Ambers Gully & Sugarloaves Trail is a 5.3 km, grade 3 hike in Black Hill Conservation Park, South Australia, and takes about 2 hours to complete. This short circuit hike begins at the car park on Gorge Road and runs through Ambers Gully, paralleling a section of the Yurrebilla Trail. It continues onto the Sugarloaves Track, ascending to the top of the hill and the fire track. The circuit then turns onto Sugarloaf Track and descends back to the trailhead. Along the way, there are good opportunities to spot koalas in Ambers Gully and enjoy views over the Adelaide Plains.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 5346 m
Max elevation: 411 m
Min elevation: 118 m
Total climbing: 357 m
Total descent: -357 m
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Ambers Gully & Sugarloaves Trail is easily accessed via Adelaide Metro bus, on route 178 to bus stop 36 Quondong Avenue, Athelstone.
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Black Hill Conservation Park, formerly known as Black Hill National Park, is a protected area in South Australia, located approximately 10 kilometres northeast of Adelaide. This conservation park is set in a rugged bush environment with a prominent peak, bounded by steep ridges on the southern slopes.
Visitors can enjoy the undulating hills, rugged ridges, and diverse native scenery along the park's extensive network of walking trails. In spring, the park showcases a stunning array of native flowers, including many delicate and colorful orchid species. A must-see feature is the landscaped Wildflower Garden, which dates back to the late 1940s.
Covering an area of 684 hectares, Black Hill Conservation Park is named after the low sheoaks, whose foliage gradually matures to a dark rusty, almost black color as summer progresses. From the Adelaide Plains, these hills appear black, giving the park its distinctive name.
While Black Hill can be visited year-round, it is best appreciated from March to November. The summer months from December to February can be very hot, so walkers should be prepared for high temperatures.
The area is part of the traditional lands of the Kaurna people, who used it for hunting, gathering, and obtaining wood for fire and shelter during their seasonal relocation from the coast. Fire was one of their most important tools, particularly in fire management practices that encouraged vegetation regrowth. The seasonal use of Black Hill allowed game populations to recover, maintaining a relatively steady food supply.
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While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
