The Adelaide Hills is home to a diverse natural landscape made up of national parks, conservation parks, forests, lakes, and creeks. This stunning region is known for its green open spaces, rolling hills, and tranquil rural settings, offering plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.
Walking, cycling, and recreation trails weave throughout the Hills and surrounding townships, providing endless opportunities for discovery and outdoor enjoyment.
One of the region’s highlights is the Amy Gillett Pathway, a scenic and accessible trail ideal for both walking and cycling.
For more information on trails and walks in the Adelaide Hills, we recommend exploring the following websites for details on recreation and cycling routes in our region
Lobethal Bushland Park
Lobethal Bushland Park comprises 118 hectares of varied terrain of gentle slopes dissected by several north-south running drainage/creek lines. The altitude ranges from 450m to 520m above sea level.
There is a network of marked walking trails throughout the Park. Main access to the Park is via a gate at the southern end of the reserve adjacent to Reservoir South, and a gate on Kenton Valley Road on the eastern boundary.
Aldgate Valley Nature Walk
The Aldgate Valley Nature Walk, also known as the Valley of the Bandicoots nature walk, is a walking trail that connects Aldgate and Mylor. The two hour or six kilometre walk is centred within the 'Green Web' a region of high biodiversity within Mylor, Aldgate, Bridgewater and Stirling townships. The bushland along the trail provides habitat to dozens of different species of native animals. This is a two stage walking path:
Stage 1 — Between Aldgate & Aldgate Valley Reserve. Open to walkers, cyclists and dogs on leash (footpaths, gravel roads and wide tracks).
Stage 2 — Between Aldgate Valley Reserve and Mylor. Strictly for walkers only — cyclists and dogs prohibited (narrow path through sensitive bushland, rocky and steep in places).
The trail was funded through a State Government NRM Community Grant, which financed the production of interpretive signage, with support from Adelaide Hills Council.
Parks and playgrounds
There are beautiful parks dotted throughout the Hills that are the ideal location for outdoor activities, catching up with friends and family, and even enjoying a BBQ using the provided facilities. There's also fun and safe playgrounds and nature play spaces for children of all ages.
How we're working to improve our spaces
Adelaide Hills Council is using sensors to the improve your trails and play spaces in the future.
Council want to understand visitation patterns at Council play spaces and trails and are using infrared technology to help do this.
The data will be used to guide upgrades and other activities. Having a better understanding of how and when our spaces are used allows us to make evidence-based decisions for the future.
The sensors used do not record images, video or take data from smart devices, so personal information cannot be recorded. The privacy of residents and visitors is important, therefore all data will be collected and managed in accordance with the Government of South Australia Information Privacy Principles.
Explore our parks and playgrounds
Heathfield Oval
- Type
- Sporting ground
- Address
- Hender Road, Heathfield
- Features
- Picnic area, Toilets, Off-street car park, Dogs off leash, Sporting oval
Heathfield Oval is a well-used community sports ground located in the leafy suburb of Heathfield. Surrounded by tall gums and native vegetation, the oval offers a peaceful yet active space for locals to connect, play and enjoy the outdoors.
Bridgewater Oval
- Type
- Sporting ground
- Address
- Mount Barker Road, Bridgewater
- Features
- Picnic area, Tennis court, Toilets, Off-street car park, Dogs off leash, Sporting oval
Bridgewater Oval is a popular community space nestled in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Surrounded by native trees and close to the iconic Cox Creek, the oval is a hub of activity for locals and visitors alike.
Carripook Park
- Type
- Park
- Address
- Kain Avenue, Bridgewater
- Features
- Picnic area, BBQ, Off-street car park, Dogs off leash
Nestled in the heart of the Adelaide Hills, Carripook Park offers a serene escape for nature enthusiasts, families, and history buffs alike. Located at the corner of Kain Avenue and Mount Barker Road in Bridgewater.
Wright Road Dog Park
- Type
- Park
- Address
- Wright Road, Stirling
- Features
- Picnic area, Off-street car park, Dogs off leash, Dog park
Located in the leafy heart of Stirling, Wright Road Dog Park is a favourite destination for dogs and their humans. This fully fenced, off-leash park offers a spacious and natural environment where dogs can safely explore, exercise, and socialise.
Bridgewater Recreation Reserve
- Type
- Park
- Address
- Anzac Ridge, Bridgewater
- Features
- Trail
The Bridgewater Recreation Reserve, tucked behind Bridgewater Oval, is a peaceful retreat where the Cox Creek flows gently through. The scenic Heysen Trail follows the creek, offering a beautiful path through the reserve.
Amy Gillett Pathway
- Type
- Trail
- Address
- Onkaparinga Valley Rd, Oakbank
- Features
- Bike track
The Amy Gillett Pathway is a scenic 17km trail in the Adelaide Hills, perfect for cycling, walking, and horse riding. This flat, paved path, following an old railway line, stretches from Oakbank to Mount Torrens.
Mill Road Pocket Forest
- Type
- Park
- Address
- Adelaide Lobethal Road, Lobethal
- Features
- Trail, On-street parking, Art
The Mill Road Pocket Forest is a bush fire recovery project that uses fire safer plants and design principles. It combines ornamental, exotic, and native plants to create a community green space.
Lewis Yarluperka O'Brien Reserve
- Type
- Park
- Address
- Forsyth Close, Woodforde
- Features
- Picnic area, BBQ, Trail, Playground, Exercise Equipment
Lewis Yarluperka O'Brien Reserve is located in Hamilton Hill at Woodforde and features a range of parks and open spaces that are connected by a winding trail.
Woorabinda Bushland Reserves
- Type
- Park
- Address
- Woorabinda Drive, Stirling
- Features
- Trail, Off-street car park
Woorabinda Bushland Reserves is made up of four reserves; Hender, Madurta, Stirling Park and Woorabinda and hosts a lake and trail network. The Park contains large areas of natural bushland providing significant conservation and biodiversity.
Morialta Conservation Park
- Type
- Park
- Address
- Morialta Falls Road, Woodforde
- Features
- Trail, Off-street car park
Morialta Conservation Park is a local treasure administered and run by National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia
Woodside Skate Ramp
- Type
- Park
- Address
- Onkaparinga Valley Road, Woodside
- Features
- Toilets, Skate Facility
Located within Woodside Recreation Grounds, near the playground, this small ramp will challenge beginner skaters and scooters alike.
Paracombe Recreation Reserve
- Type
- Sporting ground
- Address
- Paracombe Road, Paracombe
- Features
- Venue for hire, Tennis court, Toilets, Off-street car park, Basketball court, Sporting oval, Cricket nets, Playground
Paracombe Recreation Grounds is a community run facility that features a well kept oval, tennis courts, playground, hall for hire and off street parking. The oval is located adjacent to the Equestrian Grounds.