Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Explore the historic and scenic wonders of the Burnside Walks A & B in Mount Osmond Reserve, South Australia. Starting and ending at Glen Osmond Mines Carpark, this 5km circuit walk is a moderate grade 3 trail, perfect for a 2-3 hour outing. Immerse yourself in a diverse landscape of fire tracks, forest valleys, and groves of pine and eucalyptus, while discovering remnants of Glen Osmond's mining past. Conveniently located just 6.3km from the town of Glen Osmond, this well-marked trail offers an enjoyable and educational bushwalking experience.

Length:

5km

Duration:

2-3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 333m

Min elevation: 170m

Total Ascent: 369m

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

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Hike overview

The Burnside Walks A & B combination offers a scenic adventure within Mount Osmond Reserve, South Australia. Encompassing a total distance of 5 kilometers, this moderately challenging (grade 3) hike caters to most walkers and typically takes 2-3 hours to complete.

The journey combines two of the Burnside Walks network's most popular trails:

Toll Gate Circuit (Circuit A): This 2.2-kilometer loop delves into the historical significance of the Glen Osmond mine and surrounding area. Hikers will encounter remnants of the mine's past, including the adit (tunnel) and a stone chimney, which once served as a smelter flue.
Wheal Watkins Circuit (Circuit B): This 1.6-kilometer route provides a more diverse terrain experience, incorporating fire tracks, forested valleys, and stands of pine and eucalyptus forest. Notably, the trail traverses Wheal Watkins Reserve, a former mining area active in the 1840s. ("Wheal" is a Cornish term for mine).

The combined trail begins at the carpark near the Glen Osmond mine adit and progresses through a variety of landscapes. The well-marked paths, characteristic of the Burnside Walks network, ensure easy navigation. Regular signage and numbered checkpoints along the route correspond to a detailed walking map available for reference, further enhancing your exploration.

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

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Walk map and GPX file
Burnside Walks: A & B (5km)

Total distance: 5225 m
Max elevation: 333 m
Min elevation: 170 m
Total climbing: 369 m
Total descent: -367 m

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).

Get there with Google Maps

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

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.

Similar walks nearby

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

Track grade

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.

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.

Let someone know

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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Burnside Walks: A & B (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

Gallery

Walk map and GPX file
Burnside Walks: A & B (5km)