We’ve listed 60 of the best walks around Adelaide to walk your dog, including trails in national parks, forests, river walkways, linear reserves and the coast.

We know that having a dog encourages you to walk more, and that there are numerous health benefits to dog walking.

Throughout October we’re celebrating walking with #WalktoberSA.

6.5km, 3 hours, Moderate Hike The most challenging trail in the park takes you through Echo Tunnel and to the picturesque rock escarpments of the seasonal Upper and Lower Waterfalls.

4.5km, 1hr 45mins, Moderate Hike Walk through one of the most diverse and best-preserved woodland areas remaining in the Mount Lofty Ranges.

3km, 1 hour, Moderate Hike Follows the forested banks and lower slopes of Minnow Creek and passes the Railway Dam, with ducks and seating.

3km, 1h 25mins, Easy Walk The trail is an Accessible trail, and is suitable for wheelchair users and prams. For accessibily notes and an Accessible Map of Belair National Park , refer to the Accessibility page on the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA website .

1km, 30 mins, Easy Walk A pleasant short walk around Playford Lake. For accessibily notes and an Accessible Map of Belair National Park , refer to the Accessibility page on the National Parks and Wildlife Service SA website .

With eight marked trails and a bonus route, there’s plenty of walks to do with your dog in Belair National Park . The park is close to Adelaide, nestled in the foothills. The trails vary from Easy Walks to Hard Hikes. A couple of the Easy Walks are suitable for people of all abilities, including for wheelchair access, for those with mobility issues and for prams. The trails are of a high standard and are well marked. You can walk your dog in this park provided it remains on a lead.

7.

Cobbler Creek Recreation Park, Salisbury East

An oasis of calm in the suburbs, the park conserves some of Adelaide’s rare woodland and grassland habitats. You can walk your dog in this park provided it remains on a lead.

Here’s some of our favourite walks in the park:

Valley Circuit 4.2km, Hard Hike

The Valley Circuit takes visitors to some of the more remote parts of the park. Mia Tappa Circuit 2.4km, Moderate Hike

Mai Tappa means ‘food pathway’ in Kaurna language. The trail reveals aspects of the Kaurna culture including the importance of plants for food, medicine or textiles, and the importance of local animals in Kaurna life. Babbler Loop 3.6km, Hard Hike

The trail climbs to the top of park with views over the plains. Experience the park trees, birds and reptiles. Porosa Hike 3km, Hard Hike

Follows some of the original farm tracks, and a tranquil path through the valley of Cobbler Creek among stately river red gums. Takes in rewarding views of the Adelaide Hills and surrounding plains from the hilltop near Teakles Ruin as well as the site of the historic ‘Trevalsa’ homestead. Extend the walk along the Mike Green Trail into Golden Grove. Ruins Loop 3.4km, Hard Hike

Explore the historical farm ruins of Cobbler Creek Recreation Park.

12.

Blackwood Forest Recreation Park

1.4km, 45 mins

A small park in the hills is popular for walking the dog off-leash. A great place to take the kids to explore the pine forest, the creek and Sturt River.

13.

O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park

6km, 90 mins

A loop walk in O’Halloran Hill Recreation Park. Walkers, dogs (on-leash), mountain bikers and horse riders are welcome in the park. The park consists mostly of grassy hills and gullies with some trees. Trails are not well signposted, but we’ve indicated a 6km loop walk.

14.

Fourth Creek Walk, Morialta Conservation Park

1.4km, 1-2 hours return

A gentle walk through stands of tall trees following Fourth Creek from the lower carpark on Stradbroke Road, past picnic areas to the First Falls carpark.

You can also walk your dog on this trail, from the recreation area to the First Falls carpark, providing it remains under your control on a lead.

15.

Coast Park Path along Adelaide’s Beaches

The Coast Park Path is a 70km walking and cycling path along the metropolitan Adelaide coastline, from North Haven through to Sellicks Beach.

The path is now more or less continuous along the beaches, esplanades, sand dunes and cliffs of Adelaide’s coast. The only notable exception being around the former Port Stanvac oil refinery.

It’s easy to walk any small section of our beautiful coastline.

Dogs are not permitted in the Hallett Cove Conservation Park section of the Coast Park Path.

16.

Anstey Hill Recreation Park

With ten marked trails and a bonus route, there’s plenty of walks to do with your dog in Anstey Hill Recreation Park. The trails were upgraded in 2017 and are mostly loops and depart from various trailheads, all with new carparks and trail information boards. The new trails include 3 that are for walkers only.

Here’s some of our favourite walks in Anstey Hill Recreation Park:

Yellowtail Loop 7.5km, 2-3 hours, Hard Hike

A loop walk around the Park includes some steep climbs, superb views over the Adelaide Plains, some of the wildlife of the park, and the ruins of Newmans Nursery. Wildflower Wander 1.4km 1 hour one-way, Hard Hike

Make a 2.8km loop by returning along part of Pink Gum Loop. Mountain bikers are not permitted on this trail, but we’ve seen riders on this trail, and there is an intersection with a bike trail. Newmans Nursery Ruins Walk 3km 1 hour return, Moderate Walk

A walk along Water Gully to the ruins of Newsmans Nursery. Established in 1854, the extensive nursery ruins show glimpses into the past, including the heated glass houses. It was once the largest nursery in the southern hemisphere. Wednesday Loop 3.7km, 2-4 hours, Hard Hike

A circuit that mostly follows single trail which is used by hikers and mountain bikers. Bursaria Hike 4km, 1.5 hours, Hard Hike

The Bursaria Hike explores some of the more remote areas of the park. The trail is named after the Bursaria flower which could be found flowering in the summer months.

21.

Para Wirra Conservation Park

With 13 marked trails, there’s plenty of walks to do with your dog in Para Wirra Conservation Park. With its extensive grassy areas, relaxing lakeside, and beautiful bush setting, Para Wirra Conservation Park is a well-loved gathering place for family and friends. The park was upgraded last year, with upgraded trails, a nature play area, upgraded picnic areas and a new camping area. On-leash dogs are welcome in the park.

Here’s some of our favourite walks in Para Wirra Conservation Park:

Lake Discovery Walk Easy walk, 1km, 30 mins

This popular short trail is great for families where you can soak up the tranquil setting of Para Wirra’s lake. Great for walking with small kids as they ride their bikes. The trail is suitable for prams and wheelchairs: National Parks and Wildlife Service SA recommends starting from the East Lake carpark and follow the trail in a clockwise direction. The trail loops around the lake on a hard packed gravel trail with a few slight rises that may require some assistance. Devils Nose Hike Hard hike, 4.4km return, 2 hours

Enjoy this hike out along a long ridge to Devils Nose Lookout, with views along the ridge and lookout. Lady Pearce Circuit Hike Moderate hike, 5km anticlockwise loop, 4 hours

This circuit hike explores the former mine workings of Victoria Hill, a scene of much activity in the late 1860s, and descends into the South Para River. The lower sections of the trail, in the south near the South Para River, are particularly rewarding. Lizard Rock Hike Moderate hike, 1.6km, 45 mins

Experience an easy walk to the Lizard Rocks, a collection of large boulders that provide views into the valley of Wild Dog Creek. Mack Creek Hike Hard hike, 7.5km, 4 hours

Follow the walking trail downstream along Mack Creek through a valley of magnificent river red gums. Look out for the beautiful orchids flowering in late winter and spring.

26.

Shepherds Hill Recreation Park

With three marked trails, there’s plenty of walks to do with your dog in Shepherds Hill Recreation Park. The park is close to Adelaide, being just off South Road near the start of the Southern Expressway, making it an ideal easy escape into nature.

Here’s some of our favourite walks in Shepherds Hill Recreation Park:

River Red Gum Loop 2.3km, 1 hour, Easy Walk

Explore the river red gums and wildlife along Viaduct Creek on this loop walk. Seaview Loop 2.2km, 1 hour, Moderate Hike

A loop walk along the wide fire-track which takes in superb views over the Adelaide Plains and of the coast. Grey Box Loop 2.9km, 1 hour, Moderate Hike

Explore the grassy Grey Box woodlands in the south of the park along this meandering single track trail.

29.

Sturt Gorge Recreation Park & Craigburn Farm Trails

With a series of marked trails between the two parks, there’s plenty of walks to do with your dog. The gorge offers a variety of walking experiences. Escape the hustle and bustle of the nearby city and suburbs by venturing into Sturt Gorge, following the river or some of the higher trails. There are 19 marked trails in the park and Craigburn Farm Shared Trails network, with another half dozen in the adjacent Mitcham Trail Network (Zone 4, Blackwood Hill Reserve).

Here’s some of our favourite walks in the two parks:

Lake View Trail (Craigburn Farm) 1.2km, 30 mins, moderate hike

Enjoy a stroll around the lake in the Craigburn Farms Shared Trails network in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park. Whilst we have displayed the pram-friendly icon, please note that it is a uphill on the return leg back to the trailhead. Sturt Gorge Loop along the River Trail 7.1km, 3 hours

A walk along the River Trail. See a Kaurna camp oven in a small cave in a cliff. The trail climbs out of the Gorge, following the Lomandra Trail with views over the Adelaide Plains, before returning back in to the gorge via the Spring Creek Trail. Loop of Upper Sturt Gorge, along River Trail 7.6km, 3-4 hours, hard hike

A loop of the upper section of the River Trail in Sturt Gorge Recreation Park, following the river in the gorge. The walking loop route uses the Parrianna Link Trail, River Trail, Magpie Creek Trail, River Trail, Wattle Trail, and Lomandra Trail. Walking Loop in Craigburn Farm 5.8km, 2 hours

As with the Recreation Park, most of the marked trails are one-way/return trails, not loop trails. We’ve outlined a 5.8km walking loop, following several one-way trails, to make a circuit hike: the Lake View Trail, the Little River Trail, the River Trail and the Magpie Creek Trails.

33.

Wirraparinga Trail Loop, Brownhill Creek

5.4km, 2 hours

The Wirraparinga Trail Loop meanders along the Brownhill Creek valley, through Brownhill Creek Recreation Park. A narrow creek flows through the steep-sided valley, with majestic river red gums, some more than 300 years old.

You can also walk your dog in this park providing it remains under your control on a lead.

34.

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park

In Onkaparinga Recreation Park, the river spills onto the plains, creating wetland ponds and flood plains You can walk your dog in the recreation part of the park provided it remains on a lead. To clarify, the section you can walk in is west of South Road, and not to be confused with the National Park east of South Road.

Pingle Farm Trail 3.3km, 90mins, Easy Walk

Walk along the estuary before returning via the ruins of the former Pingle Farm farmhouse and sheds Wetlands Loop Trail 4.5km, 2 hours, Easy Walk

The Wetlands Walk is located on the Onkaparinga River estuary with opportunities for walking, birdwatching and photography, with interpretive signs.

36.

The Botanical Trail, Marino Conservation Park

1.5km, 45 mins, Moderate Walk

Enjoy a wander through Marino Conservation Park on the Botanical Trail, which meanders through coastal heath to the Marino Rocks Lighthouse. There are views up the coast to Brighton and Holdfast Bay, and south to Port Stanvac, as well as views to the city skyline.

37.

Toll Gate Circuit – Circuit A, Burnside Walks

1.9km, 1.5 hours

A short loop past the Glen Osmond mine chimney, through Danthonia Reserve, looping back through a forested valley and along Gill Terrace.

38.

Beaumont Circuit – Circuit D, Burnside Walks

3.5km, 1.5 hours

The trail follows a series of narrow switchbacks up the steep hill in to Mount Osmond Reserve, walking the Beaumont Link trail and some of the Pioneer Womens Trail. Options to use the very steep Centre Track, a fire track that intercepts the winding walking trail, as a shortcut.

39.

Little Para River Trail, Salisbury

Choose a section of the 14km long trail, which goes from the hilly escarpment in the east, to Barker Inlet in the west. Trail users can experience diverse areas of remnant eucalyptus woodlands, grasslands, samphire and mangroves.

40.

River Torrens Linear Trail, West Beach to Adelaide CBD to Athelstone

The trail follows 30km of Torrens River from Athelstone the West Beach. Walk a section of the trail as a circuit by walking down one side of the river, and returning on the other side.

41.

Old Kersbrook Loop and Devils Gully Link Trails, Mount Lofty Ranges Trails, Kersbrook

7.5km, 2.5 hours

Meander through pine plantation forest and native scrub along fire tracks. Extend the hike from the north and south along sections of the Devils Gully Link Trails.

42.

Lynton Reserve and Sleeps Hill Reserve Loop

5.7km, 2 hours return

A loop walk through the Lynton Reserve and Sleeps Hill Reserve walking trails. The park borders the Adelaide Plains and Belair, providing for some good climbs, city views, and walking through intact Grey Box grassy woodlands.

43.

Coast to Vines Rail Trail including the Shiraz Trail

This 32km trail follows an old railway corridor from Hallett Cove, through the southern suburbs of Morphett Vale and Seaford on to McLaren Vale. The section from McLaren Vale to Willunga is known as the Shiraz Trail. Walk a section and return along the same route.

44.

Sturt River Linear Park – South Road to Anzac Highway

A shared-use trail stretching between South Road and Anzac Highway. With 7.4km of trail along the Sturt River, passing playgrounds and historic sites, choose a section to walk. Not sure where to start? Try out the Oaklands Wetland and Reserve in Oaklands Park.

45.

Woorabinda Bushland Reserve Loop, Stirling

5.4km, 2-3 hours

A cool, quiet forest oasis, filled with a cacophony of birds or frogs. Woorabinda Lake is a highlight, with a path circling the lake passing reed beds, picnic benches, boardwalks and a bird hide.

46.

Crafers Circuit

2.8km

A series of three walking trails starting in Crafers, meandering along quiet country lanes and reserves, past historic houses, Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens.

47.

Jo Gapper Activity Park, Hillbank

Walk one of the two family friendly trails in the Jo Gapper Activity Park. The park includes walking trails and lookout, a playground, bbqs, toilets, football oval, basketball and tennis courts, and a spacious off-lead dog park for your four-legged friends. Follow the trails up to one of the two lookouts for a scenic view. Please note that the gates to the carpark at Jo Gapper Activity Park are shut at sunset each day.

49.

Mawson Lakes loop

2.2km, 30 mins

Enjoy a 2.2km loop walk around the main lake at Mawson Lakes. Extend the walk with some of the nearby Dry Creek Trails network.

50.

Wynn Vale to Valley View Walking Path

6.3km wide shared-use path for walkers, runners and cyclists, meandering along the beautiful Dry Creek corridor from Wynn Vale Dam through to Vaucluse Reserve in Valley View. Four playgrounds and seating along the route.

51.

Walking Loop of the Patawalonga, Glenelg

3.8km, 1 hour

Enjoy a walk around the Patawalonga Lake, with it’s pleasant grassed banks, playgrounds and views to Glenelg and across the marina and lake. The walk can be commenced from Wigley Reserve or Colley Reserve in Glenelg, from where you can follow the path on either side of the lake northwards. Return by walking across either the road bridge half way along, or at the foot bridge near Tapleys Hill Road.

52.

Loop around West Lakes

5.8km, 1.5 hours

Walk around the southern lake at West Lakes on this 5.8km circuit.

53.

Inner Harbour Loop Path, Port Adelaide

3.5km

A shared-use walking and cycling loop path provides a 3.5km route around Port Adelaide’s Inner Harbour and Port River, taking in history and playgrounds.

54.

Laratinga Wetlands, Mt Barker

2km, 15mins – 45mins

There are 3 marked walking trails within the wetlands, with a fourth trail (Linear Trail) exiting the park and heading into Mt Barker. The pathways around the wetlands are constructed to disabled access specifications. They are suitable for walking, prams, dog-walking, cycling, and for those with accessibility issues. There is plenty of seating provided around the wetlands at approximately 300 metre intervals, to cater for the elderly and young.

55.

Kuitpo Forest

Situated in the South Mount Lofty Ranges, 45 minutes drive from Adelaide, near the township of Meadows. The forests provide sustainable wood production within a picturesque community playground just an hour’s drive from the city of Adelaide. You can walk your dog in the forest, provided it remains on a lead.

Here’s some of our favourite walks in Kuitpo Forest:

Chookarloo Walk 1.1km, 30mins

Experience the pine forest and native scrub around Chookarloo Campground on this short walk. The walk starts from the Chookarloo Campground at one of the footbridges, entering the dark forest shady forest. The circuit is great for kids, offering lots of fallen trees and other nature place experiences. Onkeeta Trail 10.8km, 3 hours

A meandering loop trail following forest trails and paths through northern Kuitpo Forest. Forest Trail 2.8km, 1.5 hours

Explore the native and pine forests in Kuitpo Forest on the Forest Trail. Tinjella Trail 12km 4 hours

A meandering loop trail following forest trails and paths through Kuitpo Forest.

59.

Heysen Trail Loop through Mount Crawford

13km, 7 hours

Walk a loop hike on the Heysen Trail through the native and plantation forests around Mount Crawford. Highlights include the native forest along the ridgeline up to Little Mount Crawford, and the open plantation forest between Rocky Paddock Campsite and Chalks Campsite.

You can walk your dog in the forest providing it remains on a lead.

60.

Captain McKenna Pathway, Adelaide Airport

3.9km, 1 to 1.5 hours

One of 3 trails that make up the Adelaide Airport Trails network. The trail is a shared use trail, for cyclists and walkers. The trail is a bitumen surface, wide and flat. The trail is suitable for people with mobility access, including wheelchairs, prams and cyclists. The trail follows the aiport’s southern boundary fence, providing views into the airport.