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
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.
Total distance: 11545 m
Max elevation: 379 m
Min elevation: 172 m
Total climbing: 656 m
Total descent: -658 m
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Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
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.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: 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
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Mount Osmond Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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CleÂland NationÂal Park
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