South Australia offers some of Australia’s most varied hiking, from the rugged ranges of the north to the windswept coastlines of the south. Across the state, walkers can explore long-distance trails, remote gorges, coastal headlands and wildlife-rich national parks. Whether you are planning a short day walk, a multi-day trek or a section hike close to Adelaide, South Australia provides a wide range of landscapes and walking experiences.
Epic journeys: Long distance trails
For hikers seeking a longer journey, South Australia is home to some of the country’s best known long-distance trails. The most prominent is the Heysen Trail, a 1,200-kilometre route that crosses an extraordinary range of landscapes from the southern coast to the Flinders Ranges. Beginning on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the trail passes through coastal bushland, sea cliffs, farming country and the rolling hills of the Mount Lofty Ranges before continuing north into the more rugged terrain of the Flinders Ranges. It is a trail that rewards persistence, offering constant changes in scenery and a strong sense of scale across the state.
Challenge yourself near Adelaide
Closer to Adelaide, the 54-kilometre Yurrebilla Trail provides an excellent multi-day option that can also be walked in shorter sections. Following tracks and fire trails through the Mount Lofty Ranges, it links forest, ridgeline and foothill landscapes while also taking in the summit of Mount Lofty. Its proximity to the city makes it one of South Australia’s most accessible longer walks.
Island escapes: Kangaroo Island’s wilderness
Kangaroo Island offers one of South Australia’s most distinctive walking experiences. The five-day Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail passes through coastal heath, eucalypt woodland and rugged clifftop country, linking many of the island’s best known natural features. Along the route, hikers can experience places such as Admiral’s Arch and Remarkable Rocks while also enjoying the island’s abundant wildlife and expansive coastal scenery. It is a trail that combines strong walking with a genuine sense of remoteness.
Exploring Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park
The Ikara-Flinders Ranges National Park contains some of the state’s most recognisable inland hiking landscapes, with steep ranges, creek beds, lookouts and strong cultural significance. It offers walks for a range of abilities, from shorter family-friendly loops to longer summit routes.
St Mary Peak Circuit – Wilpena Pound Hike (21km): A challenging hike to the highest peak in the Flinders Ranges. While the summit is well known, walkers should be mindful of Adnyamathanha cultural beliefs and consider the shorter option to Tanderra Saddle, which still provides outstanding views.
Bunyeroo & Wilcolo Creeks Circuit Hike (9.2km): A gentler loop through the Bunyeroo Valley, offering varied terrain and rewarding views towards the peaks around Wilpena Pound. It is a good option for families and walkers seeking a shorter introduction to the area.
Wangara Lookout Hike (7km): A moderate walk through Pound Gap into Wilpena Pound, finishing at the Wangara Lookouts. The track passes Hills Homestead and an Adnyamathanha sculpture before reaching the viewing platforms.
Day hikes for explorers
South Australia also offers a strong selection of day hikes for walkers looking for more challenging terrain, longer distances and rewarding views. These routes span coastal parks, inland ranges and conservation areas, and many suit hikers with solid fitness and basic navigation skills. This selection of day hikes highlights some of the variety available across the state.
Blinman Pools Walk (Flinders Ranges National Park, 12km): Beginning near Angorichina Village, this route follows Parachilna and Blinman Creeks through rugged country with sheer cliffs and rocky creek beds. It is physically demanding in places and includes limited formal trail infrastructure.
Mount Remarkable Summit Hike (Mount Remarkable National Park, 14km): This climb follows a section of the Heysen Trail to the summit of Mount Remarkable, offering a steady ascent, broad views and the option of an alternate approach.
Dutchmans Stern Circuit Hike (The Dutchmans Stern Conservation Park, 11km): A rewarding circuit to a prominent bluff above the Willochra Plain, with views across Spencer Gulf and the surrounding ranges. The trail is generally well maintained, with some rocky sections.
Deep Creek Circuit Hike (Deep Creek Conservation Park, 12km): This loop combines hills, forest, open country and creek crossings, offering a varied walking experience with regular wildlife sightings and coastal proximity.
Rocky River Hike (Flinders Chase National Park, 13km): Following the Rocky River through Snake Lagoon, this walk passes spring-fed pools and riverine habitat that support a wide range of birdlife, reptiles and mammals. It also forms the opening section of the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Trail.
Exploring South Australia’s trails
South Australia’s walking opportunities extend across coastal peninsulas, island wilderness, inland ranges and conservation parks close to the city. Some trails are short and accessible, while others demand time, fitness and careful planning. Together they reveal a state with far more hiking diversity than many people expect.
Walking in South Australia also provides a strong sense of place. Coastal tracks open onto headlands and sea cliffs, inland routes cross dry creek beds and mountain ranges, and island trails combine bush, wildlife and ocean views in a single walk. Whether you are exploring for a few hours or setting out for several days, the state offers rewarding experiences across a wide range of landscapes.
What’s your favourite walk in SA?
As a crow eater but one who travels and likes a lot elsewhere, I have to say that there are soon many fantastic trails , whether it’s one of the many trails out of the city through the lower hills gullies waterfalls etc. or the beautiful coastal sections of the Heysen Trail or the rugged beauty of the Flinders part of the Heysen, or the iconic Kangaroo Island Southern Ocean trail.
No shortage.
Andy Grope there certainly are some pretty cool hikes there. I particularly love the rugged beauty of the Ranges