Hike into Horsnell Gully and Giles Conservation Park to explore the Giles Ruins, and spot koalas along the way.
Charles Giles and John Horsnell settled the area in the 1840s, building three stone cottages here. The cottages were build from local stone with stone lined floors, and named 'Hope', 'Faith' and 'Charity'. At the junction of the two creeks they established The Reedbeds, an area cultivated by three gardeners and their families who lived in the cottages. A slate-lined channel helped direct waters from the creek into The Reedbeds. Hornsell established a nursey and home called 'Grove Hill' nearby at Norton Summit.
Throughout the valley are scattered ruins. Two of the cottages are easily identifiable and fairly complete, although both are fragile. The Reedbeds are not easily identifiable, although some of the slate channels can be found, and there are plenty of European trees which mark the cultivated area.
There are plenty of koalas to be seen and heard near the ruins, and walking down into the valley.
There are four ways to do this hike:
This is the route shown in the Google Map above. It is 8.7km return (4.3km one-way).
Parking is available at the end of the road. View parking location in Google Maps.
Extend the Main Valley and Rockdale Hill Hike by following the Heysen Trail to the ruins.
This route begins at the other end of Coach Road, near Summertown in the hills. Parking is available at the end of the road. View parking location in Google Maps.
This route begins from Woods Hill Road, near Ashton in the hills. Roadside parking is available here. View parking location in Google Maps.
GPX file courtesy of Walking SA. File may not contain elevation data and may only represent half the length on return hikes.
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It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
Take a bushwalk through the steep gullies in the picturesque Adelaide Hills to discover the history of Horsnell Gully and Giles Conservation Parks. Both the Heysen and Yurrebilla trails wind their way through these parks, offering stunning views of the surrounding region.
Named after the state Governor's coachmen, John Horsnell, relics and reminders of the Horsnell family property still remain. Along the signposted walking trails, you will find the remains of a large homestead, including the coaching sheds, stable and cowsheds. The original garden of the Horsnell property is located at the start of the walking trail, marked by elm trees, plum trees and orange trees.
There is an extensive network of trails within both parks, with two main hiking loops in Horsnell Gully Conservation Park.
If you have any great photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
Morialta Conservation Park
Morialta Conservation Park
0 Reviews on “Horsnell Gully and Giles Conservation Park (8.7km)”
Neil Teasdale, we should
So many kangaroo trails there.one of my fav parks
that is Sunday set