Immerse yourself in the beauty of Belair National Park with the 10.5km Belair National Park Circuit hike. This scenic loop, taking roughly 3 hours to complete, winds through diverse sections of the park, showcasing its unique flora, fauna, and historical significance.
The adventure begins at Belair Railway Station. From here, follow signs for the Microcarpa Walk, a 4.5km section that delves into one of the most well-preserved woodlands in the Mount Lofty Ranges. Keep an eye out for historic sugar gum plantings and the charming Hawthorn Maze just off Sir Edwin Avenue. Be aware that some parts of the Microcarpa Walk can become muddy or slippery after rain, so proper footwear is crucial.
Transitioning from the Microcarpa Walk, you'll encounter the Lorikeet Walk. This wider, stroller-friendly trail is a haven for birdwatchers. Look up and you might spot vibrant lorikeets, rosellas, or even a koala perched amongst the majestic red and blue gums. Along the way, you'll pass by Old Government House and the State Flora Nursery, offering a glimpse into the region's historical significance. Take a moment to rest and refuel at the playground, a perfect spot for families.
The final leg of the circuit is the Valley Loop. This section follows the meandering Minnow Creek, offering a refreshing contrast to the previous wooded trails. Keep a watchful eye on children near the dam wall, as it can be slippery. The Valley Loop also crosses Long Gully Road, so be cautious when traversing this sometimes busy section.
Following the Microcarpa Walk back to Sir Edwin Avenue marks the completion of the circuit. Take a moment to reflect on the diverse landscapes you've encountered and the beauty of Belair National Park.
While the detailed turn-by-turn instructions are best viewed on a downloadable map, here are some key landmarks to keep an eye out for:
- As you follow the Lorikeet Loop Walk signs, you'll pass the exit to the Wood Duck Walk (Playford Lake). Continue onward for now, and you'll return to this point later.
- Meander past picnic areas and tennis courts, and when the trail crosses Valley Road, switch to Valley Loop Hike signs.
- Enjoy the scenic creek views at Long Gully Picnic Area before heading back down the other side of the valley. Be aware that the upper sections of this track can be muddy.
- When the Valley Loop turns left near the Adventure Playground, take a right instead, following the Lorikeet Loop signs again.
- Finally, you'll reconnect with the section you walked earlier near the Echo Track. Continue down the Lorikeet Loop Walk, and eventually, you'll reach the turn-off for the Wood Duck Walk (Playford Lake) and the Microcarpa Walk.
- Dogs on a lead are welcome.
- Please be aware that there are no bins withÂin the park, so be preÂpared to take all rubÂbish (includÂing dog-poo bags) home with you
- Enjoy an open-air lunch at the accesÂsiÂble picÂnic ground at PlayÂford Lake and at the far end of the Pines PicÂnic Area 1.
- This park is closed on days of CatÂaÂstrophÂic Fire DanÂger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
- Adult supervision is recommended near the dam wall, which can be slippery.
- Use caution when crossing the sometimes busy road at Long Gully.
Closest towns to this walk: Belair, Blackwood, Mitcham, Eden Hills, Upper Sturt
How to get to Belair National Park
The park is locatÂed 13km south east of AdeÂlaide. Access is via Upper Sturt Road, Belair. There is also pubÂlic transÂport to this park from the AdeÂlaide city cenÂtre. Bikes can be carÂried on trains, but restricÂtions apply. Please refer to AdeÂlaide Metro webÂsite for furÂther details.
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Set in beauÂtiÂful natÂurÂal bushÂland, Belair NationÂal Park is just 25 minÂutes from AdeÂlaide city cenÂtre. It is the ideÂal place to get active in the great outÂdoors. There are woodÂlands and lakes to explore, walkÂing and mounÂtain bikÂing trails to suit all levÂels of fitÂness, plus tenÂnis courts and crickÂet pitchÂes availÂable for hire.
This is South Australia’s oldÂest nationÂal park, and is home to Old GovÂernÂment House – a sigÂnifÂiÂcant herÂitage buildÂing. Also in the park is State FloÂra, the oldÂest plant nursÂery in South AusÂtralia and still going strong today. The park remains one of the few relÂaÂtiveÂly undisÂturbed areas of native vegÂeÂtaÂtion in the AdeÂlaide Hills region, makÂing it an imporÂtant refuge for native plants and animals.
In the warmer months, the park is a perÂfect spot for famÂiÂly picÂnics, barÂbeÂcues and ridÂing, with spring being the perÂfect time to visÂit if you love orchids and othÂer wildÂflowÂers. WinÂter is the best time to view the waterÂfalls and attempt the more chalÂlengÂing hikes, it is also a good time of year for funÂgi. VisÂit mornÂings and evenings for the best chance to view most wildlife. For sportÂing activÂiÂties, Belair NationÂal Park is great at any time of year.
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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.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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