Easy Walks & Bushwalks around Adelaide with Kids
Easy Outdoor Walks & Bushwalks around Adelaide with Kids
We are spoilt for choice in SA with lots of bushwalking options, scenic coastal trails, easy city pathways and more. Walking in general outdoors is a great way to spend time as a family. Not only is it a great way to reduce stress, little ones love to explore new places and it’s a great way to reconnect with your older kids.
There are so many fantastic places to explore in Adelaide and around South Australia. Some walks are suitable for prams and toddlers as they are shorter in length, which is great for little legs. For families with older kids, there are plenty of more challenging places to explore. Take a look at our extensive list below of places we love to visit with our families.
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve | Stoneyfell | Review
Michael Perry Botanic Reserve - a beautiful little trail and park with lots to see and explore in the City of Burnside. Review by Claire Davill This historic botanic reserve forms part of the Second Creek trail, and is a lovely hike that is suitable for everyone, even small children. There are options to walk sections as little as a ...
Wisteria Arbours | Adelaide Botanic Garden
A visit to the Adelaide Botanic Garden during Spring will reward you with beautiful floral displays, such as the magnificent Wisteria Arbours. The Adelaide Botanic Garden is a delightful place to visit at any time of year, with lawn areas for the kids to run around, birdlife around the lake to enjoy and accessible pram friendly paths throughout. Spring is ...
Explore The Shiraz Trail | McLaren Vale Walking & Bike Track
The McLaren Vale region is synonymous with good quality food and exceptional wine. Whilst this side of town might not be the first place you think of when it comes to planning a family friendly day out, The Shiraz Trail might just change your mind. Claiming the title of the most well known trail in the region, The Shiraz trail ...
Witton Bluff Base Trail Boardwalk | Port Noarlunga to Christies Beach | Review
The Witton Bluff Base Trail is now fully open, with a new boardwalk accessible from Port Noarlunga to Christies Beach. Review by Carla Caruso and Jo Parkinson Port Noarlunga has that special holiday vibe, which makes you feel like you’re hours from the city (instead of just 40 minutes). And now it feels extra specky, thanks to the completion of ...
Bridgewater Reserve Playground & Heysen Trail | Review
An afternoon at the Bridgewater Reserve Playground and an adventure along the Heysen Trail If you are looking for a free, enjoyable activity which gets the kids outdoors exploring for a couple of hours in the Adelaide Hills, then stop at the Bridgewater Mill. The Bridgewater Playground The playground was upgraded in 2016 and caters to all ages. It is ...
Café 1954 | Brownhill Creek, Adelaide | Review
Escape the city while still staying in it at this hidden gem, surrounded by gum trees and creekside trails. Review by Carla Caruso Looking for a spot that feels like a getaway without leaving town? Café 1954, tucked within Brownhill Creek Tourist Park just 7km from the Adelaide CBD, is a peaceful place to refuel and reconnect with nature. Open ...
St Kilda Mangrove Trail | South Australia | Review
Take a walk on the wild side and discover an underrated treasure in Adelaide's north-west. Review by Carla Caruso There’s nothing like stumbling upon hidden gems in your hometown that you haven’t encountered before. One day during the school holidays, when my family-of-four were at a loose end, we decided to go check out the St Kilda Adventure Playground. It’d ...
Bell Yet Reserve Playground | Wattle Park | Review
Bell Yet Reserve Playground in Wattle Park is a fun playground in a fabulous bushland setting. Review by Claire Davill Bell Yett Reserve is a large area with a great playground, tennis courts, basketball hoop and soccer field. There are bushland paths to follow, a small creek and a footbridge to explore as well. The playground comprises two wooden towers ...
The Watershed Café | Greenfields Wetlands, Mawson Lakes | Review
Tuck into contemporary, seasonal food while soaking up wetland views at this unique restaurant. Review by Carla Caruso There’s nothing like a house, or an eatery, with a view. And The Watershed Function Centre & Café at Mawson Lakes certainly has this, and more. The café is located uniquely within the serene Greenfields Wetlands – a 114-hectare, constructed attraction north ...
Harbourmasters Walking Trail | Port Elliot
The Harbourmaster walking trail is a 1.9km family friendly circuit along the coast of Port Elliot and is suitable for all abilities. If you are visiting Port Elliot with the family, the Harbourmaster trail takes you along the coastline from Horseshoe Bay to Knights Beach. The main trail is suitable for all abilities with only slight inclines and you are ...
Coastal Walkway Bridges | Hallett Cove | Review
The long-awaited bridges spanning deep valleys along the Marion Coastal Walkway north of Hallett Cove are now open, and they provide a spectacular scenic walk. Review by Claire Davill The new coastal walkway bridges were officially opened by Premier of South Australia, Hon Peter Malinauskas MP and City of Marion Mayor Kris Hanna on 3 August 2024. The entire Marion ...
Hallett Cove Conservation Park & the Boatshed Cafe | Review
Explore the picturesque walking trails and take in the breathtaking coastal views from Hallett Cove Conservation Park and dine in or takeaway from the newly renovated Boatshed Cafe. It can sometimes be the simple things like getting back to nature and breathing in the sea air to help us slow down in this busy, fast paced world. Hallett Cove Conservation ...
Pioneer Women’s Trail Walk with Kids | Review
Pioneer Women's Trail Walk in the Adelaide Hills. Follow the footsteps of South Australia's early pioneer women as they carried their produce to market, marvelling at the views and the effort these women required to make a living many years ago! Review by Claire Davill Each May, the National Trust runs the Pioneer Women's Trail Walk - a supported walk ...
Mike Turtur Bikeway | Family Bike Ride from Adelaide to Glenelg | Review
The Mike Turtur Bikeway is one of Adelaide's most popular off-road bike routes and it’s right in the city, following the Glenelg tramline from South Terrace. Review by Carla Caruso You’ve probably heard of cycling paths in the country that follow old railway lines, like Clare’s Riesling Trail and McLaren Vale’s Shiraz Trail. (While we’re at it, there’s also the ...
Littlehampton Tunnel | Short Walk with a Tunnel to Explore
Explore the Littlehampton Pedestrian Tunnel in the Adelaide Hills. A short drive up the freeway to Littlehampton, just outside of Mount Barker, brings you to a fantastic pedestrian tunnel that you can walk as a family. There's plenty to explore here and lots of photo opportunities. Review by Claire Davill To reach the tunnel we recommend parking at the end ...
Junior Keeper Experience l Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary l Review
Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary's Junior Keeper Experience Does your child love animals and being outdoors? Maybe they want to be a zookeeper, vet, or wildlife warrior when they grow up? Well, we have found the perfect activity for you in the Adelaide Hills. Review by Jo Parkinson Warrawong Wildlife Sanctuary’s Junior Keeper Program is a 4-hour, fun filled and educational experience ...
Blue Lake/Warwar | Mount Gambier
The central attraction in Mount Gambier is the unique Blue Lake, and it's worth checking out if you are visiting Mount Gambier or the Limestone Coast. And yes, it really is blue! The colour of the lake is something you really have to see with your own eyes. Photos just don't do it justice! The best time of year to ...
Outer Harbor Greenway | Adelaide to Port Adelaide Bike Ride
Outer Harbor Greenway - Bike Riding from Adelaide to Port Adelaide The Outer Harbor Greenway is a bike route connecting Adelaide to Outer Harbor via Port Adelaide, and follows shared paths and quiet residential streets. This makes it a very family-friendly bike ride, and there are lots of things to see and do along the way, such as public art, ...
Flat to Vale Trail l McLaren Vale to McLaren Flat l Review
Flat to Vale Trail, City of Onkaparinga, Review By Jo Parkinson It’s time to dust off the walking shoes! The City of Onkaparinga’s fantastic new Flat to Vale Trail from McLaren Vale to McLaren Flat is scenic, peaceful and a great way to get active. The Trail The 3.6km path is an extension of the existing Coast to Vines Rail ...
Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi (Park 16) Wetland
The Victoria Park/Pakapakanthi (Park 16) Wetland is ideal for families to explore. If you have been wondering what is looks like behind the fences around the southern end of Victoria Park, you can now explore the area after it was officially opened on Friday 6 May 2022. The path winds its way around the 3.2 hectares and is suitable for ...
Bunyip Trail at John E. Brown Park | North Adelaide | Review
Bunyip Trail at John E. Brown Park, North Adelaide - Review Have you taken your kids on the interactive Bunyip Trail? If you’re looking to entertain them during the school holidays – or if you just love nature or books – it could be just the ticket. by Carla Caruso You probably know about the manicured parts of Bonython Park ...
Adelaide Park Lands Trail | Walk or Ride around the City with Kids
Adelaide Park Lands Trail The Adelaide Park Lands Trail is a 19.5km loop around the city that families can explore by foot or on bikes. The City of Adelaide is surrounded by beautiful park lands and there is a family friendly trail 19.5km long that loops right around the city. You can choose to explore all of it at once ...
Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve | Review
Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve offers lots of recreational family fun for the whole family. After 120 years, they’ve finally opened the gates to Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve, and it’s one to put on your must visit list in SA. Review by Brooke Hendry Happy Valley Reservoir Reserve is located only 35 minutes from the Adelaide CBD in the Southern suburb ...
Deep Creek Waterfall | Bushwalking with Kids | Fleurieu Peninsula
Bushwalking with kids to Deep Creek Waterfall. by Katrina Gogel Deep Creek Conservation Park, on the coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, is a fantastic place to spend a weekend exploring. One of the main attractions in the park is Deep Creek Waterfall, which can be reached by hiking a small section of the Heysen trail. The hike is a great ...
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden | Adelaide Hills | Review
Mount Lofty Botanic Garden is a beautiful botanical adventure in the Adelaide Hills only 20 minutes from the city. It is the perfect spot for a relaxing family picnic or walk at any time of year. Put on your walking shoes, pack your camera, pack some snacks or a picnic and get ready to discover this amazing wonderland which kids ...
A Trip to See the New Loch-Eel Monster in Lochiel, South Australia | Review
A Trip to See 'Lochie' the new Loch-Eel Monster at Lochiel | Review The tiny town of Lochiel – 125km north of Adelaide – has a new Loch Ness monster, dubbed “Lochie”. And it lives on our state’s most popular pink lake, Lake Bumbunga. by Carla Caruso Meet “Lochie” – the cousin of the old Loch-Eel loch ness monster at ...
Amy Gillett Bikeway | Bike Riding from Oakbank to Mt Torrens | Adelaide Hills
A country bike ride along the Amy Gillett Bikeway The Amy Gillett bikeway is a specially built bike trail which runs from Oakbank, through Woodside and Charleston to Mount Torrens in the Adelaide Hills. The bikeway was built to honour the memory of Amy Gillett, a member of the Australian women's cycling team who was tragically killed whilst training in ...
Bushwalking & Koala Spotting | Morialta Conservation Park | Review
Morialta Conservation Park provides a family friendly bushwalking experience just 20 minutes from Adelaide. One of our family's favourite natural attractions, Morialta is the perfect spot to set out with the kids to explore amongst the trees and creek beds. From the Morialta Road entrance the walk is only about 800 metres to the Morialta Falls car park precinct. Perfect ...
Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit Hike | Cleland Conservation Park Walking Trail
Adelaide’s favourite hike through Cleland Conservation Park, from serene Waterfall Gully all the way up to the summit at Mount Lofty. It is a challenge to complete, but there are many reasons why the hike from Waterfall Gully to Mount Lofty Summit is so popular. From families with babies in carriers to elite athletes trying to beat their best time, ...
Carrick Hill Story Book Trail | Free Activity | Review
Explore the Carrick Hill Story Book Trail Carrick Hill is an elegant English manor-style house built in 1939 surrounded by beautiful sprawling gardens. The Carrick Hill Story Book Trail takes you on a fun journey for about half a kilometre through the beautiful grounds and gardens of Carrick Hill Estate with plenty to explore and discover. You can pick up ...
Bushwalking with Kids at Mount George Conservation Park | Adelaide Hills
Mount George Conservation Park is nestled in between Bridgewater and Piccadilly in the Adelaide Hills, only 10 minutes up the South Eastern freeway. Mount George walking trails can be accessed from Mount George Picnic Grounds where there is plenty of car parking space and some picnic tables if you are looking for a pleasant place to stop for a bite ...
Waite Arboretum | Rustic Nature Play | Review
The Waite Arboretum is part of the University of Adelaide’s Waite campus in Urrbrae. It’s a wonderful spot to have a rambling walk with your youngsters of all ages. Review by Catherine Leo The Waite Arboretum is open free to the public every day of the year (except those of extreme fire danger). Spread over 30 hectares, it contains more ...
Hiking & Biking at Mitcham’s Randell Park Reserve | Review
Sea views and quarry cliff faces are just a few of the things you'll encounter at this reserve along the Mitcham Trail Network. by Carla Caruso There is nothing better than discovering new places to explore near home – and Randell Park Reserve is one I recently added to my list. It’s the first ‘zone’ in the City of Mitcham’s ...
Exploring the Tennyson Dunes Discovery Trail | Review
Tennyson Dunes Discovery Trail at Tennyson – Review You’ll feel further away than the western suburbs when meandering through these ancient dunes ... taking you direct to the beach! by Carla Caruso I’ve been wanting to check out Tennyson Beach for a while. So, when I was at a loose end one weekend, I found time to tick it off ...
Mount Bold Reservoir Reserve | Review
Walking along the dam wall at Mount Bold Reservoir - Review After a moody spot to revel in while the weather cools? This amazing feat of engineering is one of Adelaide's best-kept secrets. by Carla Caruso There’s a spooky scene in Stan’s Hobart-shot thriller, The Gloaming, at a colossal concrete dam. Of the jaw-dropping scenery, co-director Greg McLean told the ...
Sturt Gorge Dam at Sturt Gorge Recreation Park | Flagstaff Hill | Review
After a low-key weekend activity? Try a walk to one of Adelaide’s biggest man-made structures with a hike at Sturt Gorge Dam and Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. Review by Carla Caruso Often, we travel far and wide to experience awe-inspiring sights, not realising there are many hidden gems right near home. Enter the Sturt Gorge Dam. When I read about ...
Brownhill Creek Recreation Park | Mitcham | Review
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 ...
Exploring Marino | Marino Conservation Park & Bandon Terrace Reserve | Review
Day-tripping in Marino, South Australia - including Marino Conservation Park and the new-look Bandon Terrace Reserve by Carla Caruso The suburb of Marino has it all for a day’s adventure, from a lighthouse hike to a rocky beach and a new seaside-themed playground. For some reason, the suburb of Marino has always called to me like a sea siren. It ...
Bushwalking with Kids | Telowie Gorge Conservation Park | Review
Exploring Telowie Gorge – yet another hidden gem in the Southern Flinders Ranges! by Katrina Gogel After years of saying ‘we must call in there’ we finally took the turn off from the highway near Port Pirie and ventured into beautiful Telowie Gorge Conservation Park for a family bushwalk. Telowie Gorge is home to dramatic scenery and a rich variety ...
Bushwalking with Kids | Lobethal Bushland Park | Review
Grab your kids, lace up your hiking boots and head for the Hills to explore the wooded wonderland that is Lobethal Bushland Park. by Katrina Gogel Located on the outskirts of Lobethal, Bushland Park is brimming with history and beauty. Before being acquired by the Adelaide Hills Council in 1986 the two reservoirs located here supplied the township of Lobethal ...
Bushwalking with Kids at Alligator Gorge | Mount Remarkable National Park
Mount Remarkable National Park - take the kids hiking at Alligator Gorge in the Southern Flinders Ranges by Katrina Gogel Alligator Gorge in Mount Remarkable National Park is one of South Australia’s most scenic hikes. With dramatic gorges, bright ochre walls and watercourses lined with river red gums, it truly is a remarkable place. There are plenty of walking options ...
Brownhill Creek “One Tree Hill” Hike & McElligott’s Quarry Reserve | Mitcham | Review
Brownhill Creek hike from McElligott’s Quarry Reserve in Mitcham It's hard to believe that this nature hike, offering jaw-dropping Insta-worthy views, is only minutes from the city of Adelaide. Review by Carla Caruso I’m a keen jogger … well, I was keener before I had my twin boys. Now the juggle of child-minding and work means pulling on the sneakers ...
Bushwalking with Kids | Mount Barker Summit Reserve | Review
Bushwalking with Kids - Mount Barker Summit Reserve by Katrina Gogel Explore rocky outcrops, take in panoramic country views and find a cubby house (or two!) along one of the family friendly walking trails at the Mount Barker Summit Reserve. The “Mount” has long been our family’s go-to place for a bushwalk in the Adelaide Hills. With two easy walking ...
Newman’s Nursery Ruins Walk | Anstey Hill Recreation Park – Vista | Review
Newman’s Nursery Ruins Walk Some mums on Mother’s Day like pancakes in bed or the latest celebrity fragrance. I alternatively used the day as an excuse to drag my family of four on a hike. But as I knew would happen, they enjoyed the experience just as much as I did! I stumbled across information about the Newman’s Nursery Ruins ...
St Clair Cheltenham Reserve Playground | Review
The St Clair Cheltenham Reserve Playground was built as part of the huge residential development on the former Cheltenham Racecourse site. It's a fabulous playground catering to kids of different ages, and sits beside beautiful wetlands with an accessible walking trail. However, there are two major points that stop it from being on our Adelaide Top Parks & Playgrounds list ...
Easy Bushwalk for Kids | Eurilla Track Mt Lofty | Review
An easy bushwalk for kids - Eurilla Track to Mt Lofty Summit Has your family ever had those days when everyone is feeling a little frustrated at being cooped up, the telly has been on too long and you're all a little fidgety? We find a bush walk makes everyone feel happier and calmer in our household. We decided to ...
Wittunga Botanic Garden | Blackwood | Review
Plan a trip to beautiful Wittunga Botanic Garden in Blackwood Located in the pretty Adelaide foothills suburb of Blackwood, Wittunga Botanic Garden is an historic 13-hectare property featuring a vast array of plants and trees, wildlife, open play areas, a lake, seating options and walking trails. As soon you enter Wittunga Botanic Garden, you’ll instantly hear the delightful sounds of ...
Laratinga Wetlands Bike Ride | Mt Barker
Discover the Laratinga Wetlands for bird watching, a leisurely walk and family friendly bike ride though Mount Barker. There's no doubt Mt Barker is booming, however a visit to the Laratinga Wetlands and a ride along the bike paths winding through Mt Barker reveal this town still has a quiet side. Heading down the South-Eastern Freeway, we took the Bald ...
Woorabinda Reserve | Stirling | Review
Woorabinda Lake and Reserve | Review If you're heading to the hills and looking for somewhere to take the kids that's close to Stirling, try a leisurely visit to Woorabinda Lake. It is tucked into the side streets of Stirling, next to the Railway line. You can walk down Ethel Street to access the Lake and Reserve or drive for ...
Room to Roam Free | Victoria Park Loop | Review
Victoria Park Loop The Victoria Park Loop is a great place for families to take their bikes for a ride away from the dangers of the road or to simply walk the dog in open space away from the traffic. We are so fortunate in Adelaide to have acres and acres of safe, open green space on the edge of ...
River Torrens Linear Park Bike Ride | A Leisurely Trail
River Torrens Linear Park Bike Ride If you are looking for somewhere safe to go bike riding as a family, or just want somewhere quiet and relaxing to push the pram away from the traffic, then make your way to a section of the Linear Park Trail and hit the pavement. From north-east of the city in Paradise all the ...
The Bluff Summit Walk & Lookout | Victor Harbor | Review
The Bluff Summit Walk & Lookout Victor Harbor The Bluff, also known as Rosetta Head or Kongkengguwarr, is one of Victor Harbor's favourite tourist attractions offering a fabulous 360 degree view of this picturesque coastal region. From the top of the rocks you can take in the rugged coastline to the west, gaze for miles out to sea and look ...
Adelaide Botanic Garden | Learn, Play & Explore | Review
Adelaide Botanic Garden Nothing beats the simplicity of getting back to nature. Just on the fringe of the city you can discover a peaceful section of Adelaide hidden away from the busy streets. Stunning feature gardens, manicured lawns and the oldest avenue of Moreton Bay fig trees in Australia are just some of the delights of the Adelaide Botanic Garden ...
Big Rocks, Beach, Cliff Walk, Trees to Climb, Whales, Glorious Views, all from Horseshoe Bay | Port Elliot
Port Elliot on the Fleurieu Peninsula Big rocks, beach, cliff walk, trees to climb, whales, glorious views, all from Horseshoe Bay Port Elliot is a quiet township about 80km south of Adelaide, at Horseshoe Bay on the beautiful Fleurieu Peninsula. It's a popular holiday destination but is also close enough for a day trip. I hope the photos below give ...
Melrose | Thinking of camping but not too sure?
Melrose is the oldest town in the Southern Flinders Ranges, approximately 270km or just over 3 hours drive north of Adelaide, at the foot of Mt Remarkable. Our inaugural camping trip to this beautiful SA destination, was to be honest, fraught with a little anxiety. Actually, make that quite a bit of anxiety. We had never done a car trip with ...
Exploring Waterfall Gully & Breakfast at Utopia Restaurant
Just ten minutes east of the city, along a winding road through the Adelaide foothills, you'll find yourself surrounded by the stunning natural landscape of Waterfall Gully. Located in Cleland Conservation Park, Waterfall Gully is home to the impressive First Falls, an 18 metre waterfall that flows all year round. Equally stunning in the cooler months surrounded in mist as ...
Mount Lofty Summit | Lookout, Cafe, Visitor Centre & Gift Shop
There are so many places that we love to visit around Adelaide, but Mount Lofty Summit would have to be one of the most special. It features an incredible look out, cafe and visitor centre. Only 15km from the city and you're well into the Adelaide Hills, just a short drive up the South Eastern Freeway. Part of Cleland Conservation ...
Mt Lofty Botanic Garden | A Magical Wonderland
Mt Lofty Botanic Garden Mt Lofty Botanic Garden is a beautiful botanical adventure in the Adelaide Hills (less than half an hour drive from the city)..... Put on your walking shoes, pack your camera, pack some snacks or a picnic and get ready to explore this amazing wonderland. You can take a leisurely stroll or go on a more vigorous ...
Morialta Conservation Park – First Falls | Review
Morialta Conservation Park - First Falls If you are after an easy, family friendly hike, the walk to the First Falls in the Morialta Conservation Park is perfect. Morialta is about 10km drive North East of the city and this trail is 1.6km and about 45 minutes return. Although with young kids who like to climb on rocks and explore ...
Granite Island Recreation & Nature Park | Victor Harbor | Review
Granite Island, Victor Harbor The Granite Island Recreation & Nature Park can be seen from Victor Harbor and is best known for being home to the magical Little Penguins. The island is a must visit destination if spending time at one of South Australia's most popular coastal towns, Victor Harbor. It's an ideal spot for taking the kids out for ...
For more walking ideas click HERE to see Walking SA’s 50 Great Walks & Hikes for Kids
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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