Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Immerse yourself in the beauty of South Australia with the 11.5km Burnside Walks Circuit, located in the stunning Mount Osmond Reserve. This Grade 4 trail is a paradise for experienced hikers, presenting a challenging 4-hour journey through diverse landscapes. Engage with the rich history of Glen Osmond mine, explore diverse terrains, and admire native flora and fauna. With well-marked trails and scenic views, this circuit is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.

Length:

11.5km

Duration:

4 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 379m

Min elevation: 172m

Total Ascent: 656m

Start: Glen Osmond Mines Carpark

End: Glen Osmond Mines Carpark

Mount Osmond Reserve

South Australia

Nearby town: Glen Osmond

From state capital: 6.3km

Latitude: -34.964730515826176

Longitude: 138.6471900647422

Overview

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Hike overview

The Burnside Walks Circuit encompasses a challenging 11.5-kilometer hike within Mount Osmond Reserve, South Australia. This grade 4 trail, suitable for experienced walkers, takes approximately 4 hours to complete and offers a diverse exploration of the reserve's landscapes.

The circuit incorporates several interconnected trails from the Burnside Walks network:

Toll Gate Circuit (Circuit A): This moderate 2.2-kilometer loop delves into the history of the Glen Osmond mine and surrounding area.
Wheal Watkins Circuit (Circuit B): This moderate 1.6-kilometer route explores a variety of terrains, including fire tracks and forested valleys.
Themeda Circuit (Circuit C): This 3.6-kilometer circuit provides a moderate exploration of native flora and fauna.
Beaumont Circuit (Circuit D): This moderate 3.5-kilometer circuit winds its way up Mount Osmond Reserve, offering scenic views.
Mount Osmond Road Walking Trail: This section incorporates a stretch of walking alongside Mount Osmond Road.

The Burnside Walks network boasts well-marked trails with regular signage and numbered checkpoints that correspond to a detailed walking map. This ensures a smooth and informative navigation experience throughout your exploration.

For more information on this hiking trail, please visit Walking SA

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.

Walk map and GPX file
Burnside Walks Circuit (11.5km)

Total distance: 11545 m
Max elevation: 379 m
Min elevation: 172 m
Total climbing: 656 m
Total descent: -658 m

Gallery

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Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Mount Osmond Reserve.

Reaching Mount Osmond Reserve is convenient by car or public transport. If you’re driving, several routes take approximately 16 minutes from Adelaide’s city center. Public transport options are also available, though may require some walking from the nearest bus stop. For the most up-to-date public transport information, consult Adelaide Metro’s website or app before your visit. Parking is available at the carpark on the corner of Gill Terrace and the South Eastern Freeway (near the Old Tollgate).

Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.

Get there with Google Maps

About the region

Situated just 8 kilometers southeast of Adelaide, Mount Osmond Reserve offers a welcome escape into nature. Managed by the City of Burnside, this open space reserve boasts a network of walking trails that cater to hikers and cyclists of varying abilities.

Several access points are conveniently located around the reserve. These include Gate 1 on Waterfall Gully Road, Gate 2 on Dashwood Road, Gate 3 on Hayward Drive, and Gate 4 on Old Bullock Track (accessible from Mount Barker Road). Notably, Gate 4 also provides a connection to Cleland National Park, Eagle on the Hill, and Measday's Lookout. Additional access points, like the one on Greenhill Road, are available depending on your chosen walking or cycling route.

The land comprising Mount Osmond Reserve holds deep significance for the Kaurna people, the traditional custodians of this area. Their ongoing connection to this land is acknowledged and respected.

Prior to European settlement, the Mount Osmond area served agricultural purposes. While the steep slopes weren't ideal for crops, they provided suitable grazing land for livestock. Additionally, some quarrying activities were undertaken in the vicinity.

Interestingly, the Mount Osmond Reserve was originally acquired by the Highways Department in the 1940s for a planned arterial road. However, since the late 1980s, it has been managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service South Australia (NPWSA) on behalf of the Department for Planning. Recognizing its importance as a scenic link between Beaumont, Mount Lofty, Cleland National Park, and the Mount Osmond Golf Course, the area was ultimately preserved as open space for all to enjoy.

Find a place to stay

Find Accommodation

Wondering where to stay near this hike? Find accommodation close to the trailhead — hotels, cabins and campgrounds nearby. Click the button to view the interactive map.

Closest towns to this walk: Aldgate, Burnside, Crafers, Eastwood, Erindale, Glen Osmond, Glenside, Glenunga, Hazelwood Park, Kensington, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Park, Leawood Gardens, Mount Lofty, Norwood, St Georges, Stirling, Toorak Gardens

Let someone know

Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Mount Osmond Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

Explore safe

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.

Packing checklists

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.

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Burnside Walks Circuit (11.5km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance

Hike overview

Track grade

Walk map and GPX file
Burnside Walks Circuit (11.5km)