Heysen Trail - Mount Lofty to Bridgewater (15km)

This highlight walk of the Heysen Trail starts from Mount Lofty Summit. Descending the summit, see views over Piccadilly Valley and its orchards and vineyards, before walking past Piccadilly houses. The trail passes through the Scout's Woodhouse Activity Centre and the Stirling Golf Course before entering the forest in Mount George Conservation Park. After passing through the first of two tunnels, the trail passes the Fairy Garden in Deanery Reserve, and follows Cox Creek to Old Bridgewater Mill.

The full Heysen Trail is 1,200km long, from Cape Jervis in the south, to the Flinders Ranges in the north. Bridgewater is 175km from the Cape Jervis trailhead.

The directions are written from Mount Lofty Summit to Bridgewater, but of course the walk could be walked in the opposite direction too.

It's possible to do this walk in other ways:

Start from the upper carpark at the Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, and follow the alternative Heysen Trail down through the Gardens (the Heysen Trail has two routes around Mount Lofty). Or just walk down any of the quiet cool gullies to the lower carpark, then follow the Heysen Trail to the intersection of Sprigg Road and Lambert Road (3).

1km each way.

Begin from Old Bridgewater Mill, and walk in reverse through the tunnel under the railway, through Arbury Park Outdoor School parklands to the Fairy Garden at Deanery Reserve. Return to Old Bridgewater Mill.

1.8km each way.

Begin from Old Bridgewater Mill, and walk in reverse through the tunnel under the railway, through Arbury Park Outdoor School parklands, past the Fairy Garden at Deanery Reserve and into the picnic area at Mount George Conservation Park. Dogs are permitted through all this, including the picnic area. The picnic area is 1.8km one-way from Bridgewater.

2.7km each way.

Optionally, continue on through the forests of Mount George Conservation Park, turning around at Davenport Bridge, which is 2.7km from Bridgewater.

Although this is a one-way hike, public transport can be easily used to avoid returning by the same route, or to avoid using two cars. Catch the Adelaide Metro public transport bus, route 864, from bus stop 46 on Mount Barker Road Summit Road to Crafers, where you can transfer to an 823 bus service to Mount Lofty Summit. The 823 bus only runs 3-4 times a day, so be sure to check out the timetable first.