Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Experience the beauty of South Australia on the 5.8km Burnside Walks C & D circuit hike through the diverse terrain of Mount Osmond Reserve. Located near the undisclosed town, this Grade 4 trail offers a mix of open areas and well-contoured paths, along with breathtaking panoramic views. With clear signage and numbered checkpoints, it's a must-try for experienced bushwalkers. This trail takes around 3 hours to complete, promising an engaging adventure.

Length:

5.8km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

Circuit

Max elevation: 362m

Min elevation: 215m

Total Ascent: 328m

Start: Hayward Drive

End: Hayward Drive

Mount Osmond Reserve

South Australia

Nearby town: Glen Osmond

From state capital: 8.2km

Latitude: -34.955742059009545

Longitude: 138.6583909609618

Overview

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Hike overview

The Burnside Walks C & D combination offers a rewarding 5.8-kilometer exploration within Mount Osmond Reserve, South Australia. This moderately challenging (grade 4) hike caters to experienced walkers and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

This route cleverly combines two of the Burnside Walks network's most scenic trails:

Themeda Circuit (Circuit C): This 3.6-kilometer circuit provides a delightful immersion into the native flora and fauna of the reserve. Hikers can expect to encounter a diverse range of plant and animal life throughout their exploration.
Beaumont Circuit (Circuit D): This 3.5-kilometer circuit offers a more scenic journey, winding its way up Mount Osmond Reserve and rewarding walkers with breathtaking panoramic views.

The beauty of Mount Osmond Reserve lies in its varied terrain. The trails encompass a mix of open areas, single-track walking paths, and wider fire tracks. Some sections boast well-contoured paths that navigate the hillsides gracefully. Additionally, the option exists to utilize the steeper Centre Track, a fire track that serves as a shortcut for those seeking a more direct route.

As with all Burnside Walks trails, this combined route is well-marked with regular signage and numbered checkpoints. These conveniently correspond to a detailed walking map available for reference, ensuring a smooth and informative exploration throughout your adventure.

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

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Walk map and GPX file
Burnside Walks C & D (5.8km)

Total distance: 5756 m
Max elevation: 362 m
Min elevation: 215 m
Total climbing: 328 m
Total descent: -328 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 in the roadside areas near 12 Hayward Drive, Mt Osmond.

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 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.

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 C & D (5.8km)

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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 C & D (5.8km)