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 few hundred metres, or a loop from the start of Andrews Walk that totals about 1.5km. You can even extend your walk further down Second Creek, discovering hidden reserves along the way.

We recommend starting at Andrews Walk on Hallett Road, entering through the stone gateway, lined with hedges. Turn right to follow the Second Creek trail through Willowbridge Reserve. This is an unsealed path, but should be fine for little legs to walk on. You’ll pass some fun stepping stones across the creek here, but we recommend staying on this side of the creek as you walk further up towards Michael Perry Botanic Reserve. There is a picturesque lake and several notable trees planted here.

The path crosses the creek at the top of the reserve, and heading back down the other side of the creek, you’ll find remnants of the park when it was managed by the nearby Clifton Manor. There’s an old stone shed and remnants of an old pump.

The main path on this side of the creek is paved, but there are also winding paths that take you through some of the botanic gardens. Many of the trees here have signs on them, and there are information signs dotted throughout the park too.

There are toilets available in the reserve as well.

As you approach the lake from this side, there are picnic tables and a small area of lawn to sit down and take a break.

If you want to explore further, consider heading downstream along the Second Creek trail. You’ll pass through Elizabeth Reserve, with a “tunnel” bridge over the creek where Andrews Walk crosses the creek.

Crossing Hallett Road, you enter Simpson Reserve and the Hubbe Court Reserve (where Urth Clay Studio is located). Cross over Lockwood Road and find the hidden pathway on Chisholm Avenue that connects you to Moorecroft Reserve. This reserve features an old masonry and brick bridge from the original coach drive, and a small grave. The nearby sign details the history (and mystery) surrounding the headstone of this grave.

You can head further down the trail if you wish, but from this point there are several sections along roads that don’t follow the creek until you reach Harris Reserve, which ends at Glynburn Road, and the trail is not so safe for small children. 

Things to Consider:

• This park is best enjoyed after significant rain – the multiple cascades in the creek look amazing when the creek is flowing.
• The dirt paths on the south side of the creek can get a little slippery, so take care.
• Keep an eye on children near the lake.
• If starting the walk from Hallett Road, be mindful of traffic as this road can be busy. Also take care if crossing Hallett Road to explore the trail downstream.
• Dogs are allowed to be on lead in Michael Perry Reserve (more info here)

Location:

Access from Andrews Walk off of Hallett Road, Willowbridge Grove, or Kurrajong Avenue, Stoneyfell.

For more information and all enquiries please visit the City of Burnside website.

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.

As per all our Play & Go reviews, this is not a sponsored post and our review is done completely independently. All photos are by Play & Go.

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