Trail summary
Hike overview
The Montacute Conservation Circuit offers a challenging yet rewarding hike through the rugged beauty of Montacute Conservation Park in South Australia. This 6.3km loop trail, classified as grade 4, takes approximately 2 hours to complete.
The park itself is a haven of remnant bushland, boasting towering red gums, stringybarks, and blue gums, often accompanied by a dense understory. Hikers will navigate well-marked fire tracks, making the route relatively straightforward when followed in conjunction with a map and the provided instructions.
The circuit is divided into two sections. The initial half, tackled in an anti-clockwise direction, follows the red markers of the Heysen Trail. The second half then transitions to the Mawson Trail, identifiable by its purple markers. The final section deviates slightly from the Mawson Trail for the last kilometre before rejoining a fire track for the return journey.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 518 m
Min elevation: 252 m
Total climbing: 342 m
Total descent: -342 m
Getting there
Accessing Montacute Conservation Park is straightforward. Located 17 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, the park's main entrance is via Valley Road. If you are driving from Adelaide, you can expect a scenic journey of approximately 30 minutes.
Photo gallery
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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.
About the region
Montacute Conservation Park, located just 17 kilometres northeast of Adelaide, offers a haven for nature lovers. Spanning 200 hectares, the park is a patchwork of remnant bushland intersected by several small creeks.
The vegetation changes dramatically as you traverse the park. Along the creek lines, towering river red gums dominate the landscape, with a sparse understory of native and introduced grasses. As you climb the slopes, the scene transforms into a woodland of stringybarks and blue gums, characteristic of the Australian bush.
winding through this diverse environment is the Heysen Trail, a well-known walking track. The trail takes you on a journey through the heart of the park, culminating in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Hikers can also discover fascinating geological features along the way, including outcrops of Precambrian dolomite exceeding 570 million years old and Stonyfell quartzite on the park's eastern flank.
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Let someone know
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
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.