Trail Fast Facts
Brownhill Creek and Belair Circuit is a 13.8km, grade 4 hike in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park, South Australia. This hike typically takes 4 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Brownhill Creek and Belair Circuit is a challenging 13.8-kilometer loop hike suitable for experienced hikers (grade 4). Located in South Australia, the trail begins in Brownhill Creek Recreation Park and traverses the Brownhill Creek Valley. The initial leg winds through the park before ascending via the Yurrebilla Trail into Belair National Park.
Following the Yurrebilla Trail, hikers will pass the Belair Railway Station. Exiting the national park, the route transitions briefly to local roads and walking paths before reaching Randell Park, a former quarry. Here, hikers can enjoy scenic vistas overlooking the Adelaide Plains. While largely undeveloped, Randell Park offers a network of unmarked fire tracks and walking trails. As of mid-2017, the City of Mitcham is in the process of redeveloping the park, which may include upgrades to the trail infrastructure. Descending from Randell Park, the circuit concludes with a return to Brownhill Creek via the Mitcham Cemetery.
Track Grade
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 388 m
Min elevation: 110 m
Total climbing: 469 m
Total descent: -468 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Reaching Brownhill Creek Recreation Park is convenient for visitors by car or foot. Situated just 8 kilometers from Adelaide, the park is easily accessible. If you're driving, follow Brownhill Creek Road until you reach the park entrance. Alternatively, for those seeking a more active approach, Northbrook Avenue offers a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly access point.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
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About the region
Nestled just 8 kilometers from Adelaide's city center, Brownhill Creek Recreation Park offers a welcome escape into nature. Encompassing 51 hectares, this scenic park provides a variety of recreational activities for visitors. Hike or bike along the trails, explore the park on horseback using the designated trail and fenced exercise area, or simply enjoy a picnic surrounded by the beauty of the natural environment.
Brownhill Creek, the park's namesake, winds its way through a steep valley adorned with majestic river red gums, some standing tall for over 300 years. Evidence suggests this area held significance for the Kaurna Aboriginal people, serving as a favored location for camping, hunting, and gathering.
The park boasts a diverse range of flora. Towering river red gums flank the creek, while blue gum woodlands carpet the valley slopes. Additionally, a small but threatened ecosystem of greybox grassy woodland finds refuge within the park's boundaries.
The natural beauty of Brownhill Creek Recreation Park extends beyond the flora. The creek valley serves as a vital wildlife corridor for over 40 species of birds and mammals. Kookaburras, bats, possums, water rats, frogs, and even the occasional koala call this park home. Notably, the park provides habitat for the nationally endangered southern brown bandicoot.
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Explore Safe
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.
Let someone know
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.
Gear to consider
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
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.