Belair to Eagle on the Hill is a 17.5 km, grade 4 hike in Belair National Park, South Australia, and is the first section of the famed Yurrebilla Trail. This challenging hike, which should take around 5 hours to complete, offers a rich adventure through diverse landscapes. Starting in Belair National Park, the trail meanders through the natural beauty of Brownhill Creek, ascending into the scenic open hills and ridgetops of Waite Conservation Reserve. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views as they navigate the varied terrain.
As part of the Yurrebilla Trail, this section introduces you to the first leg of the 54 km journey, which can be completed in 3-5 days. The full trail offers a variety of experiences, including exploring top Adelaide Hills attractions and charming towns, making it a comprehensive showcase of the region's natural and cultural highlights. Whether you're looking for a day hike or the beginning of a multi-day adventure, the Belair to Eagle on the Hill section promises a memorable and rewarding experience.
For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA
- 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.
- Although this walk is marked as being Wheelchair Accessible, some people may require assistance.
Closest towns to this walk: Belair, Blackwood, Hawthorndene, Eden Hills, Coromandel Valley
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.
Image: Walking SA
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Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
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.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Belair National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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Brownhill Creek Recreation Park
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
