.
• Watch out for prickly blackberry bushes en-route. We were also disappointed to see some discarded dog-waste bags along the way. (There are no bins in national parks.)
• Dogs are only allowed on leads at the park, but not all owners adhere to this.
• The walking trail can be steep and narrow, and isn’t pram-friendly (unless you keep to the road).
Coffee and food options nearby
Mitcham Square shopping centre is within easy driving distance. Also nearby is This Fine Day gallery/café, Liberty Coffee, Stamps Restaurant, and The Edinburgh Hotel. Check their opening hours online.
Location:
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For more information, please visit the National Park and Wildlife Service SA’s website.
What: Hiking at Brownhill Creek Recreation Park
When: Anytime (except for fire danger days)
Where: Brownhill Creek Road, Mitcham
Who: For nature-loving, adventurous types – young and old
All photos by Carla Caruso for Play & Go Adelaide
At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.
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